The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-13
Game of Graft Believed to Have Been
Played in Several Divisions of
the Department..
INQUIRY IN A NEW FIELD
FOR CANCELING Ma
CHIMES TO BE EXAMINED.
Rumor that Perry s. Heath Has Been
Asked to Postpone His Contem-
plated Trip to Japan.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, June 12.-Postmaster
General Payne's return TO Washington to-
day did not enliven developments in connec-
ton with the postoffice investigation. There
is a feeling of expectancy in the depart
ment, and the lull of the past few days is
regarded as the calm that precedes the
storm. Where the scandal will break out
next no one knows, except the officials in
immediate charge of the inquiry. The in
spectors are diligently at work in the bu-
reau of salaries and allowances, over which
George w. Beavers formerly presided.
1t is announced to-day that a postal COM
mission will be appointed on July to make
careful examination of the canceling
machines in use in postoffices. Many of
these machines are said TO be unfit for the
postal service. and those manufactured by
certain firms in the West will be discarded.
From what can be learned at the depart
ment the most glaring evidences of pecula-
tion will be found in the contracts covering
the purchasing of canceling machines.
There has been some curiosity as to the
delay in connection with the inquiry into
the salary and allowance division. The
explanation is that Mr.. Bristow has direct
ed his attention primarily to the free de-
livery service, evidence having been found
soon after the inspectors started to work
sufficient to excite suspicious that the game
of graft had been practiced there.
The mention of Machen's name in con-
nection with the alleged bribery of McGreg
or and Upton, the two rural free delivery
clerks indicted by the grand jury in Balti-
more to-day, did not create any surprise in
Washington. At the time of their arrest
1t was intimated by department officials
that Developments to follow would demon
strate that Machen was connected directly
or indirectly with the transaction.
A good deal of interest has been excited
in the rumor that Perry S. Heath. former
first assistant postmaster general, had been
asked TO postpone his contemplated trip to
Japan. 1t cannot be learned that there is
any ground for this report, as department.
officials refuse to discuss it, The belief
prevails here that the only thing in the
administration of Heath as first assistant
that can be criticised was neglect of his
official duties to take an active part in poll
tics. 1t is admitted that the tremendous
power exercised by Beavers and Machen
first developed under Mr.. Heath, who was
so busy with politics that he did not devote
much time to study of the details of his
bureau, leaving department affairs in the
hands of his subordinates. Machen and
Beavers being at the head of the most i'm
pOrtant divisions. 1t is known that Mr..
Heath had implicit confidence in the integ-
rity of Beavers and Machen, and gave
very little attention to the administration
of their divisions.
Representative Jesse Overstreet, of In
dianapolis, is here on business before the
executive departments. He called to-day
on Mr.. Yerkes, commissioner of internal
revenue, whom he recently doomed as good
timber for the vice presidential nomination.
Mr.. YerkeS feels flattered by the friendly
mention of Mr.. Overstreet but he has am
billions which preclude the possibility of his
entering the field as a candidate for Vice
President.
Attorney A. w. Wishard, of indianapolis,
who is here on business, will spend his time
between New York and Washington for the
next two weeks. JOHN T.. MONK.