Postal inspectors

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1899-08-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Recipient

Bristow, Joseph L. (Joseph Little), 1861-1944

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

President Roosevelt thanks George H. Waterbury for his letter, and agrees with the experience that Waterbury has had as a post office inspector, namely that public officials are more likely to be led astray by friends than by the attacks of enemies.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-01-19

President Roosevelt directs Assistant Attorney General Robb to thoroughly investigate all branches of the New York Post Office and to immediately report any abuses.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-16

Representative Parsons discusses the appointment of a postmaster in New York City, New York, with President Roosevelt. Parsons outlines his opposition to Edward M. Morgan as postmaster.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-07-08

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

Postmaster-General Wynne asks William Loeb to inform President Roosevelt that Wynne has ordered the post office inspector to report to Saint Paul, Minnesota, to receive further telegraphic instructions.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-10-19