Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-11-29


in his financial statements show that
the deficiency for the year ending June
30, 1898. was S5,177,171, instead OF
81, $50, 423 as estimated by Mr.. Wana-
maker; and that instead Of q surplus OF
Ss72, 945 for the current fiscal year as
estimated by Mr.. Wanamaker, there
will be an estimated deficiency
of s., $50, 473. The Postmaster
General estimates the gross revenue
for the fiscal year ending June 80, 1895,
at S4,497,74s, and the gross expendi-
lures at 500, 500, 4s5, leaving an esti-
mated deficiency Of S5,97l, 7S6, which,
however. will be decreased Sl,250, 600
from the fund taken from the unpaid
money order accounts. Although there
are 90 additional postoffices now enti-
tied TO the free delivery service, the
absence of appropriation for extension
renders impossible the establishment OF
the system In even one OF theS0-toWns.
There are now 6l0
FREE DELIVERY OFFICES.
After a thorough trial OF two and
one-half years the experiments in free
delivery tried in forty-eight towns OF
populations ranging from 600 to 1000
have not proved the desirabllIty Of
establishing the system generally, which
the Postmaster General estimates would
necessitate an annual outlay of Sl0,-
600, 900.
The appropriation Of 500 made
for the trial of rural free delivery has
been found inadequate for a fair test
and the plan is not approved.
The Postmaster General by one stroke
has settled the caraier over time ques-
tlon under the 8 hour law. Claims for
over time amounting to nearly million
dollars were on file In the department
when he assumed his duties. Under
his order OF April 4th, however, post
masters have been held so strictly ac-
countaole for the time OF their carriers
that the making of over time has prac-
tically ceased. He suggests that postal
notes be abolished and the sales charged
for all domestic money orders should be
reduced and the form Of order simpli.
fed.
Great Improvement Is noticeable In
the Star railroad and steamboat trans
portation service, the length OF routes
being 453, ,s32. SO miles.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL
states that his desire is that wherever
the general service can be advanced,
use should be made Of rapid transit
city aud suburban car lines. He pays
particular attention TO the railway
N all service, and the requirements OF
this year will, he estimates. call for an
increase of employees from 6,645 men TO
1000 men. He urges such legislation
as will provide reasonable sun TO be
uaid to the widows aud minor children
OF railway mail clerks killed while on
duty, and estimates that $4,000 an
nually will be sufficient for this purpose.
There has been marked increase In
the special delivery business, the entire
number Of such pieces OF mail matter
delivered being 3,375,693 an Increase
over last year OF % per cent.
The department carried last year
3O1. 900, 900 pounds OF second class mat.
ter, an increase of IA per cent. Con-
cerning this, the Postmaster General
remarks that he is afraid that this indi-
Gates not so much healthy growth In
the periodical literature OF the conntry
as the success Of enterprising publish
ers I'm securing the entry OF many pub
locations into this favored class that are
really not
ENTITLED TO THE PRIVILEGE.
While Mr.. Wanamaker estimated that
the profits from the sale OF Columbian
postage stamps would be 81, 500, 600,
Mr.. Blssell's estimates is only $1,000
600.
On June 30, 1898, there were 6s,403
postoffices in the United States, an In
crease Of I,2s4 over the previous year.
There are 3, 800 presidential postofices,
a net increase Of 1863 Offices.
The Postmaster General devotes con-
siderable space 70 the discussion Of
civil service reform. There are 2s.324
employees in the classified civil service
in the Postofiiee establishment OF the
government.
Probably the most important order
made by Mr. Bissell Is the one which
declares that postmasters shall devote
their time to the duties Of their Office.
In this connection be stated that the
time passed when Postofice appoint
ment should be held as a political
sinecure.
In commenting Oh the 2.s32 removals
made by the last administration in the
railway mail service Mr.. Bissell says:
This action was the heaviest blow
ever dealt the civil service law since
the effect Of it was to debaF experienced
clerks from the service and TO protect
In their positions large number OF
INEXPERIENCED NEW APPoISTEEs.
at is not 10 be wondered a. that the
emploYes thus sunnarily dismissed re-
earded the law itself as hateful OBJ
structIou 70 fair treatment and justice.
/ This sentiment has recently been en-
nhasized 10 the case of many who hope
for reinstatement upon discovering that
the intervening four years have 80 Tar
advanced their ages that they now are
Ineligible even for examination under
the age limit. In this connection. how
ever. it Is TO be observed that OF the
es2 persons appointed, as 1 have
stated. less than oDe-half were 10 the
service on March z. 1898.
The SECURITY OF the registered mail Il
shown by the fact that Of the l4,335.57t
nIeces carried during the year actDs
/ loss was found IN only 1,546 cases Of =
4 Q23 complaints investigated.
NotHlihstatdiDg lack Of needsf