New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-17
SALE OF PROMOTIONS.

Regarding the sale of promotions in New
York City and Jersey City, the report mentions
Bayonne, n. J., as also involved. and says that,
while Otto F. Weis the registry clerk at New
York, dismissed. and intimate friend Of
Beavers, says he collected from $4,000 to S1O,-
coo for the Legislative fund" for the clerks
Weiss bank account where these funds were
deposited aggregated 19,154. and Mr.. Bristow
expresses the opinion that this represents the
amount of Weiss collections. Weis stated that
he used about $4,000 of this money for expenses
and that the remainder. $4,000 or $1,000. he
paid to Benjamin Parkhurst. IAN intimate friend
OF Beavers and superintendent OF a postoff1ce
station in this city. but removed last April
The report says that after the inspectors be-
gan work at New-York. Parkhurst asked nu-
merous clerks there and at Jersey City to say
that the money collected for Legislative pur-
poses and not to secure promotions. These facts
were submitted to the grand jury in May. but
the District Attorney recommended against
prosecution. on the ground of insufficient evil
dence. and further effort toward criminal process
against Beavers and Weis in this case was
dropped, when, May 81 last. the statute of
limitations operated in Beave-s's case
ILLEGAL ALLOWANCES TO CLERKS.
The report cites a clerk hire allowance of $500
a year ordered by Beavers at Lestershire. N Y,
recommendations being made by the members of
Congress of those districts. Reference is made
to a letter of the postmaster at DuquoIn. Ill.
who in December 1901, wrote Senator Mason
request TO secure $500 year for clerk hire. say
Ing that if he did so he 1uld devote his time to
the Senator's campaign for reelection. The
Senator referred the letter without comment to
Beavers, and the allowance was not made but
later a member of Congress made the same
recommendation and It was complied with with
out further inquiry.
The report names number Of instances where
clerks were appointed order of Beavers
against the wishes of the postmasters These
clerks performed meagre services Minerva
Jeffrey, the report continues was a $500 clerk
at Fredonia, N. Y, for the first FIVE months in
1899 though she did no work there The post
master never saw her. he says and payments
were sent to her by check to Washington and
deposited in Beavers's personal bank account
She was afterward transferred to Burlington
VT, and New-York, and rendered service.
CONTRACTS WITH CoNGRESSMEN.
The report cites Increased amounts for leases
of postofTices against the recommendations of
inspectors, and quotes Section 8, 739 of the Re-
vsed Statutes inhbting contracts with Con-
gressmen. and says that Beavers nevertheless
made contracts with members Of Congress for
the rental Of premises either In their own
names, the names of their agents or some MEM
bers Of their families.
Mr.. Bristow says:
A careful investigation does not show that the
government has been defrauded by the payment
OF excessive rentals to members of Congress-
either directly or indirectly. I recommend how
ever, that all leases where a member of Con-
gress is a party be cancelled. and leases exc
cuted in conformity with the statutes
There is no evidence to indicate that Beaverss
reckless and high handed proceedings in the
scheme OF corruption blacknail on his part
His purpose TO place the members of Con-
gress and influential politicians under personal
obligations to him
AT Manhattan. Kan. the report says on the
recommendation of Representative w A Cal
derhead. rental allowance for the postofice
was increased by $3.50 per annum. although no
additional service performed and despite
existing lease for ten years at the original
figure. Mr. Bristow says he does not offer any
criticism against the Congressman.
AS TO BOOK TYPEWRITERS.
All the postmasters who gave testimonials
for the Elliott & Hatch book typewriters
for implication in the sale of which w. Scott
Towers. postal superintendent here was re-
moved. have been called on for explanation
a letter from Auditor Castle. OF the Postofice
Department, recommending the machine, Is
printed with the statement that his letter was
used in the advertising literature OF the COM