New-York tribune., 1905-01-14

Mr. Bristow as special commissioner to make
an investigation into the trade conditions and
freight rates between the Atlantic and Pacific
coasts. and between the west coast OF South
America and the east coast of the United states
and Europe, to determine the best policy Of
managing the Panama Railroad.
The announcement came at the close Of an
extended conference between the President Sec
retary Taft. Mr., Bristow and Senator Long. OF
Kansas The text of the order issued by he
President follows:
1t is ordered that Joseph L. Bristow of KAN
sas be appointed a special commissioner for
the purpose of visiting the ports of the Pa
ciilc Coast. the IsthT1us of Panama. New-YOrk,
and such other ports as may be necessary. to
make an investigation into the present trade
conditions and freight rates between the At
Iantic ana Pacific COssts. 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 purpose Of determining the
best policy TO be pursued in the management OF
the Panan'a Railroad Company. He is author
lied to employ for this purpose a stenOgrapher
at not exceeding 50 a day and his actual and
necessary expenses. and to take evidence Of all
persons whose knowledge of trade conditions or
rates Will assist in reaching the necessary con-
cluSiOnS The Secretary Of War will fl,rnish
TO the special commissioner a letter OF instruc-
uons in detail as to the course and extent OF
MS investigation and as 10 the time when he
shall report his conclusions.
Until this report is forthcoming the commits
s1oner viii be allowed his actual expenses and
SO day. The President win finally fix his
entire compensation. As Mr. BTiStOw will need
until January 20 1905 10 close u, matters
awaiting his disposition Fourth Assistant
Postmaster General this order will take effact
on that date The Isthn1ian Canal Commission
is directed TO provide the funds needed in the
execution Of this order
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
FASTENED BY CLASH WITH wYNNE.
After the conference at the White House Sen
ator Long said that the transfer of Mr.. Bristozr
from the Postoffice Department TO work in con-
nection with the isthmian canal had been under
consideration for long time.
Secretary Taft" said the Senator. desired
TO utilize Mr. Bristow's services 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 returned from the 18th
mus OF Panama. The President readily ac-
ceded to Secretary Taft's suggestion and. as
the work will be Sicily congenia1 Mr. Bristow
has accepted the new position"
Mr. Bristow has had interviews with the
President and Secretary Taft regarding the
transfer. but his final determination was not
reached until to-day. His decision to accept
the special comnissionership was FASTENED II
is understood by the transfer yesterday of thu
division of postohiee inspectors from the bureau
Of the Fourth Assistant Postmaster General to
the direct control OF the Postmaster General
Mr.. Bristow regarded the transfer OF the divi-
sion as a reflection on him That the order was
not issued with the idea OF humiliating Mr.
Bristow is shown by the Presidents action
to-day
Mr.. BTistow VIII continue as Fourth Assistant
until the 10Th. when he will Immediately take
up his new duties. He has not considered
definite plans for the work. and viii not UNDER
take to map out any plans until he enters ae-
ffx-alVr on new task Detailed fusfrtroffo,,
have not yet been transmitted by Secretary
Taft to Mr.. Bristow. but viii be prepared by
January 20 The information TO be obtained
through this method Of inquiry VIII. il Is be-
liered, be OF vast importance 10 the government
In It's operation Of the Panama Railroad. and
the thoroughness with which sIr. Bristow con-
Quoted his branch Of the postofice investigatioa