The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-05-29
PROBERS AFTER OTHERS
UNEASY FEELING THROUGHOUT THE
POSTOffICE DEPARTMENT.
Mr.. Payne Determined to Punish All
Wrongdoers rs-Go-Between May
Testify Against Machin.
to the Indlanapolis journal.

Special TO the indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON. May 2S.-A specific charge
of accepting commissions supplies pur
chased by him for the department has been
filed against George w. Beavers. former
chief OF the division of salaries and allow
ances This is the latest disclosure in the
postal scandal. The charge in question
was submitted to the postmaster general
several days ago. and it has since been un-
der investigation. While no arrests were
made to-day, it is impossible to say what
the next few days will bring forth. The
atmosphere of the department is charged
with reports of all kinds. and there is an
uneasy feeling throughout the entire cler-
icaI force of the service. Several persons
are under surveillance. and If evidence as
strong as that against Machen can be OBJ
tanned other arrests will follow.
Chief interest now centers in possible
disclosures affecting the administration Of
George w. Beavers, former chief of the
division OF salaries. He is the only one
against whom a specific charge has been
filed. Machen's alleged peculation was an
incident of the investigation. There is good
ground for the belief that while George w.
Beavers is under grave suspicion moth
ing has yet been discovered on which to
base criminal proceedings. This at least is
the impression here to-day. At the same
time developments may occur at any mo-
ment justifying more arrests.
The postmaster general is about ready to
remedy one evil in the service which is the
result of the extravaganza Of Beavers. An
order will be soon issued reducing the sal
aries OF assistant postmasters, financial
clerks and bookkeepers who are receiving
compensation in excess of that provided by
law This is one of the many developments
IN the administration of Mr.. Beavers which
indicates that, in the face of personal and
political pressure. he was led to gross ex
travagance in making allowances. How
many officials the order of the postmaster
general will affect it is impossible to learn.
CASE OF H. ]. BARRETT.
The fate of Harrison ]. Barrett is an
other subject OF speculation. He formerly
was law clerk when Judge Tyner was as
sistant attorney general for the depart
ment. When the turf investment and ''get-
rich-quick' concerns were under investiga-
tion by postal authorities Mr.. Barrett was
prominent as the attorney for some of
them. Because of his strong influence with
the Office the inspectors are making a care
full examination OF Mr.. Barrett's actions
within and without the department.
There is yet much work to be done in
the free delivery division. the attorney gen.
TS off rha divis of aiari n
allowances. The inspectors are pursuing
their inquiries with relentless energy. and
on the face Of the latest developments no
one will be surprised here If the pecula-
tions OF department officials reach high
figures.
1.-THE arrest of Mr.. Machen on the chages
made may be considered as merely an in
cident In the Investigation" said Post
master General Payne to-day. THAT is,
when the serious nature OF the charges is
considered, and also in consideration of the
smallness of the amount involved in this
particular charge against Machen."
The inference is thus conveyed that the
end is not yet, so far as Machen's opera
tions are concerned. In commenting on
the nature OF the investigation the post
master general continued: Finding peo-
pie whom we believe to be guilty of frauds
Is not our only object. The proof OF one
fraud Is ground for suspecting the exist
ence of others. and we will continue our
search until we not only get the men who
have done wrong. but until unearth
the defects in the system which enabled
them to act as they did. This closing of
the avenues for fraud is the most impor-
tant part of the work. and is what makes
Il difficult to tell when we will complete
the job
HOW SUSPICION WAS AROUSED.
II was learned to-day that one OF the par
ties TO the alleged bribery OF Mr.. Machen
disclosed his connection with the affair."
thus giving the inspectors basis upon
which TO proceed In the collection OF evil
dence. This was practically admitted by
the postmaster general to-day. IL appears
that when Inspector NJ. c. Fosnes took
charge of the free delivery division he dis
covered that the Croft letter box fastener
had been purchased without advertisement
or inviting competition. Suspicion was
aroused and searching inquiry inaugu-
rated. IL was ascertained that the cost OF
manufacturing the device was insignificant
sxrtavagant price for IL. The fact that the
contract had been made without inviting
oonpetitson was regarded by the inspectors
m Irregular. and at first they believed II
- Be q violation OF law. They were then