Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-01-14
GOES HIGHER
Resigns Position In Postal De-
partment to Accept an I'M
portant Position
A SPECIAL COMMISSIONER
SPECIAL COMMISSIONER
Will Examine Into the Trade condi-
tions Between Atlantic and Pacific
Coast Points and is Entrusted With
the Task of Determining Policy Of
Managing the Panama Railroad

Bristow, fourth assistant postmaster
general, has rendered to the president
his resignation as an officer of the
postal service, to take effect on the
goth inst. BY an executive order, IS
sued late Thursday afternoon, Prest-
dent Roosevelt designated Mr.. Brls-
tow as a special commissioner to make
an investigation into the present trade
conditions and freight rates between
the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and
between the west coast of South AM
erica and the east coast of the Uni
ted States and Europe, to determine
the best policy of managing the PAN
anna railroad.
The announcement came at the con-
clusion of an extended conference late
yesterday between the president, Sec
rotary Taft, MIR. Bristow and Senator
Long of Kansas. The text of the ord
er issued by the president follows
ut is ordered that Joseph l.. Bris-
tow of Kansas be appointed special
commissioner for the purpose OF visit
ing the ports of the Pacific coast, the
isthmus of Panama, New York and
such other ports as may be necessary
to make an investigation into the pre-
sent trade conditions and freight rates
between the Atlantic and Pacific
coasts, across the isthmus of Panama
and between the west coast of South
America and the east coast of the
United States and Europe. for the pur-
pose Of determining the best policy to
be pursued in the management of the
Panama railroad company.
"He is authorized to employ for this
purpose stenographer at not exceed
ing SIS q day, and his actual and neces-
sary expenses, and to take evidence OF
all persons whose knowledge of trade
conditions or rates will assist In reach
ing the necessary conclusion.
1.-THE secretary of war will furnish
to the special commissioner letter OF
instructions, in detail, as to the course
and extent of his Investigations and
as 10 the time when he shall report
his conclusions.
Until his report is Forthcoming, the
commissioner will be allowed his ac-
tual expenses and SIS day. The
president will finally fix his entire
compensation. AS Mr.. Bristow will
need until January 20, 1906 to close .up
matters awaiting his disposition as
fourth assistant postmaster general,
this order will take effect on that date.
The isthmian canal commission Is d.
rected to provide the funds needed In
the execution of this order.
(Signed) Theodore Roosevelt.
Long Under Consideration.
After the conference at the white
house Senator Long said that the
transfer of Mr.. Bristow from the post
office department to work in connec-
ton with the proposed isthmian' canal
had been under consideration for long
time.
Secretary Taft" said the senator,
desired to utilize Mr.. Bristow's serv-
ices in connection with the work OF
constructing the canal and has had
the idea In mind of appointing him a
commissioner to investigate trade and
freight conditions ever since he return
ed from the Isthmus of Panama. The
president readily acceded to Secretary
Taft's suggestion and, as the work Will
be entirely congenial, Mr.. BrlstoW mas
accepted the new position.
Mr.. Bristow has had interviews with
the president and. Secretary Taft re-
garding the matter, but his final deter
mination was not reached until yester-
day. His decision to accept the special
commissionership was fastened, it Is
understood by the transfer Thursday Of
the division of postoffice inspectors
from the bureau of the fourth assist
ant postmaster general to the direct
control Of the postmaster general him
self. Mr., Bristow regarded the issu-
ance of the order of transfer of the
division as a reflection upon him. That
the order as to the inspectors division
was not issued with the idea of humil-
iating Mr.. Bristow is evidenced by the
presidents action yesterday.
Mr.. Bristow will continue as fourth
assistant until the Goth instant, when
he will enter Immediately upon his
new task. He has not considered yet
definite plans for the work and will
not undertake to map out such plans
until actively on his new duties.