The great West. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1889-18??, 1889-11-01
BETTER POSTAL SERVICE.

O1VlSIOu inspectors u THO 1OSIOAAC0
Department Hold . Conference.
WASHINGTON, Specialize conference of
division inspectors Of the postof1co depart
ment, which has been in session during the
last ten days in the Office of Chief Inspector
Rathbone. has adjourned and the inspectors
have returned to their respective stations
The object Of the conference was general
interchange of views upon large number OF
subjects suggested by Chief Inspector Rath-
bone and other officials Of the postofice de-
partment, including the inspectors them
selves The subject of registering package
envelopes and the treatment OF registered
matter generally were discussed at some
length. and as q result. system of consecu-
tive endorsements by all persons through
whose hands the packages pass was adopted.
1t appears that the regulations now in force
require that all persons who handle q regis
tered package. from the time it starts
from the originating Office until 10
reaches the person for whom it is intended
at its final destination shall sign their names
to the envelope in consecutive order, noting
the time received and the condition in which
the package is found This regulation, how
ever, has not been strictly enforced En-
ployes are in the habit of signing their
names with hand stamp without any spe-
cial reference to consecutive order, SO that it
has been utterly impossible in many cases to
follow the course of the package and SO fix
the responsibility for loss Hereafter strict
observance of this regulation will be re-
quired. As to the registered package envel-
ope no change was recommended. although
it was the opinion of the inspectors present
that the one now in use
IS ENTIRELY DEFICIENT
in several important particulars. What Is
generally needed ia an envelope which can
not be rif1ed without showing signs of hav
ing been tempered with :.'he envelope Low
in use, it is said. could be opened, the con-
tents removed and the envelope resealed
with great ease, and il skillfuliy done ba files
detec zion. The inspectors will give this sub
ject further study, and any suggestions for
improvement in registered envelopes will be
at once communicated to The department.
The book of instructions furnished the in
spectors was discussed and Thoroughly re-
vised A uniform system of bookkeeping,
reports. blanks. etc, was adopted. The SUBJ
ject of the creation of two new divisions was
considered, but no change was made further
that to recommend the employment of adj
ditional clerks ut each division headquarters.
A large part OF the time of the conference
was devoted to discussion of the means and
methods to be adopted in the detection OF
crime and the conviction and punishment of
persons violating the postal law. During the
session the conference was addressed by
Postmaster General Wanamaker. First As
sisJant Postmaster General Clarksou, Second
Assistant Whitfield and Third Assistant
Hazen. Assist ant Attorney General Tyner and
a number Of the bureau officers, each ex-
planning in what particular his branch Of the
service could be improved through the Co
operation of the inspectors The conference.
it is believed, will result in permanent good
to the service generally, and in all probable
ity the division inspectors will hereafter be
called together for conference and consulta-
ton at least once year.