The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-26

enforced and accentuated by the recent ex-
panson OF American interests on that
ocean. Should steps be taken to extend our
flag over American steamships on the Pa
ciic as it has been moderately extended
on the Atlantic, such action Will not only
comply with the spirit and purpose of the
existing law. but it will naturally follow
and utilize the opening of American oppor-
tunity in that quarter.
GROWTH OF POSTAL BUSINESS.
Postmaster General Smith calls attention
to the rapid and amazing growth of the
postal business in all it's branches. In the
last fiscal year the gross revenue was $s9.-
012,6lS, against SS3,315,479 in 1880, and the
gross expenditures. $9SO3S,529, against $685.
542 8O4; the number of postoffices 73.0OO
against 1900. Within this period the popu-
lation has increased about 80 per cent.
while postal business has multiplied nearly
three fold. The general increase Of expendi-
lures for the past year has been little more
than the preceding one, despite the fact
that nearly a million dollars earned in mail
TRANSPORTATION by iae AIDED Pacific rallroad
of the department appropriations. There
was an increase in postal receipts Of nearly
$6,500,O00 over the aggregate of 1897, which
is cited as a proof that the country is again
prosperous The estimate of revenues and
expenditures for the fiscal year ending June
90 1900, follows: Total estirna ted revenue,
$1O0 95S. 112 estimated expenditures, $685.
COO; deficiency for 1900, estimated, $4,265, 1885,
But for the gross abuse of second-class
matter privileges the deficit would have
disappeared long ago and its present and
promised decrease Is in the face of this
abuse.
The postmaster general SAYS the proposal
of ocean penny postage recently renewed in
interest in connection with the adoption or
this rate between England and her colonies
is attractive and much could be said for it,
but the conditions under which this country
approaches its treatment differ in other ma
lions. Other countries have short land tran
W
ocean distance Considering the area COW
cred, our rate is lower than other nations.
The immediate contemplation, he says of so
marked a change, however desirable in
itself, will be premature. Discussing rural
free delivery the postmaster general says
replies to circulars sent out suggest some
assurance of the permanence of the serv-
ice. A revision and Encouragement of the
service established prior to 1897 is contem-
plated.
The most marked advance in volume of
money order business in the history of the
system was this past year. the increase be-
ing 100000 in number and $l6 600 in
money carried. There were 2S 753, 412 money
orders issued; face value, $204 59o, sol. Legis-
1ation is asked for at the next session of
Congress to correct the evils growing out
of the existing system of speculative bid
ding for Star-route service.
There were 15,600 220 pieces of mail matter
registered at the postoffces during the year,
and the aggregate of $S9S, 1879 in fees collected
was an increase of over per cent over the
previous years business.
Among recommendations for legislation
are those to make depredations of railway
postal clerks u continuous offense; to pro-
vide a severe penalty for employees en-
bezzling or destroying newspaper mail:
Severer statutes covering green goods and
obscene matter; the issue of a special
stamped envelope of a superior paper quail
ity for 10 cents for greater security and
safety; for at least curtailing the use of
postage stamps as Il medium of exchange
and for allowing postmasters of the first
and second classes to pay for the special
delivery of letters by salaried postal off,
Gals and to allow car fare to special deliv-
cry messengers in the great cities.