The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-04
THE POSTAL DEPARTMENT.
synopsis of the Postmaster GeneraP
RepOrt.

Following Is a synopsis OF the report of
Postmaster General Charles Emory Smith for
the fiscal year 1889:
The following statement shows in brief
form the financial operations or the depart.
ment for the last fiscal year:
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES,
Ordinary postal revenue ........ 500, 73i, tie 81
Receipts from money order bust
ness ..''''''....','...''..,.. l.2s5-Se9 30
Total receipts from ali sources. s5.o2I 1854 II
Tofsl expenditures cr the year .si0l 632, 100 %
Excess of expenditures over re-
The hrst fact connected with this statement
which commands attention is the large de-
crease in the annual deficiency. AS compared
with the deficit for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1888, which was s902Q.soo.06, it shows
reduction OF 81, 422, 1855, or 26,7 per cent.
The most urse1t need of tho postal service
is the rectthcation Of the enormous wrongs
which have grown up in the perversion and
abuse of the privilege accorded by law to
second-class matter. This reform is para
mount to all others There are many i'm
nrovements and advances waiting development
speedier transmission and delivery; there are
felds for broadening the scope of the. mail
service and bringing 1t closer home to the
people; there are possibilities of reduced
postage: but above and beneath aud beyond
all of these measures of progress, which ex-
perience and Intelligence are working out,
~ tne redemption OF the special concession
which congress granted for a distinct and
justifable public object from the fungous
growths and the fragrant evils that have fas-
tened upon IL.
For this costly abuse, which drags on the de-
partment and weighs down the service tram
mels Its power and means OF effective I'D
vanceneDt in every direction, 1t involves a
sheer wanton waste of $50. 900 or upward
n year The postal deficit for the current year
Is st.6l0776. But for this wrongful appilca-
ton of the second-class rate, instead OF de-
hcit there would be clear surplus OF many
millions. With such an ample margin the
possibilities OF practical improvements are
apparent
The wrongs which have proved so Injurious
are wholly outside the intent of the law. They
are directly in contravention OF Its spirit
and have become possible only through the
evasion and distortion OF its letter, 1t has
always been the purpose of congress to or
dam low rates of hostage for legitimate news
papers and periodicals. This was In accord
anee with the deliberate and settled public
policy which encourages the dissemination OF
public intelligence and fayors the promo
ton OF enlightening influences. In the reform
which is suggested and sought 1t is not pro-
posed 70 restrict the privileges OF legitimate
publications or to modify the design OF the
law, but only to bring back its application
TO its original and Just scope.
As strikingly illustrating the extent and
effect of the abuses TO which reference Is
made, attention Is particularly invited to the
appended statements and exhibits CalcuIat- !
ms upon the basis OF the count of pieces and
the Weighing OF volume made in 1890 and
heen observed In the department. from that |
time, the weight In pounds and the receipts |
for postage on the several classes of matter |
mailed during the year ending June 80 1852 /