Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-01-09

Kerry =. 1iedtn was bitterly aSSailed
ana Former Postmaster General Smith
was criticized by the Democratic mem
bers. The Senate adjourned until Mon
day.
When the Senate met Scott, CIV.
NaD. offered q joint resolution pro-
VldIny for an lnVt StiGation Of the Da-
rien canal route. He made 4 brief
speech in support Of a proposition for
a sea level canal stating that such Il
water way would he only 50 miles in
length. The route never had be- n
carefully investigated by engineers
but he felt sure that Wncn il was
thoroughly examined it would be found
that ii was wholly practicable. He
sail that the tunnel which Il sea level
canal would require was not impos-
sinle in this day Of electricity and in
vrntlOn.
l;acon interrupted to ask where the
proposed canal was to be located in
view of recent geographical changes
III south American
1T is in the state OF Panama" re-
marked Stewart. about $50 mile,
from Colnmbia."
Scott said that although he had al
WAYS believed in 4 sea level waterway
he had hesitated TO pre- the matter
because he might be accused OF an
,fiort t. delay and hinder the con-
StuctloE ot Il canal. but such Was not
his purpose. He wanted 4 canal bu;
wanted the hest one. He asked that
;hr committees on inter-Oceanic canals
make an early report upon the resolu-
ton he had presented.
The Scott resolution was referred to
the con Mittec Oh intcr-cccani.. canals.
The resolution for an investigation
of the post office DEPARTMENT was then
taken up. Simmons On. c.. said X
was clearly the purpose OF the Replib-
leans not to permit any further in
qiiry into the frauds and scandals OF
the department. He predicted that
hen the resolutions came back from
the Senate committee they would be
defeated by practically the unani-
nous vote of the Republicans 1t was
apparent, he said. that no further in
vestigation would be permitted on the
eve OF Il presidential election.
Speaking of the Blistow inquiry.
SinIl.ons said the Republicans OF that
inquiry showed it to be one directed
solely into crimes committed within
the department and that the various
bureaus ws-re not subjected to the
general search for disclosure of irreg-
ularities not punishable as crimes
/ do not charge that every branch
Of the department is reeking with
fr.,n hA hut vii h., III,
cult to convince the people that such
is not the case The investigation that
has been had is merely Of a local
character"
simmons male the point that the
frauds exposed hy Mr.. Bristow in near
ly every instance form n civil liability
and that government funds which had
been wasted should be recovered in 4
court of law.
Tilman said that 4 number Of years
ago he had asked that rural free de-
livery boxes be supplied to farmers at
cost. and that he had submitted q sam
pie box. which sold for so cents. This
box, said Tillnan, was furnished later
at $1.25 and $3.50 each. lie wanted
to know whether any investigation Of
this case had been made.
Simmons answered that the Bristow
report exposed many such cases.
Simmons referred TO Former Assist
ant Postmaster General Heath and said
that there was every reason why an
inquiry should be directed to find out
hat his DnneCtiOns were with the |
post Office "candals. He did not say
Perry Heath was guilty, but if he was
not connected with the frauds he was |
surrounded by the most curious seq of |
circumstances that had ever been |
known. Simmons also criticized For !
mer Postmaster General Smith because |
he did not investigate the Tulloch |
charges.
When Simmons concluded. Plat, CT, |
said il had been charged by tie Demo-
cratic senators il direct terms that if |
any investigation is not had ii would |
be because the Republicans objected |
to the investigation. He said that such
was not the case; that what the Re-
publicans had demanded was tnat the
post Office committee should conduct
an inquiry TO determine whether con-
8ressional investigation is necessary.
Platt criticized the Democrats for
their failure to express one genuine
Continued on page 3D.