New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-04-17
THE P0STMASTER-GENERAL AND THE

The Postmaster-General has issued on order
which will meet with the hearty approval Of the
newspapers Of the country without regard 70
party. Before the Cleveland Administration came
in correspondents at many points were accustomed
to write for the newspapers which they represented
up TO the time Of the departure Of the railway
trains which were 10 carry their letters to the
home Office. These letters being too early or too
late for the mails, were entrusted to trainmen.
In virtue OF this privilege q correspondent often
saved an hour or more OF valuable time, and
thus was enabled 20 send along news later than
that which he could get in the mailbag of the
day. It was n privilege greatly appreciated
especially by the smaller papers, since 1t not
only saved them time but their telegraph bills.
Postal accommodation WINS not of the
strong points OF tho late Administration. In fact
ns everybody Is aware, IL had q genius for dis
organizing the postal service and depriving 1t
OF its efficiency. II IL not strange, therefore,
that during the days OF Mr.. Cleveland an order
should have gone forth prohibiting trainmen
from receiving or delivering these newspaper
letters. We forget upon what the order was
based, but IL must have been on REFORM Ger
tainly It was not based common sense or
desire 20 promote the public convenience. 10
increased the expenses Of good many country
newspapers, and caused them good deal Of
annoyance, while IL conferred no corresponding
benefit upon anybody In n word il was the
sort Of reform which the Democracy was
accustomed 10 deal out. especially from its Post
Office Department during its four years of rule.
Postmnsier-General Wanamaker has rescinded
the obnoxious order. He did so, IL is understood,
on the application OF Russell b. Harrison, who,
being q newspaper man, was able TO speak feel
lngly on the subject; while Mr.. Harrison reports
that the initiative OF the movement which led to
tho rescission came from Mr. Bailey, the Editor
OF The Utica Observer" Mr.. Bailey has been
an earnest Democrat. Whether, as he contem-
plates this good point OF Republican Administra-
ton, he will have the conviction borne in upon
him that his politics have been an error remains
to be seen. Here is the order:
Postoffoe Department,
Washington, ID. c., April 3, 1850.
Hon. Russell u. Harrison, Executive Mansion.
Sir: l have 10 acknowledge the receipt of your
letter OF the 10th umo IN reference % tho carriage
trainman, and 10 advise you that the Postohlce De
psrtment has insisted that IL Is unlawful to
carry by express private carriage such manuscript
as Is intended for publication, when accompanied
by any matter In the nature OF personal correspond.
Mere news matter prepared by the correspond
entS OF the press for the columns of their papers
under this ruling be carried by express or otherwise
than In tho malls.
nut II any matter in the nature Of personal cor.
respondence Is enclosed with such manuscript, il
only DO carried under covcr OF Government stamped
envelope. Very respectfully,
JOHN wANAMAKkR Postmaster General
This is just and sensible, and not only will
be read with great satisfaction by newspaper
men, but will meet with the general approval.
The Postmaster-G eneral begins we'll