The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-01-14
Exchanges His Present Position
for a Better One.
VIII Become Presidents Right
Hand Man on Canal.
PLACE MADE FOR HIM.
Both Roosevelt and Taft Needed
His Services.
Special Commissioner to Invss-
tigate Isthmian Trade.

Washington, Jan. 14.=Joseph L.
Bristow, fourth assistant postmasteR
general. has rendered to the president
his resignation as an officer Of the
postal service, to take effect on jan
uary 20 By an executive order,
President Roosevelt designated Mr..
Bristow as a special commissioner to
make an investigation into the present
trade conditions, and freight rates
between the Atlantic and the Pacific
coasts and between the west coast OF
South America and the east coast OF
the United States and of Europe, to
determine the best policy of manag-
ing the Panama railroad.
The announcement came at the con-
clusion of an extended conference OF
the president, Secretary Taft Mr..
BristoW and Senator Long of Kansas.
The order. issued by the president
says In addition to the foregoing:
He is authorized to employ for this
purpose stenOgrapher at not exceed
ing 50 a 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.
The secretary of war will furnish to
the special commissioner a letter of in
structions, in detail as to the course
and extent of his investigation and 40
TO the time when he shall report his
conclusions.
Until his report is forthcoming. the
commissioner will be allowed his actual
expenses and SIS a day. The president
win finally fix his entire compensation.
The 1sthmian canal commission is di-
rected to provide the funds needed in
the execution Of this order.'
After the conference at the White
House Senator Long said that the
transfer OF Mr.. Brfstow from the postof-
fee department to work ia Connection,
With the isthmtan canal had been under
consideration for a long time.
Secretary Taft said the senator
desired to utilize Mr.. Brtstow's Service
in connection with the work of con-
structing the canal, and has had the
idea In mind Of appointing him a COM
missioner to investigate trade conditions
ever since he returned from the Isthunus
OF Panama. The president readily ac-
ceded to Secretary Taft's suggestion
and, as the work will be entirely con-
genial. Mr.. Bristow has accepted the
new position"
Mr. Bristow has had interviews with
the president and Secretary Taft re-
garding the affair, but his final de-
termination was not reached until yes
terday. His decision to accept the spec
iaI commissiOnership was hastened, il
is said, by the transfer OF the division
of postofiee inspectors from the bureau
of the fourth assistant postmaster gen
eral to the direct control of the post
master general himself. Mr.. Bristow
regarded the issuance Of the order OF
on him. That the order as to the in
spectors' division was not issued with
the idea OF humiliating MI Bristow is
evidenced by the presidents action.
Mr.. Bristow will continue as fourth
assistant postmaster general until
January 20.
Mr.. Bristow and his friends regard
the change in the nature of a promo
ton. The duties which will devolvs
upon him are looked upon as Of great
er Importance since the action taken
by the president in recommending the
reduction in the membership of the
canal commission from seven to three.
The result Of this change viii be to
place the president virtually in COM
mand of the commission and It is said
that Mr.. BristoW will become the e1-
ecutive hand Of the president in ac-
quainting him with all questions re-
lating to the Panama railroad and the
Pacific and Atlantic steamships run in
conjunction with the road.
Mr.. Bristow said: 1.-The duties which
have been given me will undoubtedly
include a special investigation in this
and the isthmus, of every re-
latio of the Panama railroad. This will
involve Investigations in New York
city in South American ports and
along the isthmus. / suppose It viii
1evolve upon me to figure on the reia-
ship lines-both those owned by the
and those which have been
operating under a contract with the
railroad company on the Pacific side
Of the isthmus. There is nothing more
to be added to the statement given out
from the White House. I viii close up
ny affairs at the postoffice department
and tender my resignation, to take ef-
feet on the goth inst"