The Indianapolis Journal

MINOR MATTERS.
Mr. Mason's Grievance Against the Chief Clerk of the Postoffice Department.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22.—Mr. Mason of Illinois, rising to a question of privilege in the House to-day, said that some days ago a resolution had been adopted, alleging that a certain gentleman had been fraudulently using the mails to create a sentiment in favor of the Conger lard bill, and calling on the Postoffice Department for information on the subject. The resolution had been sent to the Postoffice Department with the request that the papers in regard to the matter be transmitted promptly. This had not been done. He had called at the department three or four times, and had been informed that probably the papers would not be sent up until Saturday night. Then they would be of no use as the previous question on the bill was ordered at 4 P. M. to-morrow. His charge was that improper influence had been brought to bear upon a department of the government to retain certain papers in its possession. Influence, social or political, had been brought to bear to withhold from the members of the House information in regard to pending legislation. The chief clerk of the Postoffice Department had denied him access to the papers for the purpose of making copies of them for use in the debate. He wanted the facts brought before the House, and he moved that a committee of three members be appointed to wait upon the Postmaster-general and ask that the papers be furnished in time to be used in the debate. Before any action was taken the House took a recess.