Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-07-11
THE END IS IN SIGHT
Statement Made by Post
master General Payne.
LOTS OF HARD WORK
HE HAS DEVOTED HIMSELF TO
THE INVESTIGATION.
Third Assistant Madden Has Apologize
ed and the Incident Closed-No
More Arrests Expected.

1.-THE end of the Post Ofhce Department
investigation is in sight"
This statement was made by Postmaster
General Payne to an Evening Star reporter
this afternoon.
"Of course" Mr. Payne added by way Of
qualification, Il am unable at this time to
fix any particular date when the investi-
cation will be completed. I mean that
things have progressed to the extent that
can see an end to the laborious work"
This is the first time since the investiga-
ton began, more than three months ago.
that the Postmaster General has felt in
clined to express an opinion to when it
would end, although the question has been
asked him often.
The fact that Mr.. Payne will leave Wash
ington next week for ten days absence
from his post, together with his statement
quoted above, would suggest that the inves-
tigation may be brought to an end In
comparatively short time.
Lots of Hard Work.
Since his return from the West Indies the
Postmaster General has devoted his ener-
gies 10 carrying on the investigation. He
has received reports daily from Fourth AS
sistant Bristow, and oftentimes has con-
ferred with inspectors engaged on cases
which needed particular attention.
The Postmaster General has been at his
desk In the department many days when his
physical condition would have warranted
his going to bed. The only time that he has
been absent was when he went last week
to the Catskills for few days recuperaton
and recreation.
1t is believed to be doubtful that any
more arrests will be made as the result OF
the investigation. 1t Is believed to be equal
ly sure that several removals of subordi-
nate officials in the Post Office Department
will be made, although this may be delayed
until after Fourth Assistant BrtstoWs re-
port Is received.
The general feeling about the Post Office
Department is that Mr.. Bristow will make
some cauStic comments on conditions round
to have existed in certain of the divisions
of the department and that his report will
be accompanied by recommendations OF dis
missals.
1t is said to be not unlikely that when
August w. Machen is brought to trial next
fall he will be confronted by his old friend
George W. Beavers, as an important wit
ness on behalf Of the government as against
him.
MI. Madden Apologies.
Third Assistant Postmaster General Mad
den, who several weeks ago sent a tel
egram to the Postmaster General, a copy
of which was given to the press of Detroit.
where Mr.. Madden was on a visit to his
old home, in which he intimated that First
Assistant Wynne and Fourth Assistant
Bristow gave out information to the press
with malicious intent regarding the tnvesti-
cation of the General Manifold Company
Of Franklin. Pa and which had tendency
to cause strained relations between his COL
leagues and himself has written a letter to
Mr.. Payne which amounts to an explana-
ton and apology.
Mr.. Madden explains that at the time
the charges against his bureau were pub
lished he was in the home of his friends,
was hourly receiving congratulations upon
the integrity of his bureau and the clean
of his administra ton, and that the
sensational publications came as an awful
shock.
Mr.. Madden admits that his action was
nl-advised. but pleads in extenuation the
circumstances mentioned, and says he did
not intend to cast reflections upon his col
leagues.
Postmaster General Payne said this after
noon that he regarded that phase of the
incident as closed. The investigate of
the contract the department has with the
Franklin concern and the details relating
to the awarding Of it are still going on
The Postmaster General expects to receive
the report of the inspectors engaged in the
case before Wednesday, when he will de-
part for Boston.
There were more conferences in the Office
Of the Postmaster General today. Fourth
Assistant Bristow and Assistant Attorney
General Robb spent an hour or more with
their chief.
Despite the extremely hot weather of the
last few days Postmaster General Payne ID
feeling better than for several weeks. He
is looking forward with pleasure akin to
that of a boy with his first top to the ocean
journey planned for next week
Another Fraud Order.
Postmaster General Payne today caused
to be issued fraud order against the Gar
field Musical Company and the Great West
ern Musical Company, both OF Chicago.
They are practically one concern. They
advertised to send choice collection of
sheet music to any one sending 25 cents
and a list Of their friends. Those who COM
piled with the terms OF the advertisement
received instead cheaply printed pamph-
let of a few songs. the whole thing worth
about one-tenth Of the money paid for it.
Eligible List to Be Furnished.
The civil service commission viii here
after furnish the Post Office Department
with a list of eligibles for skilled laborerp
from which appointments may be made.