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Postal inspectors

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Letter from William R. Willcox to William Loeb

Letter from William R. Willcox to William Loeb

New York City Postmaster William R. Willcox writes William Loeb regarding the incident of a person of color, postal clerk A. D. Guerrant, being fired for insubordination. Willcox disagrees with the letter Congressman Herbert Parsons sent to President Theodore Roosevelt alleging that Guerrant had been the victim of racial discrimination. Willcox outlines the case, defends the decisions of the other department managers, and denies strongly the accusation that the New York Post Office discriminates or makes hiring or promotion decisions based on anything but merit.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-05

Creator(s)

Willcox, William R. (William Russell), 1863-1940

“A signal triumph for the cause of good government”: rooting out scandal in the TR-era postal service

“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.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

2007