The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-01-13
BRiSTOW MAY QUIT.
His Enemies Are Rejoicing Over Their
Final Triumph.

washington, Jan. 13.-No other re-
cent departmental order has caused
so much comment and speculation
here as the transfer of the pOstofice
inspectors from the fourth assistant
postmaster generals bureau to the di-
rect control of the postmaster general.
General Bristow's numerous enemies
are highly elated. His friends are in
dignant. 1t is improbable that Gen
eraI Bristow will consent to remain in
his present position. 1t had been his
intention for months to return to KAN
sas before the close of the present ad-
nlinistration and the action of Post
master General Wynne will hasten his
resignation. General Wynne said that
he regarded it as essential for the
proper transaction of postofice busi-
ness that the inspectors should report
directly to the head of the depart
''The inspectors are the ears and
eyes of the department" explained
General Wynne, "and the order was
elusion that the postmaster general
should deal directly with these Of
fcers.''
General Bristow knew nothing
about the transfer from his depart
ment until after it had been decided
upon When the announcement was
made he refused to discuss the situa-
ton for publication. But his indigna-
ton was apparent and he made little
effort to conceal it. Between General
Wynne and General Bristow there
have never been cordial relations.
Neither has publicly shown his dis
like for the other, but the confidential
friends of both have thoroughly un-
derstood the situation.
No other public official has ever
withstood the IRE that has been
ieveled at General Bristow. Since the
beginning of the exposure Of the Gu
ban frauds there has been a deter
mined effort to secure his removal.
Mckinley, as president, stood by Bris-
tow even in the face of Senator Han
ma opposition Neely and Rathbone
had numerous friends among public
men and Perry Heath. who was also
criticised in the Bristow report was
very popular in congressional circles.
A dozen senators at that time swore
they would get Bristow's scalp"
Almost on the heels of the Cuban in
vestlgation came the investigation of
departmental methods of Machen,
Beavers and Tyner. The president
sent for Bristow and told him to make
the investigation thoroughly Twenty
or thirty men were indicted and many
OF them were convicted. There was
also a report about members of con-
fress who had asked for favors. Much
OF II was written by subordinates in
General Bristows office and trans
lLillleu IN the mass OF papers sent to
the printer. But the crowd which had
sworn to get even with Bristow was
sWelIed to mammoth proportions. One
OF the richest and most powerful of
the members of the Pennsylvania dele
cation said at this time:
We will get even with that fellow,
even if we have to wait until Roose-
welt has gone out of Office. If he goes
to Kansas and runs for senator we will
be there to beat him.
The public has almost forgotten the
incidents which followed the congress
slonal disclosures. But the members
or congress themselves have not for
gotten them There is fll-concealed
JOY throughout this camp Bristow' S
fangs have been drawn. without the
inspectors his bureau, as a reform
agency, is emasculated. General
Wynne will retire from the postoh1ce
department March T. He is slated as
consul general to London and will be
succeeded in the postoff1ce department
by George B. Cortelyou. The transfer
OF the 200 postofhce inspectors win
make Mr.. Cortelyou's administration
more personal than that Of any for
mer postmaster general