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Holmes Conrad, an attorney, reports to President Roosevelt on charges in the post office affair that were begun by charges made by Seymour Wilcox Tulloch. Conrad comments on the progress of the investigation, and the status of the indictments indictments currently found.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-21
Charles J. Bonaparte informs President Roosevelt that he has sought copies of the files about Seymour Wilcox Tulloch’s charges against the postal administration; he and Holmes Conrad will report to Roosevelt about it as soon as possible. Per a conversation with Darwin R. James of the Board of Indian Commissioners, Bonaparte shares that Secretary of the Interior Ethan Allen Hitchcock “finally consented” to publish unchanged a report from the Board, and Bonaparte has urged James to ask Roosevelt that these reports always be printed as their “subjection to a censorship” by the Interior Department is “more objectionable than their entire suppression.” Bonaparte also reports that Hitchcock refused, as was the custom, to publish with the Board’s report the proceedings of the last “Mohawk Conference of the Friends of the Indian,” a decision Bonaparte finds regrettable as the precedent is clear, the expense negligible, and the discussions of the Conference considerable. He feels the incident will place the Department in “a position of needless antagonism.” Bonaparte concludes by noting the enclosure of his letter to Archbishop P. J. Ryan of Philadelphia regarding the withdrawal of rations the previous autumn from Native American children attending religious schools. Bonaparte will try to obtain a copy of a pamphlet circulated among Catholics on this subject.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-22
Newspaper article summarizing recent developments with the post office investigation being conducted by Fourth Assistant Postmaster General Bristow. Postmaster General Payne is departing for a cruise due to ill health.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-15
It is recommended that special assistants be appointed to assist in the post office cases.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-22
Postmaster General Payne encloses a clipping from the Washington Times that reveals private information from a letter President Roosevelt wrote to the Post Office department. Payne has scheduled an interview with the Third Assistant Postmaster General Edwin C. Madden, the person who is responsible for the article.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-29
E. C. Howland summarizes the investigation of the Post Office Department and theorizes where the investigation is headed. He credits President Theodore Roosevelt and Postmaster General Henry C. Payne for launching and maintaining a thorough and just investigation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-13
James Sullivan Clarkson is upset that New York newspapers have been attacking Postmaster General Henry C. Payne while praising Assistant Postmaster General Robert John Wynne in the ongoing postal investigation. In contrast to what the newspapers are saying, Clarkson credits Payne with leading the investigation as earnestly as could be expected of any man.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-14
Senator Lodge writes to President Roosevelt about Assistant Postmaster General Robert John Wynne’s political troubles. After speaking with Postmaster General Henry C. Payne, Lodge knows for certain that “Wynne’s one idea was to get on the best terms with the P.M.G.,” and the important figure in the investigation of the scandals is Fourth Assistant Postmaster General Joseph L. Bristow. Lodge likes Payne but believes that his judgment is wrong. Lodge does not want to see Wynne removed from office and fears the press will misinterpret the action if he is removed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-19
Charles Emory Smith thanks President Roosevelt for a previous letter. Smith does not agree with the way the Associated Press dealt with Postmaster General Henry C. Payne, including issuing the Joseph L. Bristow letters to the public the previous week. Smith has decided it is necessary for him to personally present the matter in the appropriate light. Smith includes a copy of the article he has written for Roosevelt’s judgment. Smith proposes a meeting with Roosevelt when he is in Washington, D.C., later that week.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-23
Postmaster General Payne encloses correspondence resulting in August W. Machen taking leave and Assistant Postmaster Bristow taking charge of the free delivery system. He reassures President Roosevelt that he is determined to see the investigation through and expects to be satisfied with the results.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-16
Senator Lodge discusses the ongoing investigations of the Post Office scandal. He asks President Roosevelt to review a copy of a newspaper article by Walter Wellman of the Chicago Record-Herald. Lodge asserts that the publication is critical of him because of his defense of Assistant Postmaster General Robert John Wynne, who, the article seems to imply, might lose his position because of the scandal. Lodge describes having met the president’s wife and sister when he spoke at the Groton School. Lodge also refers to the Ohio intrigue over the state Republican Party’s resolution to nominate President Roosevelt as their candidate in 1904. It pitted Senator Foraker against Senator Hanna.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-30
Senator Lodge encloses an objectionable article which he ties to Wilbur F. Wakeman. He is concerned that Postmaster General Payne does not fully appreciate the importance of post office matters which have received a great deal of press attention recently. Lodge is disappointed with the falling out between Senator Platt and Governor Odell.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-04-18
Senator Lodge is concerned about various scandals surrounding the Post Office department and how it will reflect on Postmaster General Henry C. Payne who does not seem to Lodge to recognize the severity of the situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-02
Postmaster General Payne orders August W. Machen to take a leave of absence and hand over control of the Division of Free Delivery to M. C. Fosnes during the investigation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-08
Senator Lodge provides his thoughts on the Post Office investigation. He hopes that Grover Cleveland is the Democratic nominee but doubts it will happen.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-11
Postmaster General Payne provides his understanding of the confusion surrounding the transfer of confidential papers. Payne turned the package of papers unopened over to General Bristow.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-30
Olin Templin’s letter to Joseph L. Bristow should be consulted regarding George Washington Ellis’s application for secretary of the Liberian consulate. Secretary of State Hay’s attention has been called to the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-06-24
Secretary of State Root sends several documents relating to Cuba and Estes G. Rathbone. Root recommends the documents be sent to Attorney General Philander C. Knox with the Bristow and Lawshe reports.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-09
Overview of correspondence between Postmaster General Payne, Assistant Postmaster General Bristow, and Representative Overstreet regarding postal service reports.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-16
William Allen White encourages the appointment of Cyrus Leland as pension agent. White examines other potential appointees for President Roosevelt. He also indicates that William McKinley had promised the position to Leland.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-10