The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-02
Division of Salaries and Allowances
Now Under Fire, but Nothing Grim
inaI Has Been Discovered.
MACHEN WILL BE PROSECUTED
HIS CASE WILL GO TO THE GRAND
JURY on WEDNESDAY.
The Utmost Secrecy Is Maintained Re-
garding the Details-A State
ment by Mr.. Payne.

Special TO the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, June 1.-The investiga-
ton in the Postoffice Department progresses
and there are indications that the end is
near. In the light of recent developments,
those who have watched the inquiry from
the beginning are expectant. and will not
be surprised at anything that may be dis
closed. The attention of the inspectors is
now directed to the division of salaries and
allowances, of which George w. Beavers
the former chief. Up to date nothing
has been developed which justifes criminal
proceedings, but there are numerous trans
actions of Mr.. Beavers that have excited
suspicion, and the next disclosure is ex
pected in that quarter.
1t is apparent from a statement made by
Postmaster General Payne to-day, that
there is no basis for the reports that the
government paid last year for rentals in
New York State $4,000 in excess of like
accommodations for business purposes. 1t
appears that the total amount expended for
the rental of postoffice. including light and
heat. in the entire State of New York last
year were s466.sl1.s3. The allegations in
this connection relate to allowances made
by Mr.. Beavers at the beginning of the
current fiscal year. A sensational aspect
was given this matter on account of the
use of the names of several members of
Congress- who were said to have been in
strumental in securing the allowances.
The Tulloch charges, which involved
matters separate and apart from the in
quiry into the administration of the postal
service, have been dropped by the post
master general and no more attention will
no rat hat
Charles Emory Smith, former postmaster
general, supplemented by that of Perry
officials that Mr.. Tullochs allegations were
a fash in the pan.
One of the officials in the supply purchas-
ing division of the department has recently
been subjected TO severe cross-examna-
ton by Mr.. Bristow. The result of this
sweating process cannot be learned. The
charges made against this division relate
TO purchases of jute, and the inquiry is to
determine what influences were instru-
mental in having the government pay ex-
orbitant prices for the material. The i'm
preston has prevailed that nothing of an
discriminating nature would be found in
connection with any of the officials in the
supply division. The fact that at least one
official has been sharply interrogated would
indicate that the inspectors have discerned
footprints on the trail which justly a
further search.
Great secrecy is observed in guarding the
evidence secured against August w.
Ma chen, former superintendent of free de-
livery, who is charged with bribery. His
case will be presented TO the grand jury
on Wednesday. Witnesses have been SUBJ
poenaed, not only from Washington, but
from Westminster, Nd, Mr.. Machen's sum-
mer residence. and Toledo. O., his former
home Every precaution has been taken to
keep their identity secret. Their names
have been put under seal by direction of the
court.
Whatever thes shortcomings of Machen, it
is evident that any move that may be
made by the officials to modify the present
system of rural free delivery will be bitter
ly fought except for extravagances in the
purchase of supplies and alleged favoritism
in the allotment of routes. Members of
Congress, generally, regard the present
system as ideal. They concede, however,
that the service should be extended with
less consideration for political pressure
ton.
There has been some speculation as to
possibility of rural free delivery being
placed under the contract system This
issue fought out in Congress a few
years ago and the lawmakers went on
record being violently opposed to the
introduction of the contract system in the
rural service. Representative Lands, of
Indiana. had something to say on this SUBJ
ject to-day:
Rural free delivery has come to STAY"
he said, land despite the efforts which l
understand are to be made to place ii under
star route service. this move will not be
made. Congress will support the rural serv-
ice and the people of the country demand
that its benefits shall not be taken away
from them, but rather extended"
JOHN +. MONK