The semi-weekly messenger., 1904-04-15

IDtTSOH dHenuInSnl 10 the pOSIO1Qce
appropriation bill, providing for a
commission to investigate the post
office department was before the SEN
ate all of to-day, and after being
ruled out of order, was pending in
modified form when the Senate ad-
ljourned. Mr.. German made an ear
NEST plea for an investigation, say
ling the postoffice department had
cast reflections upon members of
congress, and that a thorough exami-
lnation should be had. Mr.. Aldrich
answered that the amendment as f.
lnally modified meant nothing; that if
should be "a live one He said that
lff any specific charges were brought
i'm they should be looked into by Con-
lgress, but that the demand should
preparation bill. Semi political
speeches were made by Messrs. Teller
and Simmons
Mr.. Teller said Fourth Assistant
PostmasterGeneral Bristow had
Stated that Beavers got only $500
and Machen $4,000, and yet the
government had been defrauded of
IA total of s3,2O0,OOO. 1t was this
amount in which there was interest
There was high authority for saying
the postofflce department ought to
be investigated fully. The Presi-
dent and his two attorneys had said
this. Yet the Republicans of the
Senate had begged the question and
declared there was nothing further
Ito be investigated. Referring to the
icharge made few days ago, that the
Democrats did not know who their
candidate for the presidency would
be, Mr.. Teller said:
| NO, Mr.. President, we do not
know whether it will be Cleveland,
Parker, Hearst or Bryan. The Dem
locratic party never knows who it is
going to nominate until after it's con-
lvention meets
Mr.. Simmons answered the recent
speech of Mr.. Spooner, who defended
General Payne from what he termed
Ious remarks. Mr.. Simmons de-
lclared to-day that his remarks in
relation to the reluctance of the
Ipostoffice department to undertake an
Investigation referred to hesitancy on
1.-THE part of former PoStmaster-Gen-
leral Smith and not to the present
lpostmaster-gene Mr.. Payne. He
reiterated, however, his belief that
1.-THE investigation had been delayed
land also that the present postmaster
general had not treated fairly the
loffer of S. w. Tulloch to give testi-
lmony in regard to conditions in the
department This act OF discourage
iment said Mr.. Simmons, was calcu-
Hated to deter the work of unearthine
1.-THE scandals in the department. Re-
turning to his speech Of a fortnight
lago, when he referred to the Selec-
idon by the Democrats OF a candidate
lfor the presidency, Mr.. Simmons said
Ihe had been charged with advocating
enumerated the qualifications he ha6
demanded. such as, a calm, wei
lpoised disposition and mind, judicia
and conservative temperament, and
asked whether that would be re-
lgarded a neutral man.
Turning to- the Republican side, ht
said he supposed the candidat,
wanted was one who would overturr
laffairs of the goth century, make new
laws when the present ones do no
succeed, and the treaties with for
leigh countries without the advice o.
Iconsent of the Senate. He said tn,
Icountry has witnessed the spectacle
lof a President held up on the on
hand as a trust buster and on tn,
lother as n safe man for business in
lterests. I'VE have had the specta
!cIe of the only original trust buster
Ithe attorney-gene-al, who has actet
las Lord High EXecutioner, and
score or more assistants" said MI
simmons, land they have manage
ito find two trusts to prosecute"
Continuing MF. Simmons aske[
I'What do the people want-a NAL
who will execute their will, or
man who will bend them to hi
wi1?"
Speaking of the demands for Con
gressional investigation Of executiv
departments, Mr.. Simmons said, IL
Iwere found upon a thorough exami
nation that the department was fire
rom frauds, it would result in bene
iit to the Republican party. and per
lhaps injury to the Democratic party
Mr.. Simmons reviewed the investi
igation in the poStoffice department
particularly in reference to the ca