The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-27
That Resulted I'm the Resignation Of
the First Named and Reports
OF Wrongdoing.
MR.. PAYNE ORDERED INQUIRY
AND WILL HEAR THE RESULT on
HIS RETURN FROM WEST INDIES.
Present FURRY Not Connected with
the Fraud Order OMce-General
Tyner's Resignation.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

WASHINGTON, March 26--The fnvestf-
cation now in progress in the Postofice De-
partment relating TO the division of sal
aries and allowances and the free delivery
bureau will demonstrate what truth there
is in the reports that there are scandals
connected with these bureaus which call
for radical reforms. Undoubtedly the re-
ports of the scandal in the department
were precipitated by the resignation Of
George w. Beavers. but it may be stated
upon the highest possible authority that
continued friction between Mr.. Beavers
and August w. Machen. general superin-
tendent of free delivery. and their superior
officer, First Assistant Postmaster General
Wynne. hats. had much to do with the pres
ent condition Of affairs. The present furry
is the sequel to sweeping charges made
against Messrs. Beavers and Machen some
time ago by a local paper. IN which the
integrity OF these officials was severely at
tackled. 1t has no relation whatsoever TO
the charges preferred against the fraud or
der division. of which Gen. James n. Ty-
ner. of Indiana, is the head.
The trouble first came to public notice
as result of charges made that Messrs.
Beavers and Machen had secured increases
in their salaries from Congress without
recommendation to that effect from the
postmaster general. In addition there were
insinuations of crooked work in the two bu-
reaus. but the postmaster general took no
stock in them. 1t was further charged
that the two subordinates had maintained
a close corporation and did business with
senator's and representatives without refer
ence TO their superior officers. This re-
suited in bad feeling between Beavers and
Machen and Mr.. Wynne. 1t was reported
that Mr.. Wynne was determined to reor-
ganize the salary and allowance division
and free delivery bureau and introduce
certain reforms. Friction continued be-
tween the three officials, and between Mr..
wynne and Mr.. Machen it became very Bit
ter. 1t has now reached such a stage, from
present indications. that one or the other
must leave the department, and this is one
of the interesting questions that Postmaster
General Payne will be called upon to decide
when he returns to Washington next
month, but that sweeping changes viii be
made in the department by the postmaster
general is not believed by those who talked
with him just before he left Washington.
At that time he felt confident the whole
trouble had been adjusted. Whether there
is anything In the reports OF crookedness In
either of the bureaus has not been demon
strated, although a careful investigation is
now being conducted, which was ordered by
Mr.. Payne just before he left the city.
Representative Hemenway. OF Indiana.
probably knows as much about the manner
In which the salaries of Beavers and
Machen were increased as any man in Con-
gress. He had charge of the legislative
bill which authorized the increases. and
it is said they were put in the bill on his
recommendation without solicitation on the
part of the two officials. 1t is stated fur
ther that Postmaster General Payne offered
no objections TO the increases granted
Postmaster General Payne is expected in
Washington next month
General Tyner has resigned TO take ef-
feet on the appointment Of his successor.
who has not yet been chosen Mr.. Tyner
is in a serious physical condition. and. ow-
ing to that fact and his advanced age. he
has not been able to discharge the duties
of his office for a long time, and he win
not again visit the Postofice Department
officially.
An interesting story is made public here
to-day as a result OF a search made by
General Ainsworth, chief of the record ard
pension division of the War Department. 10
determine the ownership of a photograph
taken from the hand OF a dead federal cap
tain of infantry killed in the battle OF the
wilderness during the civil war. Some time
ago a letter was published by J. w. Berry.
of Thomaston, Ga, Confederate soldier.
wounded in the Wilderness and who after
the engagement saw on the battlefield
dead federal officer In whose hand was
clutched photograph of a baby about two
years old. Mr.. Berry desired TO ascertain
ceased officer in order that he might re-
store to them the photograph, which he
has retained in his possession since the
war General Ainsworth made a thorough
search I'm the records OF the War Depart
ment and Pension Office and found the
names of six captains OF infantry who lost
their lives in the Wilderness One OF them
left a widow and two children. This was
Capt jefferson Newman. Company G. Sew
entieth Wisconsin His widow, Elizabeth
NJ Newman, Is now living at Elkhart, Ind.
and steps will be taken at once TO deter
mine whether the photograph Is that OF her
younger child.
Walter II. welborn has been appointed
regular carrier and la Ware substitute on
the rural route at Wilkinson. Ind.
The City National Bank OF New York has
been approved as a reserve agent for the
City National Bank of Evansville, Ind.
An order has been issued establishing =
postoffce at Youno, Brown county. Indiana,
with Thornton Deckard as postmaster.
JOHN e MONK