“A signal triumph for the cause of good government”: rooting out scandal in the TR-era postal service
James Bruns describes the corrupt practices, investigation, and trial of August W. Machen, a high ranking official of the Post Office Department. Bruns details the various schemes, bribes, and kickbacks that enabled Machen to become a rich man on a meager salary, and he covers the 1904 trial that led to Machen’s conviction, along with others involved in his schemes. Bruns highlights President Theodore Roosevelt’s pleasure in the outcome of the investigation and trial.
The essay is illustrated with seven courtroom drawings by Clifford Kennedy Berryman and one political cartoon.