Omaha daily bee., 1903-05-31
POSTOFFICE LEASES NEXT
These Will Soon Be Investigated by the
Department.
RENTALS SYSTEMATICALLY INCREASE
Cause for Raise VIII BE Inquired Into
by OmciaIs, who Find Rules
Are seemingly Being
Violated.

WARRINGTON, May 3O.-Today was OBJ
served as a holiday In all departments ex-
cept the postal inspection service, where
the inquiry into postal administration was
pressed vigorously. Assistant Postmaster
General Brlstow. General superintendent
Fosnes Of the free delivery service. Mr..
Bristow's chief assistant in the investiga-
ton, Chief Inspector Cochran and several
Of the inspectors we're in conference most
Of the day over details Of the work. Post
master General Payne was not at the de-
partment today.
The published suggestion that the de-
Tense Of Former superintendent Machen
will be that he was a partner in the firm Of
Gron Brothers, which had the contract for
furnishing patent fasteners to the gov
eminent, 1t is declared, is without founda-
ton.
There will be a thorough investigation
Of the leases of postofices throughout the
country when Investigations Of the affairs
Of the salary and allowance division Is
taken up. This Is the division Of which
George w. Beavers of Brooklyn, N. r.,
was the head when he suddenly resigned
several months ago.
The leases OF third-class postofhces,
which constitute by far the largest number
of the three presidential grades, number
approximately $500 and are limited in
specific terms to a law maximum of $500 a
year plus So a year for fuel. There is
however, no limit whatever governing the
rentals of the first and Sc cond-class offices.
The amounts the government contracts to
pay for rent OF such offices are governed
by the local conditions. All coupons for
rents are investigated by inspectors and
superintendents of the salary and allow
ance division. While approved by the first
assistant postmaster general, the leases
generally are passed on by the head of the
salary and allowance division. There has
been a steady average increase in post
ONCE rentals as postal business has ex-
banded.
Resignation is Accepted.
The president has accepted the resigna-
ton Of Chaplain Joseph T. McKeon, Seven
tenth infantry, stationed at Vancouver
barracks, Wash, to take effect at once.
Incoming reports of army inspectors OF
military colleges are said to show a gen.
orally unsatisfactory state of affairs so far
as the military training of the students is
concerned. and the inspector general is
about to send a circular letter to the heads
Of the colleges demanding remedial
measures.
Owing to inability to spare warships
from ACTIVE service, the navy utpdI lIl0nt
has been obliged to decline to grant the
requests of any of the naval militia organ
i~zations, save that Of Mass lchusetts, to
supply vessels for training cruises during
the present summer
Plot Against italian King.
PARIS, May 3O.-A dispatch to the Patri,
from Marseilles says three anarchists have
been arrested at Mentone on suspicion o.
being engaged in a plot against King victol
Emmanuel, on the occasion OF his approach
ing visit to Paris. Five other suspects es
capped. The police found discriminating
papers on the arrested men.
Manila Hemp Authorizations.
The War department is giving attention
TO representations which have been made
in Washington and in Manila to the effect
that the adulteration of Manila hemp Il
threatening to destroy the industry Of
hemp growing. and 1t communicated with
Governor Taft on the subject. Today 4
received the following cable message or
the subject: .
Ask for conference of cordage manu-
facturers to learn how many competen
secure from the United States and wha
salary. Personnel Of force important
inspection is to be made honest and enec
Naval Militia Funds.
The naval militia appropriation has beef
allotted among the states as follows:
California. $685. Connecticut, $2,ss4; Dis
trict of Columbia, 1859; Georgia, H,1l3
Illinois, 1855; Louisiana, A,924; Maine
s5s2; Maryland. s2.6SS; Massachusetts,. IS,
SO; Michigan. s2,7O4; New Jersey, A,2O4
New York, $7.3O3: North Carolina, S.. 7O4
Ohio, 1905; Pennsylvania, $1,2l5; Rhod
Island. s2,4SO; South Carolina, 1851. Total
NAn nn