davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18
Trips for General Officials
Paid for by the Local Of
flee - Positions Created
Without Warrant OF Law.
Four Clerks Who Did No
Work Paid More Than
$4,000 - Seven Cleaners
Not Known to Employers.

J. l.. Bristow yesterday replied TO the
charges of S. w Tulloch. ex-cashier OF
the Washington postofice. as to the use
OF the local postoffice for improper pur-
poses. His statement is one of the
frankest and most complete documents
OF the kind ever issued in Washington
II practically sustains the Tulloch
charges In all essentials and tends TO
discredit ex-Postmaster General Smith
and ex-First Assistant Postmaster Gen
eral Perry Heath. who secuted the idea
that there were gross Irregularities OF
the nature charged.
The documents made public yesterday
by Postmaster General Payne, in con-
nection with the replies of Mr. Bristow.
are.
Mr.. Payne's letter calling Mr.. Bris-
tow's attention to the Tulloch charges
and asking for an explanation.
Mr.. Bristow's reply.
Three exhibits marked "a" 3D." and
&C"
The exhibits comprise:
The report of the inspectors who
transferred the Washington City Post
Office to the present Postmaster, John
A. Merritt, under date of June 80, 1899
A confidential report submitted on
the same date.
The report of Inspector Little under
date of July 81, 1900.
The result of the investigation by
Postmaster General Smith Of the
charges contained in the confidential
report dated June 80, 1897
There is also a memorandum show
ing that the abuses complained of in
The report of Inspector Little on July
81, 1900, were corrected by Postmaster
Merritt.
Mr.. Payne quotes extensively from a
letter by ex-Postmaster General Smith
dated May q. 1903. in which Mr. Smith
justifies the irregularities on the ground
OF the exigencies OF the early days OF
the Spanish war.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18

bonds for military clerks was a war
exigency, and while not entirely regu-
lar. was not unwarranted under the cir
cumstances."
Only Seeming Irregularities.
The ex-Postmaster General sets forth
also; THE supplies purchased at ex-
cessive prices, as alleged by the inspec-
tor. were ordered from regular de-
partmental bidders. There was no COM
petition, but it is stated that the prices
charged fairly approximate those regu-
larry charged the department.
The people appointed to positions, who
did no work. should have been detailed
is claimed the Department was never
notified they were not regularly en-
ployed.
In the payment of oliver H. Smith,
Heath's personal friend. the conclusion
is the payment of Mr.. Smith in two
branches of the service was not deemed
irregular, as the department was of the
opinion that any employe receiving s.. SOC
or less could be paid compensation on
two different rolls"
It is claimed the accounts of Heath.
Beavers. and others for travelling ex-
penses were duly sworn TO and made out
in accordance with custom.
Extra Allowances Valuable.
The appointment of various women as
cleaners who did 10 work is put up to
the postmaster at Washington with a
statement that he should have provided
employment for them, although he had
no use for them. whatever, and they
were put on the rolls arbitrarily by
Heath.
The rent item of the old postofice
building is Justified on the ground that
1t was impossible TO get the new build.
ing in time to escape the payment oil
extra rents.
The payment of clerks for service in
connection with overtime charges on the
part Of letter carriers came about. the
Postmaster General Smith investigation
discovered, through the necessity of
having persons familiar with the free
delivery service examine the accounts OF
carriers
IL Is stated through this service
claims aggregating $4,000, 900 were set
tied for SO, SOC. 900.
The report says the expenditure was
understood by the auditor for the POST
office Department, and no question was
ever raised as to the propriety Of the
Postofice Department paying these
claims until May. 1899. when the Comp
troller ruled that it was technically ir-
regular, and the practice discontinued.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18

never able to do so when superintendent.
and his services should not be entitled
TO a compensation of 81. 200
There were four charwomen employed
at $500. one at $500, and three at $500
with total salary Of $4,000. The in
spector says that four women could do
the work these eight do and should re-
ceive but S240 a year. which is the
same as paid charwomen at the Post
office department. These charwomen
were appointed by direct orders from
the Postoffice Department There were
employed about the Postoffice Depart
ment cleaning the lobby and walks and
brasswork twelve men in the daytime.
four men at night. eight in the registry
division. and twelve in the mailing d.
vision.
Possible Saving of $4,000.
The inspector says that this large
number of laborers IS absurd and that
a saving of $4,000 year could be made
in this work alone. Most Of these men
were appointed by Heath. The foreman
Of the work is Heath's old friend. o. Il
Smith, who was carried on the rolls as
finance clerk" at s1.7OO year aad who
was assisted by W. (. Dunn as assistant
foreman at a salary of 800.
The remainder OF Exhibit consists
Of letter from Assistant Postmaster
General Johnson. calling attention TO
the irregularities mentioned in Inspec
tor Titles report, and the statement OF
Postmaster Merritt as to what dispOsi-
ton was made. Some OF them were
dropped. some transferred to other Of
fees, and some OF them put to work
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18
SMITHS DEDUCTIONS
AND EXPLANATIONS

