The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-03-07
Curious Throngs Gather
At Station to See
Former POStOhice
Official.
Wife and Daughters
Shower Kisses on the
Former Official as
He Reaches Home.

Without the slightest trace Of excite
ment or emotion. August W. Machen.
formerly superintendent Of the rural
free delivery division of the Postonice
Department, who was convicted Of con-
spiracy in connection with postal frauds
In 1904, arrived in Washington, at noon
today, free man.
A score Of friends met MaChen at the
railroad station and pressed about HIM
10 offer congratulations and to shake
hands with the man who was returning
home after serving a sentence of three
years and one month for conspiracy in
connection with the postal frauds.
Machen received the greetings with
smile, but refused 10 stop for a mo-
ment and surrounded by two or three
intimate friends he hurried out OF the
station and into an automobile which
was waiting 10 convey him to his
nome az 700 Fifteenth street.
Glad to Be Back.
Il am glad to ge. back, of course.
said Machen happily to the group about
him. I have been away a long time
il seems ages-and now that am home
the past is behind me and 1 am going
10 begin all over again. Please excuse
AT y -chen's home there was G. scene
that for short time affected MaChen
so much that he lost control of himself.
Although they knew that he would not
arrive until about / o'clock Mrs.
Machen and her four daughters had
been watching and waiting at the win
COWS since early in the morning. The
-cur girls, with their pretty faces
raven black hair and black eyes were
dressed with all the care of a mother
who was determined that the fathers
heart would be- Eladdeued az the sight
OF the children he loved So wetE end
VINO nad grown amazingly in size and
beauty since he was taken from their
side more than three years ago. Each
or -Aem wore patent leather shoes
pure white stockings, and pretty pink
frocks.
Leap Into Fathers Arms.
AS the automobile raced up to the
door Of the house the children. who had
been grouped in a window watching
for its arrival, rushed down the stairs
and leaFed into their fathers arms.
Tie children smOrhered him with kisses
and MaCaen, SOOu affected by the dem
onstratlons of love that had been de-
MED him for so long, was overcome
with the happiness which filed his
AearJ' Tears flowed down his cheeks.
Greets His Wife.
MIS-. MacheE remained in the Vestf-
bule of the house and as soon as her
husband could disentangle himself from
the clinging children ne rushed TO her. /
The friends who accompanied Machen
left as soon as he entered the house /
in order that he might enjoy without /
interruption the family reunion which 1
has been his dream for the past few
days.
Machen had no difficulty in going to /
sleep soon after he boarded the Ralti- I
more and Ohio train al MOundsviIe /
When he turned in for the night the /
rain was beating against the windows /
As soon as he awOke this mOraing he /
snatcled aside the curtains and the /
sun lighted up his berth.
That's a fine beginning" SAID Machen /
enthusiastically
During the long ride the former. Post
office official said little regarding his
future plans further than he had out
lined just prior to his release from the
penitentiary.
Begins Life Anew.
I am going to begin life anew" he
said. "and shall remain in Washington.
That is my home. The people there
know me and 1 believe that I will be
given square deal when / once moro
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