The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-12-07
OUR POSTAL SYSTEM.
Its Advantages, Progress, and status. a.
Viewed by the Postmaster-G General.

Its Advantages, Progress, and status, as
Viewed by the Postmaster-Gene
Postmas;er-Geueral Bissell in his annual re-
port says that 500 399, 485 will be required to
conduct the postal service next year. and that
tire revenues will fall short of this sum to the
amount Of So.9I1 136.
He recommends the adjustment. Of postal
notes and reduction of rates for domestic money
ORDERS
He pays particular attention TO the railway
mail service, aud the requirements this year
will, he estimates. call for an increase of en-
ployes from 66I5 men TO 1000 men.
Mr.. Bissell says of the ocean mail Subsidy that
he is unable to ascertain that any positive adj
vautaces have accrued from either mail or
commercial point of view by reason of The con-
tracts thus far put in operation under the act
of March 3 1891. and that therefore no new
contracts have been entered Into.s
The Worlds Fair postofice was success.
The gross receipts during the six months of its
Continuance were S6i.33562. or equal to the
postal business of city of $4,000 inhabitants
The total number of pieces of mail matter
handled WAS 10 1888.
The ratio OF errors to correctly distribute
pieces of mail matter is IS one to Z, IA.
.' ! have long been a finn believer in the APP
plication of the merit system in the selection
of employees for subordinate positions in the
public service" says Mr.. Bissell. Eight
months of practical experience at the head Of
the PUstoiiice Department. tends strongly to
confirm my belief in the bene1cence OF the
Civil Service law. Indeed, so great have be-
como the proportions of this Department and
the magnitude OF its operations that. IN my
Judgment, IL would be matter of practical
imp0ssIbIlity 10 conduct its affairs with any
near approach TO IFS present degree of efficiency
without tbs benefit and protection Of this law.
I" j am in favor OF the further extension Of
the civil service law in the postal service, and
will very soon have some specific requests 10
present for your consideration. If there were
no other or better reas0n&or the rigid maiBte-
nance Of this law thxn that by means Of its
immunity is gained. to that extent from the
| importantly for appointments ia the public
servics il would still be worth the while to
CONTINUE it in force, although L hold that
through continuous service in positions Of this
class efficiency is greatly enhanced.
"If the services shall continue to grow in
| the future as in the past the time will soon
come when it will be impossible for the Post
| N sister General to attend both TO the appoint
| ment of Postaastsrs and also to the business of
| the Postofioe Department. Any change in the
| present system, 10y extending the term of Post
masters OF all classes, by placing their selec-
| tfon with tho people In the several localities,
| would DO welcome relief to the officers of the
| Post0fice Department and place the power OF
| selection with the people, where it more prop
| crly belongs"
| The Postmaster General devotes considerable
| space TO recon men dations for a new PostolIice
! Department building and recommends the
adoption of a So stem providing Superintend-
eut for each State. to DO assisted by Inspectors
| he to make visitations and report direct to
| Waslinptnu