The conclusions drawn by Postmaster
General Smith from the discoveries by
the inspectors were:
The appointment Of clerks on the mil
itary rolls is justified as a war exigency.
pure and simple.
The transfer of twenty clerks by Heath
from the Washington City Postoffice to
the military roll was made because the
regular appropriations had been heavily
drawn upon before the military appro-
priation was available. and 1t was nee
essary to recoup.
The payments to Larner were made by
Postmaster Willett. who is dead. and the
blame Is left on him. The payment for
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18
INSPECTOR Titles
PORTENTOUS FINDINGS

Exhibit c OF Mr.. Bristow's answer
is a summary of a report by Inspector
Little on the Investigation OF the Wash
ington postoffice dated July 1. 1900 The
inspector states the office had no speci-
fled allowance for employees, and that a
number of clerks had been added to the
rolls by Heath without request of the
Postmaster.
1T has been difficult TO find employ
ment for all these clerks" he says The
Inspector names thirteen people carried
on the Washington postofice rolls who
were detailed TO work outside. The
Washington postmaster had no supervi-
sion over these people. Their salaries
aggregated $4,000. Each OF these ap-
pcirtments was made by Heath, and
without request of the local postmaster.
Hutchins' Incapability.
w. A. Hutchins is mentioned as a for
mer superintendent of Station A. then
employed assisting at the general deIiv-
cry and other minor duties The in
spector says he could not make out a re-
port or issue money order, and was
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18
IRREGULARITIES NOTED
IN REPORT OF JUNE 80, '99

The report of June 30. 1899. shows:
Irregular payments Of expenses out OF
the funds OF the Washington Postofice.
Persons irregularly carried on the
military Roll"
Women appointed who did no work
physician appointed without war
rant in law.
Favorites carried on the rolls as la
borers. and allowed 81 per day for ex-
penses In the rural free delivery SER
vice
Mr.. Payne concludes his statement &C
companying the papers by saying that
they are fled without action because
they relate 10 the business OF a pre-
vious Administration. He says:
The subject matter of the complaints
is four years old, and all action there
under was closed over two years ago.
The charge Of Mr.. Tulloch is in it's es-
sence against President Mckinley and
Postmaster General Smith. President
Mckinley is no longer living; Postmas-
ter General Smith, who carried out
President McKinley's policy. has an
swered for himself"
Mr.. Bristow says he did not make a
demand on ex-Postmaster General Smith
for al investigation, but that he sub
mitted the report Of Captain Smith with
his approval The investigation of July
81. 1900. was begun while Mr.. Bristow
was away. When he returned he was
told by Chief Inspector Cochran that
complain had been made that Inspector
Little was asking unnecessary questions
tending TO embarrass the department.
The whole report was submitted 10 Nj
Smith. with the statement by Mr.. Bris-
tow that he did not think Little's ques-
lions unnecessary.
The synopsis Of the report of the in
yestigation Of June 80, 1899, shows that
An item Of 5000 for travelling expenses
Of George W. Beavers and OF @. d.
Fisher. a clerk under Beavers, to Phil
Rdelphia and Hartford was paid out OF
the funds OF the Washington city post
Office or order of First Assistant Heath.
although the expenses formed no part
of the legitimate expenses OF the
Washington office. II shows that
the expenses Of the mail bag repair
shop. amounting to $s,064.sS, were
charged TO the Washington Office. On
June 80, 1899. Sut twenty-five employees
were borne on the rolls and paid on what
was known as the military ROLL
The records in the Washington city
Office show that thirty-four persons were
paid as having been carried on this roll.
There were nine cleaners with salaries
from $500 20 5000 a year, and one ply
sician at a salary OF 81 700.
Some OF these cleaners appear TO have
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18

performed very little service and others
none at all. The duties of the physician
appeared to be to visit all employees re-
ported sick and determine whether they
were actually unable to perform their
duties. We do not understand that he
rendered any other service"
The report shows that Robert G. Will
lett, son of the former Washington city
postmaster. drew two salaries from July
1 TO December 10. 1898. one as laborer
at 5000 a year. and one as a mechanic
at 81 a day on a special roll for the
free delivery service. y. NJ Baker also
drew two salaries, one as a laborer al
$500 a year. and one as a mechanic at
81 a dav.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR
S0CIETY'S OFFICERS

