The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1891-12-05
Official Report.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2S.-W. j. Pol
lock, superintendent of the free delivery
aystem OF the postofice department made
his report for tho fiscal year ended June
80, 1901. 1t shows that the number Of
free delivery Offices in operation at the
close of the year was 519, an increase OF
IS over the preceding year. The cost OF
this service was 1907, $50, which is $22.-
424 less than the appropriation for that
purpose. The number of carriers en-
ployed on June 80, was 10, 1870. which is
an increase of 1904 during the year.
Local postage for the year
amounts to $11, 174, $50. The num-
Der of pieces of mail handled
was 1906, 1854, 800. Considerable atten-
ton is given in the report to the subject
of overtime claims of carriers under the
act of May "a, 1888; limiting the hours
that carriers shall be employed per day.
The practical result of this act, the re-
port states, has been the cause of the
enormous number of overtime claims.
aggregating nearly a half million Of dol
lars. and this does not by any leans
represent the maximum amount of
claims that are already prepared and
will be fled as o as the adjustment
of the legal question pending has been
had. So many important questions re-
latlng to the construction of the act have
arisen in attempting to adjust
these overtime claims that it
has been deemed best in
ALo s.ko~oek 4$ &ho n~r,sno 90
JUSTICE TO THE CARRIERS
to await the construction of the law by
the court having complete jurisdiction.
The report then goes on TO say: I'm
view, however, of the tendency of the
law to create these overtime elaine, and
certainly Judging from past experience,
that there will arise as long as the ex-
listing system continues, and with the
further unfortunate experience that the
law puts q premium or lettering and in.
efficiency, rather than afording an in.
centive for active and efficient work. !
respectfully suggest the modification of
the existing law that shall provide:
First-That no carrier shall be
required to work in excess of
fifty. one hours in any week of
seven days at any Office having neces-
sery and unavoidable Sunday services
and not in excess of f~orty-eight hours
in any weekof six days where such Sun
day services are not required.
Second-That'in addition to the sal
ary provided by law, letter carriers, after
four years service. may upon a certifi-
cate of the postmaster that they have
been especially faithful and efficient,
from 81, 600 to 81, 200 per annum and
that when letter carriers become IN
faithful and inefficient, or untitled for
active work they shall upon certif-
cate of their respective postmasters
to that effect. be reduced to q lower
grade. commensurate to their service, or
removed, as the equity of their case may
suggest.
Such an amendment would not only
provide just recompense to faithful and
deserving carriers now in the service,
but would tend to enliet some of our
ablest and best young men, and would
stimulate all carriers to earnest efforts
in this important branch of public ser
vice. In many of our offices a large
number of men impose on the younger
men, who are working at q minimum
compensation, the great burden of the
work.