Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1882-11-02
Fer he Bsscon.1
4 VTsR 10 TIE WASHINGTON CTTY
POST OFFICE.

DfsEce OF Washington, which from
the name, many persons would infer
was only for Washington City. but
not %. II i the Grand Distributing
Office Of the whole country, and Is
conducted By Col. D. b. Ainger
as p M-. Of whom all speak ia the
Highest seFAa. espesss those saS
come directly under his supervision.
No one eau conceive an idea of how
many heads and hands this business
has to be done by before it reaches
the part which We have to call the
iaborer or working section Now we
will see-we can only compare it to
great machine. This section is in
charge of Col. Ainger. the engi-
neer, and Mr.. NJ. NJ. Parker, his as
sisiant, man of fine business, quail
cations, fully capable to take charge
Of and run the great engine, if need
he, iD the absence Of the chief. Now,
these two great engineers are running
the engine with safety and ability,
but something else is needed. What
is it The pilot whose business it is
to see that everything is clear, then
60 ahead. and ahead it goes, with Mr.
Horace p. Springer, as Superinten-
dent, whose walchIul eye is ever look
ing to every interest 10 facilitate with
speed aud accuracy the immense la
Dor which has to be performed. Now,
while am simply naming those gem
tlemen, who are really the heads OF
this great business, must not forget
Mr.. Geo. II. Plant, and if You could
only see him. you would think he
was plant ready to bloom before
the brilliant rays of a morning sun.
Though strict to his official duties, he
he has words of encouragement. and
his genial appearance will win the
esteem of all with whom he may come
in contact.
But expect my readers are get
ting tired Of reading what, perhaps,
they feel no interest in. l merely
give this poor description for those
who have not the facilities of admit
tance, as all persons are not entitled to
view the private or working depart
ment of this branch of the govern
lnent business. will now give, as far
/ am able, but it would take an abler
head or better pensman to do it well,
a minute description of this immense
business, employing as it does, about
three hundred and twenty-five hands,
and / believe they are nearly all
men, as | saw only three or four la
dies passing about the Office, and they,
/ believe, were employed at the tele-
graph tables. Their nimble fingers
are better adapted to such business
| than the clumsier ones of men.
Well, come to it at last. In pass
ing through the building, first comes
the distribution room, in which each
State aud Territory has its depart
ment for selecting, stamping and dis
tributing the mail to be dispatched.
1t reminds one of beehive, so full il
is of glass and little holes, pigeon. holes
l believe they are called. with the
busy bees in mems shapes. They
work day and night, but instead OF
making honey, they are carrying
things from one place to another,
W Wrapped in paper. sealed, and heated
or given a few stamps, which / thought
very cruel. but it is done so quickly,
it don't hurt much, and it reminds
one Of the sound of tip. tap, so fast
does the hand move with the cancel
or, but. Messrs. Editors, I thought
was in a scrape, for while viewing tbs
stamping process, just in my rear
not three PAGES from me, | heard /
peculiar noise, and turning, saw whai
l supposed to be two internal ma
chimes turned on me for my intrusion
into those parts. Well. knew wa
dead. all chopped up for mince-meat
to be sold next day for sausage.
| After getting over my scare,
found on examination they were ais
cancelling machines as out came tn
letters and postal cards. Although
worked by hand, they reminded N
of steam hay cutter, chopping ha,
for fifty or q hundred horses. so fas
did they come ont. From this room
l passed into what is called the Dis
patching room. in which the mail
are received and dispatched. Well
| don't know what 70 compare thi
room to. it is encountered with $
many different articles.
Nail pouches or bags are in pile
aud are continually being emptie
and filed Here again is q perfec
lpuzzle. While. those men are illin