The semi-annual election of officers
for the Christian Endeavor Society OF
Congress Street VI. p. Church was held
Tuesday evening at the church, result
ing as follows; w. II. Harrison, presi-
dent; Addie Eye. first vice president
Joseph Clark. second vice president;
James Crosen, recording secretary;
Theo. T Duvall. treasurer: H c.
Crimes, corresponding secretary; r. T
Ballard, choirmaster; Mrs H c.
Grimes. organist; Mrs. S. Smith. plan
list; John s. Meade. delegate, Victoria
Poetch, junior superintendent.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18
THIS LITTLE DARBY KNOWS
HOW TO DEAL WITH GHOSTS
He Shoots Them With Gold Bullets.

-Four little negro boys sat on the stone
bench in front OF the Public Library
exchanging ghost stories Three pairs
OF eyes bulged excitedly at the narrative
related by the fourth boy gaudily ar
rsyed in a suit OF striking blue and imi-
tation Panama hat. 1t was not 10 o'clock
and the library doors had not been
opened.
Man, suh." said the story teller, 81
looked out de Wfnder and shore uuff dar
it was. One Of dem great big dogs as
big as a house. standin' right in de road
dropped right down on de floor and
never did git up till dis mawnin'"
Cant nobody kill 'em?" asked one.
NO: nobody can't kill en-" declared
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18
CONFIDENTIAL REPORT
CITES SPECIFIC WRONGS

Inspector Smiths confidential report
shows:
Four men placed on the military roll
at good salaries who did no work com
mensurate with the amount of money
they drew. They were Edward s Allen,
appointed at 81, 400 in 1899 as an expert
mechanic; H. A. Cummings, appointed
at $500 ard promoted TO 81 900 on the
military roll; d. NJ. Monroe, placed on
the military roll by First Assistant Per-
~ 5. Heath, and Frank E Murray, on
the military roll at $1,000 a year.
This report sets forth also: That
none of the above named appear to
have performed any service in connec-
tion with the military postal matters,
and no good reason appears either for
their original appointment OF continu-
ance.
That on January 3 and 10. 1899. Perry
Heath transferred twenty clerks from
the clerks roll to the military roll. and
put them to work in the Washington
postof1ce.
That the salary of W. S. Larner. mill
tary postal clerk, was ordered paid by
Perry Heath after Cashier Tulloch had
on several occasions refused to pay the
salary on the ground that It was ir-
regular
That George w. Beavers was interest
ed in securing salary for Larner, and
tried to force Tulloch to make the pay
ment
That on the authority Of Perry Heath
and without authority in law. premiums
to the amount of s393.15 were paid on
the bonds of military postal clerks.
That Ss,75O.7O was paid for supplies
and travelling expenses for the military
postal service without the detailed &C
count being made a part Of the records
of the office.
That $40 apiece was paid for wash
stands, which the inspector considered
highly excessive"
That a number OF Perry Heath's ap-
pointees drew two salaries and in some
Instances did no work.
He cites:
Margaret z. Burke, who served from
December l.. 1898, to April s. 1899 at
$500 a year, and performed no service.
and Gilbert Colson. appointed December.
1898, as a laborer. who did no work
R. W. B. Dorsey. appointed on October
p. 1898. TO a $500 Job, promoted on oc-
tober &c. to 500, the promotion to take
effect from the date of the original
appointment"
The Case of Dr.. Jones.
OF the appointment Of Or. J. E. Jones
as physician to the Washington post
Office, at $1.70O. the inspector says:
"The appointment was first for ninety
days from September 6. 1898. At the end
OF that time Mr.. Heath directed his re-
tention until further orders
This appointment appears to be en-
tirely unwarranted. and no provision OF
law can be found authorizing IT."
Another son of Former Postmaster
Willett. besides the one mentioned by
Mr. Little, was also carried on the mill
tary postal roll for a time
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18

the narrator. -They's as big as q big dog
fust and then they gifts as big as a
house and can't muffin git by en-"
Wont dey hurt peopleg" asked
another
No. dey wont hurt nobody lessen
somebody bOdders EN- and den deyIl
kill EN-"
%. l know how to fix a 'g'ose' all
right. spoke up a little fellow who had
been eagerly listening to the strange
tale
How" sang the other three.
The little boy threw out his chest. set
Els hat back on his head and said:
Shoot EN- VIII gold bullets"
Just then the big doors Of the library
swung open and the ghost was laid.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18
LIGHTNING BURNS CHILD.

