The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-11-29

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2S.-The annual
report Of Postmaster General Bissell,
which was made public to day, shows in
the briefest space consistent with
proper understanding of the subjects
treated, the operation of the department
during the last fiscal year. The report
indicates that the department has been
conducted on strictly business princi-
pies, and that in this respect, as in
others, General Bissell's administra-
ton has been very successful.
The most has been made Of the funds
available and it is also demonstrated
that during the first year Of his admin
tstration, Notwithstanding the changes
that have been made, the efficiency of
the service in every department has
actually been increased. Hitherto the
first year Of new administration has
shown material lowering of the stand
ard Of efficiency from that of the pre-.
vious year.
The financial statement shows that
the deficiency for the year ended June
30, 1893. was S5,l77,171, instead Of
Sl,552, 423, as estimated by Mr.. Wana.
maker, and that instead of surplus of
s72.245 for the current fiscal year, as
estimated, there will be an estimated
deficiency of S7,s30.47O The Post.
master General estimates the gross
revenues for the fiscal year ending June
80, 1895, at Ss4 ,427,74S and the gross
estimated expenditures at 500. 3o9 ass.
leaving an estimated deficiency of
1871, 736, which, however, will be de-
creased 81, $50, 600 from funds taken from
the unpaid money order accounts.
The Postmaster General adopts the
recommendations previously made pub
lie adverse to the extension of tho ex-
perimental free delivery system. The
estimated free delivery deficiency
amounts to $4,000. He suggests that
postal notes be abolished and that the
rates charged for all domestic money
orders should be reduced and the form
of order simplified.
Regarding ocean mails subsidy, the
Postm aster General says that no ls un-
able to ascertain that any positive ad
vantages have accrued from either mai
or commercial point Of view, by reason
| OF the contracts thus far put in opera.
ton under the act of March 8, 1891, and
that therefore no new contracts have
been entered into.
Mr.. Bissell states that the financial
depression greatly diminished the
volume of postal receipts. He does not
think, however, that the large deficiency
should have deterrent effect upon the
general development of the service nor
induce an increase of postal rates.
He recommends the enactment OF a
law which will permit postmasters,
with consent of the Postmaster General,
to suspend employees for ten days with.
out pay for violation of the rules, and
of an act which will permit the Post
master General to grant leave Of not
more than three months with full pay
to any carrier or clerk disabled by
casualty while in performance of duty.
The important rule established BY
Mr.. Bissell that fourth-class post
masters shall not be removed before
the expiration OF four years OF incum-
brency unless for causes shown, will, he
thinks, have a tendency to dignity the
office by placing it on par with Presi-
Dental Offices as to tenure.
Secretary Hoke Smith, who for the
last ten days has been confined TO his
home by reason of the illness of his son
with scarlet fever, was at his desk in
the Interior Department to day. The
son is entirely out of danger and the
Secretary has the assurance of the
health officer that there can be no pos
sible risk to others in his resuming
work at the department.
The President has appointed Col. L.
5. Otis, Twentieth Infantry, to be q
brigadier general in the army to succeed
General Carlin, recently retired.