The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-12-06
THE POSTAL SERVICE.
Effect of the business Stringency Felt
deficiency in Receipts.

deficiency i'm Receipts.
The report of the pOstmaster-generalc con-
tains detailed statement of the operations
of the postofice department during the
last fiscal year. and much interesting in
formation touching this important branch
of the public service. The business of the
mails indicate with absolute certainty the
condition of the business Of the country
and depression in financial affairs inevf-
tably and quickly reduces the postal reve-
nues. Therefore a larger discrepancy than
usual between the pOstOftice receipts and
expenditures is the expected and unavoid-
able result of the distressing stringency
which has prevailed throughout the coun-
try during much of the time covered by
the pOStmaster-general report. At "A date
when better times We're anticipated it was
estimated by his predecessor that the def
cheney on the SOth day of June 1893. would
be but a little over 81 100000. Ii amounted
however, 10 more than 100000. At the
same time and under the influence Of
like anticipations, estimates were made for
the current fiscal year ending June 80. 1891
which exhibited a surplus Of revenue over
expenditures Of SSl2. 2f5.7l; but now. in view
of the actual receipts and expenditures
during that part Of the current fiscal year
already expired, the present postmaster
general estimates that at its close instead
or a surplus, there will be deficiency of
nearly SS0o0.co.
The pOstOffice receipts for the last fiscal
year amounted to So. SEQ, 933 Is. and its ex-
penditureS to SSl, 074, l0f 90 This posfOffice
deficiency would disappear or be immensely
decreased II less matter was carried free
through the mails item Of which IS
upward Of three hundred tons OF. seeds and
grains from the agricultural department.
The total number Of pOstoffices in the
United States on the 30th day of June
1888 was 6S,403. an increase of 1,2S4 over
the preceding year. OF those $3.50 were
presidential, an increase in that class Of
2O4 over the preceding year. FOrty-twO
free delivery offices were added during the
year 10 those already existing, making
total of SO cities and towns provided with
Iree deiiVery on June 30, 1SS3 Ninety-three
other cities and towns are now entitled
to this service under the law. but il has
not been accorded them on account of in
suHelent funds to meet the expense OF its
establishment 1 am OF the opinion that
the provisions of the present law permit
as general an introduction of this feature
OF the mail service as is necessary or justi-
nables and that II ought not to be eX-
tendH to smaller communities than are
now designated
The expense OF free delivery for the fiscal
year ending June 80. 1894. will be more than
eleven million dollars. and under legisla-
ton now existing there must re a constant
Increase in this item of expenditure. There
were sol additions to the domestic money
order Offices during the last fiscal year,
being the largest increase in any year
since the Inaugural ton Of the system. The
total number OF these offices at the close
OF the year was Is, 434 There were IL, 309-
!S5 money orders issued from these Offices,
being an increase over the preceding year
or l,240.293, and the value of these orders
amounted TO $l2l,576. 1885 an increase of
$500 632. IS. There was also paid during
O7s.73
During the year 1876 international money
order offices We're added 10 those slready
provided. making total of 2,407 In opera
ton on June 30. 1898. The number of inter
national money orders issued during the
year was 1858 an increase over the pre-
ceding year OF 72.525, and their value was
1851, S3Ls6, an increase of 81 221, 506.3I- The
number Of orders paid was 300.917 an in
crease over the preceding year OF 1s5Os
and their value was S.2S3, 1910. an increase
OF Ss4os4-sS; From this statement it APP
pears that the total issue o. money orders
ana postal notes for TIE year amounted
70 Sl56. s2l ,34S "a. The number Of letters and
Packages mailed during the year for special
delivery was 500. 500. an increase over the
preceding year Of nearly p per cent. The
special delivery stamps used upon these
letters and packages amounted to xB37, 500 30
de eq I aoI1fg IS fes s B9 q for their
profit e the gov rnmen' Of iS0S76.-9.
The railway mail service not only adds
10 the promptness OF mail delivery at all
Offices. but it Is the especial instrumental
ity which puts the smaller and way-pIaces
In the service on an equality in that re-
This branch Of the postal service has
therefore received much attention from the
postmaster-general. and though it is graft
Tying TO know that II is in condition Of
high efficiency and great usefulness. L am
led 10 agree with the pOstmaster-ge general
that there Is room for further improve
nent- There are now connected to the
pOstoffice establishment &324 employees who
are In the classified service. The head OF
this great department gives conclusive evil
dence Of the value OF civil service reform
when, after an experience that renders his
judgment on the subject absolutely relia-
bic, ne expresses the opinion thet without
the benefit OF this system n would be i'm
possible to conduct the vast business in
trusted 10 him.
or prompt attention the suggestions of the
pOStmaste general relating to a more SEN
siDle and business-like organization and
better distribution Of responsibility in his
department.