The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-12-04

M2SG9yytTSAs1,I1ZS9fIV rate Of revenue and
1GfY/ M@///~ expenses obtains un-
wAyAMAKER, tilJuly !, 1893. The
extension of the merit system OF promotion,
so successfully put into operation in tho
department iatoly, to larger pcstof1lces and
railway mail has begun. Much is expected
from it. Referring to the lottery matter,
the postmaster general says the dispropor-
tion of trials and convictions to the num-
Der OF arrests end indictments is accounted
for by the usual delays of the law, and not
to any lack Of Judgment on the
part of the inspectors. He refers to the
action of certain express companies in car
ryinR lottery mails and says he shall
report this question to the attorney general
with the view of obtaining a decision upon
the constitutional question involved. Since
the prohibition of the Louisiana lottery
from the mails foreign lottery companies
have sought to make capital out of the
fact, Under the aupposition that foreign
mails would not be subjected to like sur
voillance with domestic and have greatly
increased their mailing of circulars, etc.
The department is now struggling with the
problem and the evil is decreasing The
postmaster general recounts the success Of
sea postofices in quickening incoming
foreign mails received at New York and
recommends the employment OF a postoffice
steam tug for New York harbor. 1t is
shown by figures that nine-tenths OF the
causes why letters 30 astray are due to the
carelessness of the public, ard Wanamaker
not only c,iaeayors TO show Lgw tha work
of the dead letter office mag be reduced, but
recommends the establishment of q branch
in San Francisco to save time and the ex-
penee of transfer and transfer across the
continent. The postmaster general re-
news his recommendation for a. division Of
the country into postal districts and ad-
duces many reasons why it would be bene-
fcial.
Wanamaker recommends this year the
adaptation of the telephone. as well as tele-
graph, to the postal system. showing that
is is not onlv constitutional privilege, but
tho duty of congress to utilize all means Of
modern science for quiokeuing the trans
mission of intelligence. He argues at much
length on the point; combats the argu-
merts against it, details his struggle with
the Western Union. etc. Wanamaker
recommend it at present. He urges the
abolition of the personal suSetyshlps OF
postmasters, as they are too frequently
under obligations which damage tue SER
vice. He proposes to extend the money
order system everywhere.
1t appears that nearly 5000 miles of ad-
ditionai railway postoifice service have been
established: l 800 miles in Pacific coast
states, $500 i'll other western
states, 2, 400 in southern states, and about
1000 in northeastern states. Special atten-
tion WAS given the Pacific states in reorgan-
izing old routes to meet the rapidly chang
ing centers Of business anu population.
Wanamaker describes the pneumatic tube
systems of Berlin and London and strongly
recommends their adoption in this country.
He insists that they would pay and records
several attempts at the beginning of such a
service.
Much space is devoted to the question Of
rural free delivery, which has been on trial
in forty-slx communities with surprisingly
gratifying results, in the increase of re-
coipts. the service more than supporting,
etc. Numerous arguments are adduced
whythe service should be enlarged and the
recommendation made for the passage OF 4
bill providing for free delivery in towns OF
Il population between 5000 and 10000.
Special delivery service III cities increased
this year one third over the average of the
last four years. Speaking of postal accom-
modations through the country the post
master general says the plan of putting up
expensive public buildings in certain places
and leaving other meritorious towns with
out any is not a good one. Investigations
of tho year adduce plenty OF good reasons
why it would be IL useful. economical and
patriotic thing to build genosally small
public buildings for postotlices. The post
master general argues strongly for system
of postal savings, referring his plan of last
yeas and adding to it.
Bids under the postal aid act are treated
Awards the report addH that to accomplish
the above schedule tho Pacific Mail conf
many will have to spend from $6,000,000 to
$7,O00,O00 for new ships, and the line to the
Argentine renublio, if accepted. will re-
Quire nearly $3,00O.000 for three new ships.
The fortnightiy service 60 China displaces
the English line, which has already ar
eredence that one or more of the very few
American lines would be obliged to go out
of business but for the prospect OF assist
ance from tho government, which now ena-
bles them to compete with other
subsidized lines who otherwise would
monopoiiae tho trade for other countries
IL contracts arc completed with all the
companies whose bids seem in proper form
the service will probably begin from the
first of March, aud the sum necessary to be
appropriated for the remainder OF the fiscal
year will not be more than ~, ,35f, in nd-
dition to the appropriation for sea and in
land postage already put into estimates for
this year. For tho next fiscal year. from
June ao 1892, to Juue 30, 1893 there will
probably be needed $56l, DIS, Tor which ap-
preparation will be necessary, rs the osti-
mRtes for that year only include the amount
of sea and inland postage. The exact
amount cannot be aRoertained until ooh
tracts are executed. 1t ia estimated that
under this act there will be ships Of total
tonnage Of 100000 tons, carrying tho Amari-
can flag, i'll addition to tonnage under the
flag, but not under the act.
the postmaster general recommends the
abolition OF box rents at free delivery Offices
in small places, and on tho one-cant post
age question says: There ID great need Of
wider transportation OF packages by mail,
but / do not urge it until greater and more
needed improvements in the service are