The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-04
MACHEN CHARGES
WITH GRAND JURY
Examination Expected to
Continue Until Tomorrow.
GREAT SECRECY PREVAILS
Case Was Presented by Assistant Dis
tTict Attorney Taggart-Witnesse
Are Postoffice Inspectors.
GREAT SECRECY PREVAILS

The Federal grand jury of the District
o. Columbia this morning took up the
case of August w Machen. former su-
Lerintendent of free delivery of the
Fcstofice Department, charged with
bribery in connection with the purchase
Of patent mail box fasteners from Croft
Bros, of Washington
The case was presented by Assistant
District Attorney Taggart, the witnesses
for the most part being Postoffice in
spectors. who have been working up the
evidence against Machen for the past
four weeks. The greatest secrecy is be-
the names of the witnesses being given
out by the District Attorneys office.
May Delay Preliminary Hearing.
AS rapidly as possible the hearing will
be pushed to conclusion, but it is not
thought likely an indictment will be
reached todav
On this account, the preliminary hear
ing before United States Commissioner
Taylor, which is set for tomorrow morn
ing. will probably be postponed
Mr.. Payne Not a Witness.
No news about the investigation was
given out by Postmaster General Payne
this morning. Mr.. Payne has not been
subpoenaed to appear before the grand
jury. and it is thought he will not be-
Met AZ -, oyTIo.I,
The jury assembled at II o'clock At
that time several postof1ce inspectors
and other persons summoned as wit
nesses were at the City Hall in consul
tation with MIR. Taggart
It is learned from good authority that
the first witness called before the Jury
was Edgar B. McBath. chief of the pay
division in the auditors Office of the
Postoff1ce Department 1t is believed
that Postofice Inspector Mayer will be
called to testify when Mr. McBath con-
cIudes mis- evidence
A Photographic Report.
In order to expedite matters and cor
clude the investigation at as early a
date as ross e. Assistant District At
torney Jesse Adkins is making phono-
graphic report of the testimony.
When the jury convened the Assistau.
District Attorney briefly outlined the
charges against Mr. Machen The jury
then went to work Immediately.
Machen's Supposed Defense.
1t is reported that Mr. Machens de-
fense viii be that he was silent part
ner in the firm of Croft Bros, the firm
which is alleged TO have paid him to
grant contracts for letter box fasteners.
Many interesting points will be raised
II the claim of partnership is advanced.
Z Discussing this rumored defense Post
master General Payne said such a claim
would result in prosecution for perjury.
as the Revised Statutes prohibit Gov
ernment officials from granting con-
tracts to themselves
Coal Contracts Involved.
Friends of Machen reply TO this ar
gument by saying that he authorized
H H Rand to enter into a contract with
Macben Brothers for coal for the Post
office Department last fall When the
legality of this contract was questioned
an opinion. approved by the Attorney
General, was secured which supported
the Maehen coal contract.
1t is maintained that this coal decis
ion was obtained by friends of Maehen
for the purpose of meeting emergencies.
and in that light the publication of the
opinion by Postmaster General Payne
as is set forth in another column-has
an especial interest
Efforts have been made by Govern
ment officials TO locate property belong
ing to Machen for the purpose of attach
ing 1t under the civil suit brought to
recover the money which Machen is al
legged TO have taken from the Govern
ment. So far the officials have been un-
able TO find any property in Machen's
name. He is believed however, to have
sufficient funds to make a strong de-
fense.
MEkTuEp pCDnpT