The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-27
PAYNE At WORK,
BUT STILL UNWELL
Postmaster General Seems
Not to Improve.
INACTl0N IN METCALF CASE
Charles Emory Smiths Letter Creates
Little Stir-Pathetic Incident in
Connection With Curry Arrest.

Postmaster General Payne was at his
ofice in the Postofice Department this
morning. He was not looking we'll, but
said that he was feeling much better
than for several days.
Mr.. Payne said that he had learned
OF nothing new in the Postoffice investi-
cations. and that he had been engaged
all the morning in signing routine pa
pers
Nothing has yet been done in response
10 the request of James T. Metcalf that
, 10 be reinstated under suspension. as
, superintendent of the money order di-
vision of the Postoflce, pending a more
full inquiry into his connection with
the attempts TO persuade Paul Herman
not 10 bid on the contract for money
order blanks.
The Money Order Contract.
Herman was at the Postofice Depart
ment this morning and was given a
hearing by r. J.. Wynne, First Assistant
Postmaster General. on the subject OF
his responsibility as a contractor He
has no plant as yet. but has given ample
financial assurances that he will be able
10 carry out the contract.
Assistant Attorney General Robb for
the Postofice Department decided yes
terday that the fact that Herman had
no plant as yet did not bar him from
getting the contract II he was the lowest
bidder. Mr.. Robb held that to require
bidder TO show a plant before award
ing him a contract would greatly reduce
the number Of bidders. to the detriment
of the Government as a man could not
be expected TO install a plant on the
mere prospect OF getting an order from
the Government.
No Excitement Over Smith Letter.
Around the department this morning
the letter Of Charles Emory Smith. ex-
Postmaster General. replying to the let
ter of J. L. Bristow, Fourth Assistant
Postmaster General, was not regarded
with too much seriousness. Mr.. Smiths
letter is thought to contain little or
nothing that is now. and his reiteration
of statements contained in his first let
ter 10 the Postmaster General is thought
not to have improved his position before
the public.
Representative Lloyd Jackson, Of
Maryland. called on Mr. Payne this
morning and had a long talk with him.
Arrested as Father Was Killed.
The Postof3ce Department learned
yesterday Of a peculiarly sad feature In
connection with the arres; at Marmet
w. Va, Of Charles A. Curry on the
charge OF rihing registered letter pack
ages. The arrest was made by Inspec-
tors Allen and Horton. who carried tho
young man across ;he Kanawha River
TO catch the early train to Charlestown
While waiting at the station on the
other side OF the river a messenger
rowed across with the news that the
young mans father had just been killed
on the Marmet side by a train. num-
Der OF people were standing around wait
Ing FOR the train. and the father hap
pened TO step on the track without 10
ticing the approach OF the cars. He was
instantly killed.
strong appeal was made 20 the in
spectors 10 allow tho young man to
stay at Aarmet until he could make
arrangements for bis fathers funeral
Allen and Horton were much affected
By the incident and greatly desired 10
grant the request. but feIt compelled 10
take their prisoner TO Charlestown i'm
mediately. which was done. There Re
secured bail and returned to his home