The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-05-13
Halt Called by the Postmaster General
Until July Because He Fears
q Deficit.
ONE EFFECT OF THE INQUIRY
WHICH IS PROGRESSING In THE
POsTOFFICE DEPARTMENT.
Seymour w. Tulloch Again Asked by
MIR. Payne to Substantiate
His Charges.

WASHINGTON, May 12-Postmaster
General Payne to-day announced that there
would be no more establishments of rural
free delivery postal service until July 1,
the beginning of the next fiscal year. This
Is one result of the investigation of post
office affairs and Of the discovery that at
the present rate of increase in the number
of routes there would be deficit of $4,000
I'm the rural free delivery service by the
end Of this fiscal year. instructions have
been given to Fourth Assistant Postmaster
General Bristow to curtail expenditures by
disseminating the daily establishments Of
routes and 1t is expected that the threat
ened deficit will be averted. 1t is not in
tended, however, that the investigation Of
proposed routes shall be suspended and the
field work, therefore, will continue. Mr..
Payne estimated that the total number Of
routes fairly entitled to be established in
the entire country would be $4,000. and
that at the present rate of increase this
would be reached two years hence.
Mr.. Payne said tonight that he had asked
the Civil-service Commission to have it's
representative make an Investigation of the
Washington postof1ce in addition to the in
vestigation already made by postof1ce in
spectors. He said this action was taken
on account of charges OF violations of the
civil-service law in that office. The civil
service men, he said. will make their re-
port tomorrow.
Mr.. Payne to-day made public letter
making second request upon S. w. Tul-
loch, former cashier Of the Washington
postoffice, who alleged irregularities in the
service, for information in substantiation
of his charges. The letter is addressed to
Mr.. Bristow, fourth assistant postmaster
general, and says: Some time ago there
appeared an interview with Mr.. s. w. Tul-
loch, formerly cashier Of the Washington
postoffice. which reflected upon the Official
conduct of certain persons of high positions
In the government service and others hold
ing office. On the 5th inst. wrote
Mr.. Tulloch, stating that l should be
pleased TO receive from him any statement
confirmatory Of the charges. This he has
failed to furnish. / therefore request that
You will call upon Mr.. Tulloch and ask him
to give you any statement which he is will
ing to. make in writing, accompanied by
any papers, documents or evidence con-
firmatory OF the charges which he has made,
to the end that they may be inquired into,
and If 1t is found that any irregularities ex-
ist that they may be corrected
The postmaster general says that Mr.
TullOch has promised to submit statement
on Friday. He says there is no intention of
furnishing Mr.. Tulloch with copies of replies
from those whom the postmaster general adj
dressed regarding Mr.. Tullochs charges
Postmaster General Payne to-day tele-
graphed w. +. Conger, special agent of the
rural free delivery service at Nashville,
Tenn, asking when the latter will submit
carrier near Gallatin. Mr.. Conger is now
investigating the case.