New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-06-08
THE POSTOFFICE DISASTER.

The elevator accident in the POstoflice yes
tertlay IS another dismal illustration of the con-
sequences Of Congressional parsimony. just
what part Of the machinery gave way under the
strain and caused the crash could not be deter
mined Immediately. but there appears 10 be
no dissent from the verdict that the elevator
fell because as n whole, it was not in iii con-
dition to be used For many years private COM
plants about the Postofiice elevators have been
constantly made. and numerous official applica-
lions for a new outfit have been sent 10 Wash
ington There has been great deal Of tinker
inc with them first and last, but that Is about
all that the authorities have been able TO ac-
complish by their appeals. which in several In
stances have followed more or less serious
proofs of the necessity for q complete recon
struction Yesterdays disaster was not the first
Of its kind by any means. and there Is not much
reason TO suppose that II will be the last. New
York postmasters have not been stupid and neg
Iectful of their responsibilities. On the con-
trary we believe that they have done their full
duty in calling attention not merely TO the shah
by and dangerous condition Of the elevators. but
to the general uusutableness Of the Postoffice
equipment in this city, and the Department at
Washington has repeatedly accepted and ell
deavored to carry out their recommendations.
Rut such improvements as have been slowly
introduced have not gone far toward making
the Postolilcc what it ought to be, and what it
might be in spite OF some fundamental errors
of plan and construction.
Presumably this accident Will attract some
attention in Congress. but experience does not
Justify tie hope that it will produce profound
effect upon that body and lead TO prompt and
o1o ell for
credltable evils Certainly the men who handle
the mails in this city are amply entitled to all
the facilities which the responsible officers of
the Department are convinced that they require.
and to all reasonable securities Of health and
comfort The postal business transacted here
Is enormous, and it returns n great revenue TO
the Treasury of the United States. But those
who perform this arduous service. on the whole
with great skill and efficiency, have always been
compelled to overcome many needless obstacles,
to work ut a disadvantage amid unwhoesome
surroundings and to incur risks Of various sorts
from which they ought to have been exempted.
There Is neither sense nor dHcency in the main
tenance of such conditions.
Some manifestations Of the jealousy and III
will with which New-YOrk. for no fault Of con-
duct or demeanor is regarded in other parts of
lHc country 10 ITO SpPCidl udTu anu are uItlt
Ing rather than painful But when the repre-
sentatives in Congress Of constituencies which
choose to cherish an evil opinion Of this city ex-
press that foolish sentiment in their official
action It is our duty as well as our right to pro-
test We do not mean to say that New-YOrk Is
the only victim Of Congressional neglect. The
capital itself contains ample evidence Of the
manner in which the National Legislature too
commonly misconcelves its obligations. The
Fords Theatre disaster was the most shocking
demonstration of false economy on the part Of
Congress which Washington, or perhaps any
other city, has Witnessed but the record Is full
Of notorious examples Of parsimony which are
in striking contrast with the lavish and often
fantastic appropriations OF successive river and
harbor bills and the public building schemes
which are log-rolled into execution. There is
gross inconsistency in the voting Of public
money. and all parts Of the country doubtless
suffer from it. but NCw-YOrk, we think bears
more than It's share Of the punishment This
latest illustration of the way in which things
ought not 70 be done in rich and civilized
country Is sufficiently tragcal, ii would seem,
TO make a lasting and salutary impression.