The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-28
Too Many "Little Jokers" Permitted to
Find Places in the Postal APP
preparation Bill.
GRAFT DETECTIVE NEEDED
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN WHO CAN
SIZE UP "LITTLE JOKERs.r
Much Expected of ''UncIe Joe" Cannon,
Who II a GARNER" Only in
Appearance.

Special 70 the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, June IA strong man
must be found to head the committee on
postofdces and post roads in the next
House OF Representatives. 1t has been dis
covered at this late day that the postal ap-
propriation bill has for years been crowded
with little jokers." No one Is willing 20
take the responsibility for them. But IL is
altogether probable that the experts" in
the Postofice Department could explain
the mystery IL they were so inclined. 1t
has been decided by Joseph G. Cannon that
the next chairman of the postofice COM
mittes must be man who can detect
graft and size up CRATER on sight.
And this suggests thought that should be
given due consideration by the Republican
leaders in Congress. Congressional COM
mittees are prone to call upon alleged ex-
perts in the various departments to pre-
pare bills which very often are enacted
into law with but slight modification. This
Is a condition OF affairs that should be rem
edied. Senator Hoar sounded timely note
OF warning at the last session OF Congress
calling attention to the practice of the ex-
executive branch OF the government in
mixing up with the duties properly belong
ing TO the legislative branch.
Mr.. Cannon is so strongly impressed with
the conviction that man of unusual cali
Der must be selected for the Craftsmanship
Of the House committee postoffices that
he facetitiously remarked while in WASH
ington recently that he seriously considered
taking the job himself There are several
aspirants for this important craftsmanship.
None now considered measures up to this
place. Since the scandal in the Postofice
Department has developed watchful states
men have conceived the idea-and their
foresight Is not faulty-that the postoffice
committee viii be one OF the most con-
spicuous in the public eye at the next ses-
sion OF Congress The estimates of the de-
partment will be more carefully examined
than ever before. Postmaster General
Payne Is one of many who believe that The
department can be made self-sustaining
The extravaganza disclosed in the pending
investigation probably explains why the de-
partment has been running behind for
years.
The elasticity OF some congressional con-
sciences is aptly illustrated In two cases
developed in connection with the postofice
scandal. E. H. briggs. OF New York, is the
most striking example. 1t Is possible that
Mr.. briggs was not aware that he was
guilty Of violation OF law when he ac-
cepted a position during his congressional
career which required him to do business
with a department OF the government. But
the improperly OF such an act must have
suggested itself 10 MIR, briggs. Mr.. Loud.
OF California. is a man of whom every one
had a right to expect q great deal. The
public confidence was not shaken in him
when he was exposed in the occupation of
denouncins rural free delivery in one
breath and monopolizing all the routes he
could get In the next. Reformers have
pointed to MIR. Loud as the personihcation
OF all that was good and holy in public
life. If Mr.. Loud landed more jobs than
some other congressman ii was not that
he sought them; they were thrust upon
him; he was continually lighting off Of
ficials who wanted to deluge him with jobs.
1t now develops that Mr.. Loud hung
around the pie counter just like the ordi-
nary. everyday member OF Congress, and
that his success was not much the re-
suit OF philanthropy as II was Of real hon.
est, congressional enterprise. 1t appears
that the distinguished representative from
California assisted in working the water
cure on the Postohlce Department. In
other words, he aided one OF his relatives
and Henry A Machen, brother of the we'll
known August William Machen, in entering
the Postofice Department by the railroad
process. Mr.. LIQUIDS affiliation with the
hungry spoilsmen Is deeply deplored by
those who assemble in the 'amen corner
Of the local association of civil-service re-
formers. His picture has been turned to
the wall.
The decentralization among the employees
of the Postoffice Department extends to
other branches OF the government. An Of
ficial OF the Patent Office, who receives a
salary Of about $500 year, told friend
q few weeks ago that he had an opportunity
to buy an automobile al reasonable figure,
and that he had about made up his mind
To close the deal. Recently the official was
mes by his friend. who inquired about the
auto. 81 have decided not to buy" was
the reply. II feared that might be SUBJ
sected to criticism If / sported an auto
mobile, especially in view of the investiga-
ton now going on in the Postoffice Depart
ment."
A man who is decorated with the sobri-
Smiling jim Is usually looked upon as
gullible person and one toward whom
a gold brick vendor would glance with an
approving eye. How Joseph G. Cannon
came TO be known as Uncle joe is past
finding out. 1t is true that If the men,
bership OF the House passed in parade
down the streets OF big city Mr.. Can
non would be selected as an easy mark.
He looks like a model OF the farmer In the
comic cartoon He has bushy whiskers.
which run around his face from ear 10 ear
his face Is tanned a deep brown, he wears
his hat at peculiar angle. and in his
mouth he carries a cigar which constant
~ points skyward. But Uncle Joe'' Can
non is remarkably shrewd man. He
loves to talk about himself as a poor man
when as a matter of fact he runs a
couple OF banks. has large land holdings
Is speculator in legitimate enterprises
and down In Danyille, H.. he Is said TO be
q millionaire. The task OF making up the
committees OF the House of Representa-
tives In a difflcult one. Mr.. Cannon was
asked during his recent visit II the sub