Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-08-04
BRIGHTWOOD p. o. CONTEST
Order Issued Giving Permission for Removal
to MI. Van Horns Store.
The Controversy Brought to an End
by the Postmaster General
The Reasons Assigned.

An order was made out about noon today
in tn. office of Fourth Assistant Postmas-
ted General Bristew, authorizing Postmas-
ter Van Horn to remove the office from
Brightwood, where it is now located, to
Brightwood Park. The affair is thus set
tied definitely in favor of Mr.. Van Horn.
and Brightwood residents will have in fu-
tlre to go a short distance further south
for their mail. The distance is only about
a quarter of mile beyond the location at
present.
1t was intended that the matter be de-
cided. one way or the other. several days
ago. but on account CT the pressure of
other business and the absence Of the
Postmaster General, on one or two occa-
sions, it was postponed until yesterday,
when it was to have been settled. but was
again put off until today Postmaster
General Gary came over from Baltimore
short while before noon, and Gen. Bristow
had short conference with him, when the
decision was promulgated by issuing the
order.
The only reason we have had for putting
1t OF SO long," said General Bristow, was
that, while it may have been an important
thing to the people out there, they doubt
less did not understand that there were
many just as imr rOrtant or more important
things to be decided, which had arisen be-
fore the Brightwood business came in evil
dence.
The Rule of the Department..
1--WE generally follow the rule Of allowing
the postmaster to locate the post office
where it is most convenient for him and
for the public. In this case Mr.. Van Horn
has store, and it is fitting that he should
want the post office there and as it makes
scarcely the slightest difference to the pat
rons, we acceded to his request The dis
tance is Only about three hlockS
Furthermore, the former postmaster at
BrightWood had the office where 1t best
suited him. and in all Justice, Mr.. Van
Horn should be given the same privilege.
AS I stated before, to do this is to follow
the usual rule observed by the department.
Wnen the public suffers no Inconvenience"
1t is understood that the views of the
Postmaster General and Gen. Bristow CO.
incided exactly in the matter.
A Bitter Contest.
The controversy which arose when new
ly-appointed Postmaster Van Horn an
nounced his intention of moving the Office
from Brightwood to Brightwood Park was
bitter one. carried on, on the one hand.
by the postmaster and some of his con-
stituents, and the Brightwood citizens, on
the other. A mass meeting was held by
the latter. at which resolutions were adopt
ed. and committee appointed to wait up
on the Postmaster General, to see If he
could not be induced to make an order
compelling Mr.. Van Horn to keep the post
office at Brightwood.
Fourth Assistant Postmaster General
Bristow received the committee heard
what IT had to say in regard to it's griev-
ance. and assured the members that the
department would fully investigate the case
and decide 1t upon its merits. He intimated
at that time, however, that the department
generally allowed the postmaster to keep
the office where it best suited him, If it did
not interfere with the convenience of the
public. Some of the committee visited Con-
gresham Mcdonald of Montgomery county,
under whose influence Mr.. Van Horn was
appointed to try ard induce him 10 persuade
the postmaster not to make the removal
Petitions were circulated by Brightwood
people, and influential persons persuaded
TO visit the department and argue against
the removal.
Free Delivery Not Desirable.
The most recent move by the Brightwood
people was the advocacy of the extension
of the free delivery system to embrace
Brightwood Park. in which case Bright
wood would still retain the office, but this
was not deemed best by the department.
The order today effectually disposes of
the matter, but whether Brightwood citi-
zehs still have cards up their sleeves. and
will do something further, remains to be
seen They are certainly far from being
satisfied with the result