The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-12-23
DEFERRED MATTER.
The Postal Service.

The Postal Service.
ssThe report OF Postmaster-Ge General Jewell "a
clear and busincss-like statement OF the affairs
Of his department, which. under its present
vigorous and efficient administration, has made
very satisfactory progress toward economy ana
perfect working order in all branches OF the
service. Mr.. Jewell displays most comment
dabe anxiety to promote the public interest,
both in the extension OF postal facilities and in
retrenchment of unnecessary expenditures
His report shows, among other things, a reduc-
ton of the deficiency of the postal revenues by
more than half million dollars. 1.-THE other
hand, the revenues during the last fiscal year,
having sympathized with the general depres
over those Of the preceding year of only l.l3
Der cent, the smallest increase for many years.
Placing a moderate estimate OH the expected
revenues for the next fiscal year, Mr.. Jewell
anticipates deficiency exceeding eight mill
lions OF dollars. This estimate is based upon
existing laws and upon the present state Of
business j; but if business should revive, and if
the laws in regard to the compensation OF
postnasters should be modified in accordance
with Mr.. JEWELS recommendations, he is con-
fident that the deficiency for that year will be
very much less than the estimates. AS the
Postoffice is not carried on by the government
as source of revenue, it must necessarily per-
form great deal of service at loss, especially
in the scantily settled portions of the South
and West I: but as it is the means OF dissenina-
ting intelligence among the people, the col'n-
try will cheerfully bear the outlay, provided 1T
can feel assured that the money has been judi
cionsly expended, and every economy practi-
ced which can be enforced without injury to
the service.
The country will applaud the Postmaster
Generals recommendation for the repeal OF
the odio,,s and unjust law enacted during the
closing hours Of the last Congress, by Which
the rate Of postage on transient newspapers
and periodicals, books, printed matter of all
sorts, Autographs ard maps. sheet music, nho-
tograplis, and manuscripts designed for publi-
cation was advanced to one cent ar ounce, and
that the old rate one cent for two ounces, be
restored. There can be little doubt that Con-
gless will adopt a recommendation not only
just but universally demanded by the people.
In regard g tLa. ast.pf June p, 1874, reqni-
periodical publications mailed from known OIL
ces of publication or news agencies, and adj
dressed to regular subscribers or news agents,
which went into effect Oh the LIST Of January,
1875, Mr.. Jewell saysthat. from present indl-
~ fnct
first calendar year. This is not material vari-
alton from the average results OF the old law,
though during the last year in which this lat
ter was in operation the amount was increased
by the payment OF postage on newspapers cIl-
culatihg within the county of publications.
requirement that was discontinued at the end
of one year. s.While, therefore, Mr.. Jewell
adds, sstherc has been no increase in the aggre-
gate receipts, there has been a larger net gain
by saving the commissions on collections al
lowed by the old law, as under the present law
the great bulk Of postage is paid at the large
Offices whose salaries are not affected by this
item Under the old law there was 10 check
to insure collections at the office ofdestinatlon,
and the consequence was that much matter
went unpaid and it is satisfaction that urder
the present more equitable mode the universal
collections have made up for the reduction in
the rates. So admirable has been the work
ing OF the new system in all its results that Mr.
Jewell recommends that no change be made
course which will give general satisfaction.
Mr., Jewell repeats the recommendation
made by his predecessor in his annual report
for 1873, that any person be permitted, without
additional charge, TO write a presentation in
any other matter OF The third class aud also
that the sender of any package be permitted,
without additional charge. to write his name
and address on the outside thereof, with the
word ssfrom'' above or preceding the same, so
as to inform the person addressed Of the name
| Of the sender, and to write briefly OH pack
| age the number and name OF the articles en-
closed. The adoption of this recommendation
| by Congress is certainly demanded by popular
sentiment, and no adequate reason can be ul-
ged against it,
| Such is the brief resume of the Post Master
Generals report and the commentator aecor-
ded from so influential and widely circulated !;
4 Ffo'iSaeWii 90 LAof HCf . - cohty' L lobttois
there never has been at the head of the Pos
Office Department. gentleman who so thor
onghly comprehended the design..of that branci
of the service aud whose administration of it.
affairs were in such admirably harmony will
the popular understanding OF what the posta
service should be. 1t is a Bureau peculiarly
1 identified with. the people, and requiring mint
well versed in practical craftsmanship to dilec
its affairs, so that the primary and controllin.
| object Of its organization should be encompass
ed, Gov. Jewell seems to catch in this entire
scope and purpose, andin the gener:li plan ant
ramified details. addresses himself to the opel
ations OF the postalseryice to the attainment o
the popular ends contemplated.
There is no department Of tile public service
so intimately associated with the business o
the people, that requires more care and study
in its proper management, and whose success
calls for broader understanding of admins
trative obligations, and a more uncompron,i
sing regard to the efficiency and honesty 0
/ those interested with the carrying out Of tn
general purpose.
suppose then delegate Massey gives us i