The Press., 1903-06-11
WASHINGTON. LETTER.

are coming thick and fast. August w. Machem, late general superintendent of free delivery, has been indicted by the grantiajury on nine separate counts, and will be brought before the criminal court at its fall' term. Thomas w. McGregor and c. Ellsworth Upton, both subordi- mates of Machen and both noted for their intimate relations with their chief, have been arrested and admitted to bail for de- frauding the government in the purchase of rpail bags for rural free delivery routes. In the last case 1t Is claimed by the of- ficials representing the government that the rnen named have been purchasing mall baRs at 90 cents each, and have been Receiving from the maker, 0. E. Smitd, of Baltimore, commission of 40 cents each. Numerous other clues are being followed up, and 1t Is expected that an appalling situation in the division of free delivery will be revealed. Of $t8,- 900 paid to Smith, $8,OOO has been re- turned to McGregor and Upton.
 One of the most important events of the past week has been the practical turn ing states evidence of one of Maehen's closest friends, who is almost thrusting infOrpation on Fourth Assistant Post master General Bristow, with the hope, no doubt, of evading prosecution because of the assistance he Is in a position to render in the ferreting out of frauds in which he himself is not implicated. A prominent official of the department said to your correspondent to-day: "The important feature of the situation is not the fact that the governmen has been systematically robbed, hut that the whole corrupt ring Is an anarchy, rebellion against decent government, and must be rooted out, root and branch. Bribe giver and bribe taker must be made an exam pie of in order that the corrupting infiu- ences of the Machen ring may not perme- ate every branch of the government ser vice."
 President Roosevelt returned home Fri day evening, apparently refreshed from his long trip in the west. He was re- ceived by enthusiastic crowds, which lined Pennsylvania avenue from the sta tion to the white house, and which cheered outside of the white house until MT. Roosevelt was compelled to come out on the veranda and make brief address of appreciation. The president dined alone with his family that evening, and Secre- tary Hay and Secretary Cortelyou were the only callers received during the even- ing.
 The naval general staff has decided that it will be impossible to do anything for the various naval reserve organizations this year. Numerous inquiries have been received from states with lake and sea coast lines, but to all uniform reply Is sent stating that the navy department has no ships to spare. The training ships are all in use in the training of enlisted men, and the regular naval vessels are all en- gagged in sea manpuvers, etc. The naval militia will, therefore, be left to It's own resources during the summer.
 The army is being scandalized by an unusual number of misdemeanors. That such period of scandals should follow the promiscuous appointment of neuten- ants as result of political influence, rather than on merit, Is not altogether surprising, nevertheless the list has al- ready attained deplorable proportions. Lieutenant Faulkner of the Eighth infan- try has had to resign because of financial irregularities; Lieutenants Murtaugh of the cOart artillery and Lacour of the Six teenth infantry have deserted after de- faulting; Lieutenant Bushfeld, Seven teenth infantry, has been captured trying to desert, to escape the results of forgery Lieutenants Robinson, Thirteenth infan- try, and J. F Mccarthy have been tried for financial shortages Lieutenant Lowe, Thirteenth cavalry, has been reduced in rank for juggling the canteen account Lieut.. Betah Smith of the Seventeenth in- fantry Is before 8 court martial; one off, cer has been dropped for desertion, and five others have been dropped "for the good of the service" Secretary Root is
 
 Persians, and will entertain no excuse when financial defalcations are once prov en.
 The rapid disappearance of the more valuable timbers of the United States has led to new form of economy, which al- ready gives great promise. This is, brief ly put, 8 scientific method of seasoning with view to making timber az immune from decay as possible. As the presence of moisture is essential to the develop ment of the fungi which causes decay, the thorough drying of the timber in ad- vance of its use goes long way towards prese. wing 1t. Added to this, the bureau of forestry is experimenting with various substances by which the wood can be pre- vented from absorbing moisture after 1t has been completely seasoned. While 1t is not claimed that the cheaper timbers properly seasoned and treated will out last the denser timbers similarly treated, 1t Is maintained that even pine so treated will outlast white oak untreated and un- seasoned. In the past railways have been in the habit of laying green ties, but it is believed that custom will be abandoned hereafter.
 One of the pleasing events of the presi- dents return to Washington was the call made upon on the succeeding day by the