SUNBURY, Pa. June 1S-Lottie
Reichenbach. aged twelve. a passenger
on steamboat crossing Shamokin Dam.
was badly burned about the face last
night by bolt of lightning which passed
the cabin door OF the steamer.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18
SIX MONTHS IN JAIL
FOR STEALING A WATCH

For the larceny OF a watch valued at
$50 from Frederick NJ. Cornwell. Robert
w. Jackson, a negro. was fined $50 with
$50 days in default. when given a hearing
in the Police Court yesterday
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18
CAPTURED IN ALGIERS

ALGIERs, June 1s.-Mr Harris. cor
respondent Of the London Tines in
Algeria. has been captured by noun
taineers.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18
RAPID RISE OF LABORER
APPOINTED BY Mr.. HEATH

The cass Of o. H. Smith. q personal
friend of Perry Heath, from Muncie
Ind, Is extensively reviewed. Heath
appointed Smith as a laborer on Novem-
Der 20. 1897, at salary OF $500 year.
He also provided for an allowance of 81
a day to cover car fare and incidental
expenses such as laborers usually have
On December 10, 1897. Heath detailed
smith to assist in repairing. painting.
and erecting letter boxes. for which he
was to receive 81 a day also. Smith
had various authorizations for car fare
and expenses. and drew IN one year
l,34S.60 from his various appointments.
No one certified to the actual time he
was employed and no one certified to any
services he performed. On April /. 1899,
he was promoted to the position OF
finance clerk al 81. 200 a year.
BY what authority of law the orig
inal appointment or subsequent promo
tion was made, the inspector does not
know"
A Charge of Heath.
Smith was evidently a particular
Nhdl Bt VI htdlu- l1edln insisted on
his payment. despite the protests of the
cashier There was protest each
time Smith demanded payment, and each
time Heath wrote a specific letter or
dering his payment. Heath allowed him
$50 for car fare on March II, 1899. and
5000 for car fare on September 80. 1888.
In July. 1898. Smith rendered a bill for
SIS for carfare. wagon hire. and meals in
connection with the handling OF the
military mail at Falls Church. Va. and
service. During this time Smith drew
in August a bill for $12 for the same
his 81 a day for repairing street letter
boxes and payment was ordered by
Heath. For the quarter ending Septem-
Der 80. 1898, Smith was paid $3.50 for
carfare. yet the inspector says he spent
all this time at Camp Alger. where there
were no street cars. Smith was in In
diana for several weeks before election
and drew his full per diem for repairing
street letter boxes during that time. He
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18
A Half Hose Special.

What are left of those American Silk and Lisle
Thread Half Hlse that We had special sale Sat
urday-25e Hose at ? pairs for 25c viii be closed
out tomorrow. There roundabout 20 dozen
pairs; of course, in broken sizes and broken as
sortment-but the value Is there, and probably tn
required size in some color or other-open lace
work. embroidered or plain.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-18
Tomorrow Is Indeed a "SpeCiaR Friday.
Extra Values in Mems Suits at Sis.

three so ndnoh
placed in II the
! y every Irbw Plain n
in he Tepia :andF FannesW
OF
The daily sentinel., 1903-10-17

H. f. Frost returned from Denver
last night.
W. P. Dale, of Paonia. was in the
city today.
Tie broncho busting contest is on
in Glenwood Springs today.
Holders of tickets for theS Lyceum
course will be treated to another
splendid lecture Monday night by Ed
mund Vance Cooke.
There was a meeting of the coal
barons of Mesa and Delta counties and
one or two from Sunnyside. Utah. in
this city this afternoon. Look out for
coal to take an upward shoot very
soon.
The Lecture by Edmund Vance
Cooke. next Monday night at the Park
opera house promises to be even as
great an attraction as the Burdetie G
lecture No one can affoi d TO miss
hearing this great man.
The daily sentinel., 1903-10-17
PLANNED BIG KILLING.

