The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1881-12-01
The Postmastcr.ienersps Report.

The report of Postmaster General James for
the fiscal year ending June 80 states the cX-
pendtures of his department at $39, 25l 1856 lG,
and its revenues at S36,7S5, ,39G97, showing
deficit of 50, 4G6, 1873. 40, which was covered 10y
an appropriation of $4,000, 900 made by Con
gress.
The number Of letters mailed was 1,0iL 107,-
34S. The registry and money order systems
are rapidly increasing in popularity, and the
receipts much exceed their expenses. Mr.
James recommends that the fee for the issue of
money orders for sums not exceeding So bore
duced from ten cents to five cents, and that tho
maximum limit of the amount of an order be
raised to 800. He also recommends a new
form of postal order, to he engraved upon bank
paper its value to be punCtured as well as writ
ten out, and which shall be payable to bearer
at tho designated 'postoflico any ;imo within
thIco months after date. Mr.. James concurs
with the recommendations of his predecessors
in favor of tho establishment of postal savings
banks.
Mr.. James holds that the cost of star service
ought to decrease rapidly. Reductions of OK
penso in this particular amount to 81 ,llI.75 for
the year. He says:
"a minute Investigation into alleged abuses
in the star route service was instituted by di-
rectiou of the lato President, and is still being
prosecuted. The postCflice department has CO.
operated, andswill continue to cooperate, with
the department of justice i'll this investigation.
No one who has not been directly concerned i'll
the matter can fully appreciate the magnitude
Of the undertaking, the mass of record evidence
examined, the difficulties of personal invest-
sation in parsuly-sottled territories and tho
results attained by the patient and intelligent
lsbors Of the inspectors of this department.
There can be no doubt, from the facts already
ascertained, that the existing statutes leave the
way opened 10 great abuses aud that there is
abundant ground for asking judicial investi
cation of the transactions OF the last few
years"
Mr. James thinks that not only can the post
ofice department be made selt-sustaining, but
hat within three years reduction OF letter
postage from three to two cents will be posi-
lie. This could be accomplished he declares
bv proper economies and by cca-ing 10 load
down the mails with bulk, and Improbable
third and fourth class matter. Unless this
matter, principally merchandise, is excluded,
the pay of the principal trunk lines Will have
to be largely increased.
Mr.. James thinks, however, that the ma
iority of railroads are overpaid, and the pay
for this service should be readjusted. He
says:
az had hoped to be able to submit the out
line of legislation which believe would accom-
plish great saving in the cost Of the railway
mail service, improve its efficiency, and be sat
isfactory to the country, the department and
the railroad companies. The sad events of the
past summer rendered the accomplishment Of
this duty impossible"
Mr.. James thinks that salaries of postmasters
in towns of 1000 and less are too large. He
recommends increased pay for auxiliary letter
carriers and for the postmGsters in large cities
In conclusion Mr.. James argues that to
secure efficient service the method of appoint
ments to minor Offices should be made indie
pendent of personal or pprtisan influence.
The number of postrnasteS, contractors,
clerks in postonices railway postofliCe clerks,
route agents and other officers in the service
June 80, 1881, was 61 .444.