Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-30
The Bristow Report.

The country was familiar with the fact
that corruption existed In the Post ONCE
Department before the publication of the
condensed report of Mr.. Bristow today. 1t
knew that under the Presidents orders the
whole force of the postal inspection service
had been turned loose upon the grafters,
under Mr. Bristow's direction. 1t knew that
indictments had been found against num-
Der OF persons. some of them officers OF the
government. others co-conspirators outside
the department. 1t knew Furthermore that
other officials he'd been summarily removed
from their positions on account of their
corrupt practices.
There is little. therefore, iii the state
menfs contained in the Bristow report of
specific news interest to the people, al
though the Presidents memorandum ac-
commanding the condensed report adds a
final touch of Endorsement to Mr. Bristow
findings Yet the report Is most interesting
and significant. 1t enables the people to
grasp the magnitude of the search for the
criminals which has resulted in such a
wholesale disclosure of fraud 1t warrants
a formal expression of appreciation for the
excellent work done by Mr.. Bristow and ms
assistants, work of the greatest ditf1cuity
and delcacy. involving factors of the grav-
importance anu Calling Ioi C"o' PSi
sistent and patient investigation.
When the Bristow inquiry was started
there seemed to be little chance of its sue
cess. The charges against the suspected
men were generally vague and of a char
acter to permit them easily to be met so
clever had these men been In their opera
tions that two formal Investigations by
congressional committees had come to
Jrr tlaiv
methods had resulted in showngs so ap-
parently innocent that the departmental
executives who sought the truth found
themselves blocked. But the suspicion that
corruption existed was too strong TO be
allayed, and when the orders were given
which placed unlimited power In the hands
of Mr.. Bristow and his assistants the most
determined campaign of research was in
augurated.
Clever detective work led after discour-
aging delays to the first substantial sue
cess. Direct evidence was secured that
one of the suspected division chiefs
was dishonesty manipulating the gov
eminent contracts. This first case not
only permitted the uncovering of a
particular offense but 1t threw light on the
methods of the bride givers and takers.
FOm IL Tdl1lueu OlDer lines VI
and disclosure. The revelations came with
appalling rapidty. But at every stage the
greatest care was necessary to prevent a
spelling of good work by an excess of zeal.
The grating had been checked and the
paramount purpose OF the investigators
was to secure substantial proof to insure
the punishment of the guilty men.
The inquiry has led into remote quarters
and affected the integrity of men whose
honesty has never been heretofore sus-
pected- The country Is appalled, at the
magnitude and the skillful daring Of the
corruptionists. Having reduced their
methods to a system they covered their
tracks with the cunning of the professional
criminal.
No penalty is too severe for the men who
have thus mulcted the government. Their Of
Tense. whether they be officials or not. is of
the gravest character They have weak
ened the foundations of the state by under
mining the confidence of the people in the
integrity of their serviters. Only the most
thorough exposure of the frauds now ac-
complished through the work of Mr.. Bris-
tow and his men, and the most relentless
prosecution of the accused persons, insured
by the Presidents earnest memorandum,
will serve to reinforce these weakened sup
ports