The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-04
THE STAMPS WERE SENT
THEY HAVE NOT BEEN RECEIVED IN
THIS CITY, HOWEVER.
Message from Senator FairbanIxs-A
supply VIII Probably BE on
Hand TO-MorrOw.

There is evidently a large batch of in
ternal revenue stamps, to meet the demand
created by the new war tax, tied up be-
tween this city and Washington. On Satur-
day the Commercial Club telegraphed to
Senator Fairbanks, urging the necessity of
the stamps being sent to Indianapolis, as
the supply on hand was wholly inadequate
to the needs of business, and much con-
fusion and injury to business was resulting
thereby. Yesterday the following message
was received from the senator:
Commissioner of internal revenue as
sures me that stamps have been going to
indianapolis for the last three days. Have
they been taken out OF the postof1ce? An
other large consignment tonight
Inquiry made here shows that no consign-
ments other than the small lot at first re-
ceived have reached this city, and at the
postoftice there is no uncaled-for package
addressed to the collector. If the revenue
commissioner has sent these stamps they
nave evidently been mislaid at the Wash
ington Office or have been missent. The fact
that to-day is holiday will relieve condi-
tons somewhat, and if the consignment
sent from Washington Saturday or last
night reaches here to-night. there will be
supply ready for patrons when the col
lectors Office opens tomorrow.
The feeling against the telegraph and ex-
press companies is growing intense in bus
mess circles, and already there is talk of
retaliation by means which rest with the
State of Indiana. 1t is recalled that the
telegraph companies method of dealing
with the public in the present instance was
illustrated year or two ago, when an ordi-
nance was passed by the City Council for
bidding the companies to charge for deliv-
ing messages within the city limits. They
have no right to make these charges under
the state law. but did so because few peo-
pie were willing to take up the matter
where only 10 cents was involved in each
instance The companies, through their at
torneys, sought to have this ordinance
Killed, but it was passed. They set UP the
claim that the 10 cents for delivering the
message went to the boy. thus presenting
the noble spectacle of a mighty corpora
ton lodging behind small boy, when the
puDHc demanded that it pay the boy proper
compensation and not seek to force the
pubic to do 1t. OF course. if the company
dld not pay the boys car fare on kilograms
qelVered mile or two from the office the
boy would take considerable time on the
Grand and rather than lose the time the
ccompany would have been compelled to pay
elS 49,, 49,. xaS oHe ciliZen expressed III, the
company was going one better than the
PULLMAN people, who also, through the tips
TO porters, require the public to pay their
servants, after the public has already paid
Tor the accommodation in purchasing a
perth: The telegraph companies after fight
Ing the ordinance, paid no attention to it
after II was passed, and every day charge
people extra for delivering messages within
the city limits. The city authorities are
willing to proceed against the companies
under the ordinance whenever a complaint
is made by citizen who has been held up
In this fashion by the company.