The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-20
Which Collected Money from Persons
Seeking Appointments I'm the
Department..
CASE OF PERRY S. HEATH
MAY BE FORCED OUT OF THE RE-
PUBLICAN COMMITTEE.
Ex-Consrcssman briggs I'm Trouble
"SilIy Yarn" Disposed of by POST
master General Payne.
special to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, June 1.-TWO important
developments to-day furnish additional evil
dence that the Postoffice Department has
for years been dominated by a clique of
"grafters.'' who operated with a holiness
that fairly appalls the officials in charge of
the investigation. The first is the discovery
of absolute proof In support of the charge
that a ring in the New York postoffice
trafficked in appointments and promotions,
sharing rakeoff with Washington officials
The second is that Machen. former chief
OF free delivery, was the head of a syndi-
cate which handled appointments in the
department as a purchasable commodity.
Postmaster General Payne himself is au-
thority for the statement that the inspect
ors have found evidence Of illegal practices
in the New York postoffice. In the charge
originally made 1t was alleged the same
abuse existed in other large postoffices
throughout the United States. Mr.. Bris-
tow is now endeavoring to ascertain IL such
is the case. Prosecution in instances of
the sale Of appointments and promotions
already discovered is barred by the statutes
of limitation, but the belief is expressed
that the inspectors will be able to find
the postmaster general can base criminal
proceedings.
None of the officials will discuss the re-
ports connecting Machen's name with a
bargain and sale" syndicate formed to
collect graft" from those who sought ap-
pointment and promotions in the depart
ment But II Is learned on good authority
that affidavits In support of these charges
~
tow. the fourth assistant postmaster gen.
eral.
1t was stated by department official to-
day that the federal grand jury In New
York is expected to return an Indictment
against former Congressman briggs, of
Brooklyn. who is charged with receiving a
fee from a canceling machine company
which Is doing business with the depart
ment. briggs admits that while he was In
Congress he was employed as an agent for
the company, receiving in all about s125OO.
but pleads that he was not aware that he
was doing anything wrong. 1t is under
stood he will fall back on the statutes Of
limitation. but the department is In pos
session Of proof that briggs received his
last payment from the company within
the three-year period. An interesting phase
OF the case is that the canceling machine
company dispensed with Driggss service
when his congressional term expired. 1t
Is not known whether George w. Beavers is
involved In this transaction. AS chief of
the division of salaries and allowance 1t
was his duty TO purchase canceling ma
chimes, but 1t cannot be learned that col
lusion is charged in this particular case.
The threatened rupture between the pos
tai authorities and the district attorneys
Office here over delays in the investigation
by the grand jury is now believed to have
beer averted. 1t is. thought that speedy
action will be obtained on four or five cases
In which the jury voted to indict more than
q week ago. but has as yet failed to return
true bills to the court. A dozen other cases
are ready for presentment to the grand
jury, but have been held back until those
already considered by that body should be
reported. II the district attorneys office
had continued the course pursued in the
past week all the indictments expected
would not have been submitted to the
courts this year. 1t is believed that the
plain language addressed to the district
attorney and his assistants yesterday by
President Roosevelt has had a salutary eff
feet. The delays In the legal machinery
will have the effect Of extending the investi-
CATION at least six weeks.
There Is some interesting gossip afloat
here respecting Perry 8. Heath.
The report OF Mr.. Bristow relative to an
Investigation made while Charles Emory
Smith was postmaster general shows con-
clusively that many appointments were
made regardless of the civil service laws.
and most of them are laid at the door Of
Mr. Heath. who has been very severely
criticised for his loose administration OF the
1t is understood that while nothing Of
criminal nature attaches 10 Mr.. Heath
that his connection with the Republican
national committee will be OF short dura-
tion. In fact. IL is stated openly by several
prominent administration leaders that Mr..
Heath will soon be asked TO retire from
that office being regarded as undesirable
I'm view of the disclosures made in connec-
ton with his administration In the Post
Office Department
Postmaster General Payne has received
report from Assistant Attorney General
Robb In reply TO the formers request for
a statement whether the decision of the
Postofice Department in the Ryan Turf In
vestment Company, signed by former act
ing assistant ~ Attorney General A Christian,
the facts. Mr.. Payne Is not yet ready 10
make the report public Mr. Christiancy
IS still under suspension Postal officials
are in touch with him and IL is believed
final disposition of his case is delayed with
view to securing further information
from him concerning the administration
OF his Office.
A story was printed In local paper to-
day TO the effect that Postmaster General
Payne had recently pronered HIS resisna-
ton to the President. II said; "On excel
lent authority IL can be said that only the