Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-05-27
FROM WASHINGTON.

| III SenaUOT ldhho thihA0 ~ -"
beat Roosevelt he's mistaken. l be-
lieye the West would bolt any other
nominee. He is simply idolized in my
State" So said Page Morris, Min
nesota ex-Congressman, now Federal
Judge. He expressed one view of the
situation that had become quite general.
No matter what may be said by Hanna,
in the sight of many he appears to have
attempted to thwart the nomination OF
Roosevelt. Washington does not al
together look upon it that way, but
even the wisest of the quidnuncs confess
to an unsatisfed longing to know the
whole truth. Why did Hanna do it ?
Why did he, the political martinez, who
never hesitated to ride rough-shod over
those who placed themselves in his way,
WIN did he himself throw himself Ill
the path Of the shrieking locomotive and
undertake to accomplish the impossible?
Hanna alone can tell Thus far he re-
mains silent. The unconditional sur
render made by the senator following
the Presidents announcement Of the is
sue, caused surprise in some quarters,
but as a rule was not unexpected. 1t
was believed that Senator Hanna would
realize that there was nothing else to do.
Senator Foraker looked confidently to
this solution. at has cleared the air
and in the light of benefcent result we
shall accept it as wholly commendable, "
he says, with mock magnanimity. There
is no longer any talk that an effort will
be made by the Hanna wing of the Ohio
republican party to prevent him from
acting as permanent chairman OF the
convention, June 8 and 4. He will be
there, as permanent chairman. AS tenn
porarv chairman Senator Hanna will
sound the keynote in his speech, but he
will have to look well to his laurels. BY
his coup Senator Foraker has rehabili-
tated himself with large part of the
lighting element. Postmaster Gene
raj Payne has taken occasion to say a
few words to remove the charge of sus-
picion that had been registered opposite
his name He processes great happiness
at the outcome.
After serving for ten years in one OF
the most important and influential Of
fees in the government, that of superin-
tendent of the free delivery, August W.
Machen, of Ohio, was arrested today on
the charge of bribery and participating
in government contracts to his own adj
vantage and detriment of the govern
ment to the extent of many thousands
of dollars. Fourth Assistant Postmaster
General Bristow, in whose Office the ar
rest took place at o'clock this after
noon. makes the following statement
"Mr. Machen is charged with receiving
brides amounting in all to $22, 900 in
connection with contract held by Croft
Bros, of Washington, d. c., for a patent
fastener used on street letter boxes,
known as the Croft fastener. The Post
Office Department has in the,past ten years
used about $3.50, 600 worth Of these fast
eners and it is shown by ample evidence
that for the past three years at least Mr..
Machen has been receiving forty per cent
of the amounts paid to the Grofs. The
transaction of the business was conducted
by Diller B. Croft, who controls the
patent of his brother, Samuel A.
Croft, policeman. Mr.. Machen was
Immediately taken in the custody OF
deputy U. S. Marshal to the
City Hall to appear before U. S. Com
missioner Mills.
At 2:45 this afternoon the Postmaster
General issued the following order ::
August w. Machen, is today removed
from the position as general superinten-
dent of the free delivery system. His
removal is made by reason of malfeas-
ance on his part in the discharge of the
duties of his Office.
Later this afternoon United States
Commissioner Taylor released Mr.. Ma
chen in $40, 900 bond given by the Union
Safety Guarantee Company of Philadel-
phia. He will be defended by Attorneys
Douglas & Douglas, who gained con-
siderable prominence last year by de-
Tending Mrs BONNIE charges with the
murder of James S. Ayres. Mrs. BONNIE
was acquitted.
Reports from the Health Commission
of the Philippine Islands received today
at the War Department show the alarm
ing ravages made by cholera during the
past year. The total number Of cases
that have appeared since the beginning
of the epidemic last year, is 131, $40;
deaths SO, 2S2, showing mortality CT 63
per cent. Smallpox is said to prevail at
noopy Doin 70 in tho archinala0o