The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-12-01

change of postage is the reduction IN the number
of insuffieently prepaid letters deposited in let
tercarrier postoffces for mailing to other places
At these offices, heretofore, large numbers of
such letters have every year been deposited for
mailing on which the senders have. through in
advertence, prepaid postage to the amount of
cents only-that being the local rate-instead
OF cents. In all such cases. under the law, the
letters have been detained until either the send
ers or addresses have furnished the deficient
postage, failing in which the letters have been
sent to the dead-letter Office Now that the local
rate of postage at these offices is the same as the
general rate, the number of insuficiently pre-
paid letters has very materially decreased, thus
saving large amount of trouble to the post
master, great delay in the transmission of the
letters, and considerable annoyance to both their
senders and receivers.
The report discusses routine matters concern
ing the issue of postage stamps stamped envel-
opes, postal-cards, postage on secondelass mat
ter registration of letters and dead letters.
During the year 3, 414 Offices were established,
an increase of 161 over the preceding year The
number OF departmental officers and employees
is SCI, an increase of 8, as compared with last
year. The number of postmasters and other
officers and agents is 71,67l against ,030 last
year The report then treats of postoffices
sinecures, the free-delivery system, and gives
statistics of postage on local matter Concern
ing postage on local letters the report says:
THE free delivery service has now reached that
period in its history when it is largely self-sus
tanning, the surplus over the entire cost of the
service having gradually increased for the past
ten years until, during the last fiscal year, it
amounted to 81, 273 27825. 1 feel, therefore,
that can with great propriety urge the redue-
ton of postage on local letters to one cent the
single rate The reasons for such reduction
seem to me stronger than those presented for
the reduction of postage on mail letters to two
cents. Letters which are strictly local in char
aeter involve but comparatively little expense to
the department in their handling, and there
fore the impression very generally prevails in
cities where the free delivery service is in opera
ton that the present local rate of postage 1.-TWO
cents) is excessive; at least. that it is immoder
ate, in comparison with the transmission by
mail and delivery by carrier of letter from
New York to San Francisco for the same
amount OF postage.
80 far as known, the reduction of the rate on
mail letters has met with great favor, and the
public undoubtedly believes that it should be the
aim Of prosperous government to reduce the
rates of postage on mail matter whenever prac-
ticable. Considering therefore, the very large
revenue derived from the letter-carrer service
during the past year, the time seems propitious
for reduction of the postage On local letters to
one-hah their present rate am confident that
such change would result in very considerable
increase in the number of local letters mailed,
and that the free-deliVery revenue would not be
again reaching the present amount in few
years"
To facilitate promptness in the delivery of
letters at free-delivery offices, the Postmaster
general recommends the use of special postage
stamp for letters mailed and intended for
special and prompt delivery. "This stamp"
says Mr. Hatton, Should be of the denomina-
ton of 10 cents, and, when affixed to letter, in
addition to TIE proper postage change, should
| insrEe for it as speedy a delivery possible
after its reception at any letter-carrler office.
This outside distribution could be effected by
employing messenger boys, at small salary,
and in such numbers as the circumstances should
warrant" The report then gives figures show
ing receipts at the presidential Offices; recon-
mends an increased appropriation for pay of
clerks; urges that the unit of weight in rating
letters and sealed packages t-class
nlatter--be changed from one half ounce
to one ounce; recommends amendment
Of the law concerning transmission of frst-cass
matter so as TO permit the afixing of labels to
packages and enters upon discussion of official
| bonds Considerable space is given to the queS-
! ton of boxes box rents, etc, and the conclusion
is reached that the general introduction and en-
couragement of these features is desirable.
! Recommendation is made that the law be
| changed so as to permit postmasterS to make
| longer leases of buildings and that Congress
provide for miscellaneous expenses of third class
! Offices. The report then gives figures showing
| the result of the review of salaries paid post
masters at thiId, fourth and fifth class offices,
and summarizes the cost of transportation for
| the past year. Legislation is asked for the i'm
| provement of the star service. Attention is
| called to the difference between the estimates
| and appropriations for the railway mail service
| and recommendation made that the full amount
| of the estimates be granted A revision of the
| laws governing postal transportation by railway
! is urged. Concerning clerks in the railway mail
service the report says:
'All railway postal clerks are appointed for a
| probationary period of six months, during which
| time their fitness and capacity for the service
are tested. They are examined monthly as to
! their knowledge of the postal laws and regula-
lations, as well as the practical workings of their
! Office If, at the expiration of this probation
/ airy period. they have proven themselves compe-
! cent they are giveDa full appointment at class
ore. After appointment in class one, all
! clerks are promoted, according to merit, when
! vacancies occur
! 1T usually takes clerk several years to work
| his way up to class five, which is the highest
| grade The clerks of this class are in charge of
an Office in a car which is known as a railway
postoffice, and usually have several clerks under
| their direction
'There are at the present time about 1000
clerks in the railway mail service many of them
having been so employed great number of
years. The amount of special study that these
| clerks have devoted to the duties of their office
would have made them proficient in almost any
| of the professions Of life.
I'm the very nature of the case, the places of
these skilled clerks, who have made their work a
| life study, cannot be filled with appointees
| without great detriment to the service. The in
| justice to the men themselves might be left out
| Of the question, but the system by which they
have fitted themselves for their posts, and the
maintenance of good service, demand that this
branch of the postal service be continued in the
line Of its present successful development.
las experienced clerks are absolutely indis-
pensable to an efficient service, it could not do
other than work confusion and delay to the
whole mail system of the country if the present
| force should be set aside and new and inexper-
enced men be put IN their places About 30 per
| tory examinations, and are retired. 1t will thus
| be seen that far greater number Of clerks have
| been appointed than are now in the service; but
| by this sitting process the department has Sc
/ cured the most active and efficient clerks. And
| venture to say that no more worthy, compe-