The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-03-18
BRISTOW SAYS.
DisaVOws Responsibility for Re-
port Involving Congress.
Only First Seven Pages Accepts
as His Own.
AT HEATH'S DOOR.
BIames Him for Not Investigat-
ing Congressional Requests.
Throws Light on the Clerk Hire
Clause.

Washington, March 1S.-Fourth AS
sistant Postmaster General Bristow in
testifying before the house special
committee on the postoffice report
claimed for himself responsibility for
only the first seven pages of the re-
port, which was sent to the ppstoffice
committee, and said the other portions
of the document were the work of 9TH
er officials Of the department
The clerk hire section, he said, was
prepared in the office of the first as
sistant postmaster general, and that
part relating to leases by inspectors
and others in his own department.
Mr.. Bristows testimony throws con-
siderable light on all phases of the in
CURRY. He practically cleared mem
bers OF congress from wrong doing
touching the clerk hire section of the
report by stating that it was the duty
Of the first assistants office to ascer-
tain the condition of the work in an
Office where an increase had been rec
commended.
Mr.. Bristow was asked particularly
as to how the committee was to get
possession of certain of the confden-
tial exhibits connected with his report
on the postoffice investigation. These
exhibits have been kept secret because
e their bearing on pending prosecu-
lions. They were used in making up
the report touching members that was
submitted to the house. Mr. Bristow
told the committee the reports would
be submitted to it for confidential in
spection.
In regard to the secret methods used
by the department to ascertain the
amount of clerk hire to which an Of
fee was entitled, Mr.. Bristow said he
had asked First Assistant Postmaster
General Wynne about this and Mr..
Wynne had said that the method
was not made known to the public,
but if a member of congress made in
quiry he was shown the method.
Taking up the question of leases, Mr..
Mccall asked an explanation of the
case relating to Manhattan, Kas., in
connection with which Representative
Calderhead's name was mentioned. Mr..
Mccall asked If the increased amount
secured was not for furniture.
Furniture was provided for in the
original lease" was the answer.
AS to the Lawrence. Kas., case. in
volving Representative Bowersock's
name, it developed that there had
been a reduction in the rent of this
Office some time prior to Mr.. Bower
socks election to congress.
In answer to Chairman Mccall and
Representative McDermOtt. Mr.. BriS-
tow said ha knew none other thar
these four cases in which the statute
might have been violated.
That is" he continued. mo othel
such case touching members of the
present congress-"
to the duties of the fourth assistan
postmaster general and then took u!
the cases of Erie. Kas.. for which i
appears Mr.. Bristow secured increased
clerk hire which was afterWard ascer
tanned not iustifable.
In what manner did you do that?'
Mr.. Bristow said that he referred tn,
matter to the first assistant postmaste
general, with the understanding that
would be investigated and allowed i
warranted.
s'Who was first assistant postmaste
Reneral2''
Mr.. Heath"
why did you not make this investi
cation yourself2"
Because it was not a part of m,
duties
We'll if you. being right in tn
building, had to rely on the investiga
ton of the first assistant in such a case
was not a member Of congress in tn
same position?"
why, certainly" answered Mr.. Bris
tow. he was supposed to pass on thes
cases on their merits"
Asked if he could not have detailed a