St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-03-02
The Retiring Postmaster
Loads Down the Employees
With Advice
On the Occasion OF the Amen
tiles Connected With the
Change.
Rev. Peyton Morgan Greeted
by the Members of His
New Flock.
Rather Disappointing Was the
New York Symphony
Concert.

OdpU. I16uIy IA. CdStic StcppSu illiO
the postoffiee and took charge yester-
day, and Col William Lee retired from
the position of postmaster, which he
has filled for four years and two months
with credit to the business interests.
An agreeable surprise was in store for
the ex-postmaster in the shape Of a
token of esteem from the employees.
About 8 o'clock yesterday after
noon a bulky package was carried
into the p0Stmaster's room, where the
new and the retiring chief we're discuss
ing affairs of the Office. Following the
package came the heads of departments,
the clerical force and mail carriers to
the number of 150 or more. Superin-
addressing Col. Lee said that the at
taches had determined to bear testi-
mOny of their regards by presenting
him with an easy chair and foot rest.
When the wrapplngS were removed an
elegant leather sleepy hollow" chair
and alr-clshioned foot rest were dis
played, which were presented to the eX-
postmaster on behalf of the employees.
Col. Lee showed considerable agitation
when he arose to respond, and his voice
was someW hat trembling when he began
to speak. as follows:
MIR. Superintendent and Friends:
This occasion admOniSheS us that the
time has come for the separation of our
business relations. Through life there
are many periods we can look back to
with pleasure, and others we would
gladly blot from our memories. The
race of life to some of us has been
heightened much beyond the average
oil ntl0f in
trial; but, my friends, let our daily prac-
tice be right aud let us be thankful for
the good bestowed, and then we can
we'll afford to give passing attention to
the unpleasant inroadS to life. No four
years of my life have more the seeming
of day than the four years have been
associated with you, and l shall ever
look back to them with great satisfac-
ton. In my business relations with
you have always Striven to do what
was right between the government and
the employee. You may have felt that
at times | hive been too eXacting; if so,
/ it was an error of judgment Oh my past,
for i'll all rulings your interest was
never lost sight of. My experience tells
me there Is much in the postalf
service that is very attractive to one
that Is employed in any department.,
And the emplOye that does not be-
come interested in his part of the great,
work has made mistake, and his Ses
lection Of employment in the poStoffice
will prove unfortunate to him and un--
profitable to the service. | will call att
tentiOn of the clerical force to the fact
that under present orders there is es7
tablished civil service board for pro-
motion. Therefore your promotion de7
Ponds upon careful and prompt atten7
ton to business, upon adaptability for
the position you occupy, and upon POI
lite attention to the wishes of the
patrons of the office. But all this is in,
your own keeping, and [ hope to hear
that one and all OF you have improved
this opportunity. 7ie
my friends, in making a change of
the head of the office, it is very natural
you should have some anxiety, at least
curiosity, to know what this new head
is like. And as it is not out of place
for me to say a few words in relation to
my successor, as | have known him for
about a quarter of century, have no
doubt you will accept, and he will not
object to what say. Mr.. Castle is an
old and respected citizen of st. Paul,
he has great faith in the growth
and the great prosperity for the
future of the city, and you
will find him looking closely after the
interest of the citizens. lie will expect
you to watch the business interest with
untlring attention. The way to do this
well is to give your undivided attention
to your business: give the patrons of
the Office good service, and you will not
only receive the commentator of your
postmaster, but the citizens generally
and the heads of the different depart
ments of the postal service.
'sThe presentation by you of this beau
tiful souvenir is another proof of your
kind consideration, and l assure you it
is fully appreciated and will be properly
preserved. The good fellowship it sug-
gests is the gratifying thought with me-.
Time is called; our business relations
are to be severed. What is in store for
us in the future we know not. But |
hope all of us will feel like cnltivating
for the future satisfying patience by
keeping in mind our pleasant social and
business relations for the past four
years. AS | expect to see you often,
you will excuse me for not saying for.
NAL farewell, but accept that informal
goOd-day as a warrant of continued
friendship"
After the address by Col. Lee the en-
ployes were severally introduced to
Postmaster Castle by Capt. Hardaere
and Superintendent Of Mails Negaard.
The new postmaster gave each Of the
employees Il cordial grasp of the hand as
they filed out of the room to resume
their duties. Capt. Castle subsequently
expressed his purpose not to make any
immediate changes in the force of at
tachees. DR.. David Day, who was post
master for over twelve years preceding
Mr.. Lee, dropped in after the presenta-
ton and seated himself in the new
chair, began to discuss artistic farming
with the new postmaster and the man
who has joined him in becoming an ex-
official.