Waterbury evening Democrat., 1895-03-23
THEY SMELL A RAT.

A RumOr That the POstonice Matter
 Has Been Cut and Dried and Is
 Another Step i'm the Development Of
 Grand Street.
 Business men are becoming alarmed over the prospect of the postofice being removed from it's present central location. Such a move was entirely unexpected and many very uncompimentary things are being said. First, the announcement was made that the government paid too much rent. It was suggested that the business men would help out in the matter of rent and bring the price down to the limits of Uncle Sam's purse. Then it was argued that the present office was inadequate. and finally the whole thing was let out when the announcement was made that the present office was outside of the eighty rods limit, relieving the railroad compa- nies of the cost and responsibility of carrying the mail between the office and stations.
 Just why these matters were not thought out before. is not clear. but judging by the way things are shaping themselves the claim openly set up by many business men that the whole thing was pre-ar- ranged and intended to boom a certain section of the city is not without reason. Speaking of the matter well known citi- zen said to-day: Il understand that certain people have been in communication about this matter for some time with the officials at Washington. That is their right and priv ilege. but the people and business men should not stand idly by and let the post office be removed to some side street. The office should be in the business center of the city. Furthermore, to remove the office at this time will without doubt in jure the city's chances of securing public building, and if eventually we do secure a public building it's location will be deter mined very likely by the location of the postofice at that time. Therefore we should go slow about removing the post office. This is a matter in which we are all interested, especially the business men, and unless an immediate protest is made the postofice will be used as a lever to boom dead street."
 Other men spoke in the same strain and suggested that the board of trade take i'm mediate action. Without much doubt all referred to Grand street as the place that was qaietly working for the postoffice. and the amount of opposition that has devel- oped is astonishing.
 Postmaster Fitzpatrick was seen relative | to the matter and pronounced such a story
 
 action on the part of the government off, cials to look after the pastoffice facilities everywhere. It is not the intention of the postal department to be niggardly. but it is believed that better arrangements can be made for less rental than is being paid now. No site has been recommended and if parties have been to Washington their visit could not influence the postoffice de- pertinent. Politics and several other things would mitigate against any such rumored proposition. It is the policy of the gov, ernment to not confne postofices to the principal streets if a side street is suitable and near the railroad stations. What the department wants is good light. ventha. tion. easy access to the stations and every facility to promote speed and accuracy ir the delivery of the mails, and this it is be- lieved can be procured at A much lower rental than now"