The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-08
COLLUSION CHARGED
AGAINST 4. v. LOUIS
IN POSTAL CONTRACTS
superintendent Of Supplies
Division Now Under Fire.
ACCUSED BYPHlLADELPHIANS
Acting Postmaster General Wynne De
MES TTanscending Authority.
Acts by Payne's Directions,

A W Louis, superintendent OF the
division Of postoffice supplies. has been
charged with collusion in the purchase
of postoff1ce material The charge is
made by F. l. Bingham. head of Bing-
ham & Co, of Philadelphia. Mr. Bing-
ham is in the rubber stamp business
and asserts that the material of this
class furnished the department is of in
ferior quality, and not up TO contract
specifications.
Mr. Bingham does not say that the su-
perintendent received any money con
sideration. but does assert it is impos-
sible for any honest firm outside of the
District of Columbia to get the contract
which amounts TO about so. 600 per year.
The charges were referred TO Fourth As
sistant Postmaster General Bristow
who viii give Mr. Bingham q hearing
as was asked.
More Changes Expected.
Those who have been following the
Investigations closely believe numerous
other private individuals Will come for
ward and make specific charges about
another The department purchases
thousands Of dollars OF contract goods
each year and for a long time, it is
alleged. dealers have complained bitter
ly that certain firms or companies have
had remarkable luck in getting the
Government orders.
Some OF the dealers say the law may
be followed and the contract given 10
the lowest bidder, but they do not
understand the phenomenal success of
certain bidders. year after year, il aam-
ing q figure Just shade below that
named by competitors.
Goods Not Up to Specifications.
After the contract for q particular
line OF goods has gone 10 one of these
fortunate firms experts in the same line
complain that the goods delivered are
not up 10 specifications. Instances are
alleged 10 have occurred in which a
dealer has bid at g price which left net
q cent OF profit. II the specifications
were followed. yet someone else was
awarded the contract, and did not seem
10 lose money on the job How the
lucky firms were able 10 know so well
what figures TO name is . mystery that
may be brought prominently forward
during the Investigations.
Denial From Mr. Wynne.
Acting Postmaster General Wynne au-
thorized today an emphatic denial Of the
oft-repeated report that in the matter
OF the Investigations pending in the
Post tofice. Department he had transcend
Cd any powers or that there were any
differences between himself and the
Postmaster General, who is cruising in
the West Indies in company with the
Secretary of the Navy.
i am merely executing orders issued
by my superior. - he said While Ger
tain unlocked for results may have oc-
CURED since Mr. Payne's departure. they
are but the outgrowth Of the plans out
lined for my guidance. For obvious rea-
sons I cannot discuss these matters. Nv
silence presumably has been the cause
of unfounded stories being circulated. II
cannot be avoided. however We cannot
take the public into our confidence; but
I can say that il any errors OF omission
or commission. or worse. exist in the
department. Postmaster General Payne
can be depereed upon 10 meet the situa-
tion fully il IS an uncalIed for and un-
merlted reflection TO intimate that h
would do less"