New-York tribune., 1903-07-15
NEW CHARGES OF"GRAFT"
POSTAL DEVELOPMENTS.
John N. Masten AccuSed-ImpOr-
tant Disclosures Expected Soon.

Washington, July 1.-THE postof1ce inspectors are
investigating charges made against John NJ Mas
ten, now assistant superintendent of the Railway
Mail Service. and formerly chief clerk OF the First
Assistant Postmaster Generals office. man
named Terry. in the government service, has
made affidavit before the inspectors alleging
that Masten, while chief clerk to the First Assist
ant Postmaster General proposed that Terry pay
him $50 down and S. or $40 month to secure rein
statement in former position in Masten's bureau
Terry charges that he was originally a $500 en-
ploye in the Dead Letter Office. that he was re-
moved under order Of MaSten and put into the
city postoice that he protested. and finally that
Masten suggested his getting outside party, a
close friend of Masten and a former employe Of the
postal service, to help him The affidavit alleges
that Masten gave Terry assurance that If he paid
the AMOUNT mentioned he could get back; that he
went to Masten's house about the matter but did
not pay the money. Terry charges further that
subsequently he made affidavit Of these charges
and handed it to Masten present First Assist
ant Postmaster General Johnson. and that the aff-
davt did not reach Mr.. Johnson. According to the
charges Masten subsequently asked by Terry
for the affidavit and refused to return it, and Terry
thereupon placed the information before the Civil
Service Commission, which took up the matter
with the President.
The Federal Grand Jury in this city is consider
ing several important postofice cases, which
ter General Payne said this afternoon that he ex
his absence on his trip along the coast ana tnat
he expected the grand jury would furnish some in
Formation available as to the IDENTITY of the cases
but the jury has been working on them for some
time
An agreement has been reached between the
Postofice Department and the Civil Service Com
mission regarding the transfer of employees from
other departments to the pOstOfice department.
The regulation provides that in such transfers
1t must be shown that the person to be transferred
will be employed on work similar TO that previously
performed by him. and has qualifications which will
enable him to perform such work better than a
person selected from the eligible register of the
commission. The pending investigation has dis
closed number of irregular transfers.
The resignation of George A. G. ChriStiancy, TO
of the department shortly after the sensational
rihing of the Assistant Attorney Generals safe
by Mrs. Tyner has been under discussion at the
department, but there will be final action before
Postmaster General Payne's return to the city. Mr.
Payne will leave here tomorrow morning. and Will
be aboard the revenue cutter while il makes its
regular cruise. which will extend far as Boston
and possibly up to the Maine coast.
He said tonight that he had not made his Vaca-
tion plans yet, but that he would like to revisit
Poland Springs, Ne. If possible. He expects to be
away most of August.
The report of the inspectors in the case of the
General Manifold1ng Company. of Franklin Penn.
which employs son of William H, Landvoigt for
mery chief of the registry division, with which the
company had dealings, and now chief of the cassl-
acation division has not yet been submitted to the
Postmaster General.
Paul Herman. of Rutherford. n. J.. who has OBJ
tanned the money order contract, will be here TO-
morrow to sign the contract and make the final
arrangements The first delivery under the con-
tract will be In September.