The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-16
ARRESTS RUNORED
BUT NOT ORDERED
Story Of Two Warrants in
POStOtfice Cases.
BRlST0W WILL NOT TALK
Investigation Of Certain Bureaus Now
Completed - Ex-Representative
briggs and a sI2,5oo Fee Ex-
cite Discussion.

A rumor that warrants had been is
sued for two postal officials caused
considerable excitement around the
Postofice Department this morning
Everybody was speculating on the iden-
tity of the persons to be arrested. From
ali that could be learned. however. those
named in the warrants--if the warrants
were issued-are not residents of
Washington. They may be connected
with the New York postofice, which has
been under investigation by the United
States grand jury for some time, but it
is also thought that they may be Ohio
people whose names have been mention
ed in connection with the alleged ir-
regularIties in the free delivery divI-
sion.
Postmaster General Payne practically
admitted that warrants had been OBJ
tained but refused 10 discuss the ques-
tion. saying that 1t would not be policy
TO mention names before the people
were arrested. He also declined to say
whether or not the warrants were for
Washington men or men from other
cities.
Warrants in Prospect.
Assistant Attorney General Roob
would not say who was TO be arrested
but said that II any arrests are to be
made they would not be of special in
terost here. which gave rise to the in
ference that the warrants are for peo-
pie n other cities.
The rumors of arrests grow thicker
In the department each day. People who
usually have correct information on
everything that is TO happen have stated
with great positiveness that arrests OF
an important nature would be made
some time this week possibly late this
afternoon or tomorrow.
General Bristow refuses to discuss the
matter. and the inspsStezs follow his
cue. 1t is known that the investigation
cally been closed and that the inspectors
have made up their minds whether the
men are guilty or innocent.
The division OF supplies has been in
vestigated. and the report is almost
ready There was a story yesterday that
& clerk in the division would be arrest
ed. but he is still at large, and IT is
asserted that the report was without
foundation.
The briggs Case.
Representative Edmund II. briggs
OF New York, is attracting a large share
OF attention from those interested in
investigating Postoffice conditions. and
the names OF two prominen. politicians
ore coupled with this mention Of Mr.
briggs.
II has been charged in the newspapers
that Mr.. briggs. while in Congress, re-
eeiyed fee Of s12.500 for representing
the Brandt Automatic Cashier Company
in arguments which were made for the
Introduction OF its automatic cashier into
pos.offices.
Mr.. briggs friends claim that he re-
ceived the money for acting in a legiti-
mate capacity as an attorney but the
inspectors are anxious 10 find what he
did with his fee, and what induced him.
as a member of Congress. to represent
the interests OF a private company be
fore the department.
The investigation OF the New York
pcstOffice continues with unabated vigor
and already there are statements that
arrests and indictments are to follow
It was said this morning that a surpris-
iIg event would happen in the New York
Office in the next few days, but no ink
ling OF its nature could be obtained
Postmaster S. Davies Warfeld. or Bal
timore. was at the department yester-
day. presumably TO talk over the charges
which have been made against his Of
nee by a Baltimore paper. One OF The
charges was that an emplOye of the Of
fee drawing good salary was seldom
or never there. but that be devoted his
time TO working for a financial institu-
tion by which he was also employed.