Butte, Mont, Oct. l6.-A special
from Browning, Mont, says James
Little Plume has confessed to the
murder of the seven people killed
Sunday ON the Blackfoot Indian roser-
walton. This confession was made
before United States Commissioner
Arnaux. Among the seven killed was
the wife of Little Plume.
His intention he said. was to kill
fourteen more, but a shell stuck in
his rifle, rendering it useless. He
then cut a cash in his own throat and
arm to allay suspicion.
The daily sentinel., 1903-10-17
MESA COUNTY MAN
BUNC0ED OUT OF $4,000
continued from Ist nape1
continued from 1st page)

from getting his money He says,
however. that the ramifications of
the plot that t is man Ryan worked
up in the case of Giber and other
has aroused the town and that the
money will have to be forthcoming
or some good people who have been
keeping in the background will be ex-
posed and the expose will turn that
town upside down socially and other
wise. Mr.. Adams says that it was
the wosrt plot in which he ever en-
deavored to figure man out of a
scrape. He says that now the gang,
which includes great many people
who would not like to be known in
tie case. are endeavoring to prove
that Gibler and Ryan were i'll cahoots
together to try and do up the Poca-
tello people. But this is so fiargantly
false that it can hardly be entertained
as defense.
Mr.. Adams, when ON the stand, told
how Ryan had endeavoved to get
away. when Mr.. Adams ordered his
arrest by Depot Policeman Ellis.
The track where the racing occur
red. is in an isolated location and the
men who were doing up Gibler had
hacks in readiness and that only nine
persons witnessed the race
The game is an old one. and it is
to Mr.. Adams great credit that he saw
Immediately. when Gibler desired to
borrow money after he lost his own.
that he went at once to Pocatello to
endeavor to get the money back Mr..
Adams says he has been up against
many tough game, but this is the
rankest he has ever had anything to
do with.
There are other parts to the story,
but pending the effort to secure the
money they must not now be told.
Mr.. Adams thinks that Gibler will
get his money back and is now happy
that he did not loan him any money
with which to go against the game
the second time.
Before Mr.. a dams left for Poctello,
he was called on by many of Pocatel-
las leading citizens and congratulate
ed for his efforts to run down gang
that has despoi led a number of travel.
ers and others who have happened to
come to Pocatello.
The daily sentinel., 1903-10-17
KILLED ANOTHER ONE

Jessie Snipes murdered another
bear last Sunday ON Hawxhurst Greek.
He had chased the bear all day, and
had wounded it slightly. when the
dogs brouhgt it to halt. Jess was
out of ammunition, SO he waded in
to MIR. Bruin with a good old Revolu-
tionary, dubbed musket style. He
dispatched the bear, but in so doing
reduced his trusty Marlin to smither-
eens. But jess says he doesn't mind
that, as it was borrowed gun
Plateau Valley Stockman.
The daily sentinel., 1903-10-17
WANT FOR SALE ETC.

For Sale. Garland heater. 41o
Ouray.
Wanted. Girl for general house
work. Apply to 1899. Main street.
Wanted Tenant for two furnished
rooms for housekeeping at l45 Rood.
Found bicycle. Inquire of
F. 4. Stanek at Mesa Dry Goods Store.
Furnished Rooms. Everything
new. Corner Main and Spruce. E.
&. Cotes.
For Rent. Three furnished rooms
for light housekeeping, 42o south
Fifth street.
Wanted to Rent.-A 6 or z room
modern house. Apply to Gaines and
Rose. All Main st.
For Sale. Large hard coal stove
splendid heater. almost good as new.
Ramey Investment Co.
Stenograhpy- Commercial or pri-
vate work. Will also attend to col
lections. Apply to A. T. Javnes. at
Grand Valley National bank.
For Sale-Modern room house,
bath. sewer connection, furnace.
porches. Inquire of Frank Thomp-
son. The Thompson Jewelry and Mu-
sic company.
Wanted-A' buyer for a ten-acre
fruit ranch in the lower valley. This
is one of the best ranches in Mesa
county with neat house and other
improvements. For particulars call
Mt The Sentinel office.
The daily sentinel., 1903-10-17
US. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
WEATHER BUREAU.

Grand Junction, Colo.
Local observations taken at 6
O'Clock, Mountain Time
Maximum temperature yesterday Il
degrees.
Minimum temperature this morning
IL degrees.
Relative humidity at f. m. yes
terday, 26 per cent. Relative humid
ity at a. m. 46 per cent
Precipitation during the past "a
hours. 0 90
Forecast for Western Colorado
Fair tonight and Sunday.
r. H. SULLIVAN.
Observer. Weather Bureau.