The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-05-18

upon it as another manifestation of
the relations existing between Perry
S. Heath and Mr.. Bristow."
Continuing, Mr.. Tulloch says.
Residents of Washington remember
we'll receiving a few years since an
official letter from the postmaster at
Washington, recommending and SEEM
ingly requiring the purchase of an ex-
pensive house house collection and
delivery mail box to be attached to
their front doors. Many persons
bought these boxes. This box was the
property of individuals or an individual
company. 1t was always supposed
that certain departmental officials took
more than passing interest in it, in
connection with certain other promi-
nent perSonages. 1t was a wen known
regulation of the department that, un-
der no circumstances could the post
master or any employee inform anyone
with regard to the address or resi-
dence of any person or resident of the
city. Yet the agents of this box, On the
refusal of the postmaster to furnish
addresses, brought an order from the
Office of the first assistant postmaster
general, directing the turning over of
the letter carriers route books to these
agents. The postmaster Intellectually
protested against the unauthorized use
of his name.'
Two Jobs, With Little to Do.
Mr.. Tulloch goes at length into the
appointment of Oliver H. Smith as
laborer in one division and mechanic
in another division, and says Smith
did little work in either division. Smith
was a friend of Mr.. Heath from Mum
Gle. Ind.
Mr.. Tulloch gives hearsay informa-
ton to the effect that he had been in
formed that seven men in the mailing
division were to be promoted July l,
1899, if they would divide with high
postal officials. He says that very in
teresting verbal directions were often
given the Washington postoffice. He
names the two women who were ap
pointed charwomen at 5000 a year, the
verbal order being that the names of
the women should not appear upon the
pay roll; that the parties designated
should not know that the other was
in receipt of any money or had any
connection with the office Neither of
them was expected to report for any
duty. This complimentary roll was
added to later.
Mr.. Tulloch says that the classical
ton act of March 2, 1889, was ignored
by First Assistant Postmaster General
Heath, and that sundry persons des-
ignated as finance clerks, auditors, etc.
were paid illegally from 5000 to $500
each per annum over their lawful sal
aries.
With only one or two exceptions, Mr.
Tulloch says, the appointments as
cleaners, charwomen, laborers, etc,
were evasions of the civil service, and
the parties did not perform the duties
implied in their official designations;
often no service whatever.
How 1t Was Done in Porto Rico.
Mr.. Tulloch cites the case of one
Porto Rican postmaster who when
sharply called down for irregularities
in his money order account, wrote
back: Perhaps if you knew who my
influence is you would not write to
me in such a manner He says when
he was removed many offices in Porto
Rico were in arrears. and asks if the
government has proceeded against
their bonds.
Much has been said by ex-Postmas-
ter General Smith," Mr.. Tulloch adds,
"ex-Assistant Postmaster General Per
ry S. Heath and Controller Tracewell
in public interviews about the exgen-
cies of the military postal service But
did these exigencies require the per-
Sonal investigation of so many Indi-
ana, Ohio and other politicians and
friends of officials? Free trips to Por-
to Rico, Cuba and return became the
fashion. All expenses were paid from
the time of leaving home, Pullman,
hotels, etc, then a pleasant voyage
upon transport a trip around one or
more of the islands, expenses to Wash
ington and hotel bills there, while
friends and officials were informed of
their observations; then Pullman and
passage home.
This was pretty good thing in it.
self, but the generous Office of the first
assistant not only paid all expenses,
but a good salary as well during the
period of investigation, the salary
sometimes lasting for weeks and
months after the return of
the recipient, while no possible service
was being rendered"
Mr.. Tulloch names a number of per-
sons who were paid various amounts
of the military service fund. He says
the examination in April, 1892 by T.
w. Giln1er, an expert accountant of the
Washington postoffice, resulted in dis
allowance of $50, 900 to 1000 for that
quarter. and says the reply to the dis
allowance was framed by Assistant
Postmaster General Heath and that
finally Mr.. Gilmer was ordered to take
up any accounts except those of New
York citV and Washington