The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1900-07-18
N 7aF FARMER. HIS MAIL EVERY DAY.
ond Districts Congressman Discusses
Rural Mail Delivery.
r.vrs NJ. GnIeGs in Atlanta journal

Carolina, fast friend of the farm
err. moved to make it 100000, and
if passed in that shape. So great was
the pressure for these routes from
all parts of the country after this
we we're called upon by the depart
ment at the beginning of the last ses-
sion of congress to supply a prospect
i've deficiency of Sl50,000. 1t was dur
ing the debate over this proposition
that it became necessary for me to de-
lend the officials in charge of this SER
vice against republican attacks on the
floor of the house. haze never made
a habit of defending republicans, but
il struck me then that if one is caught
in the.act of endeavoring to do some
thing for the good of the people all
good men ough0 at least to encourage
him.
Thus S45O,000 was expended in es
tabishing and extending free rural
delivery during the year ending June
80, 1900. The one route in Brooks
county had expanded to fifty in all sec
tions of Georgia. In every state
many carr iers were engaged daily in
delivering mail to the farmers, and the
people at large were beginning ito see
the benefits of free rural delivery.
The people everywhere were demand
inc more, and | had the honor and
pleasure Of making the motion, which
nassed both the committee and house
with practical unanimity, to approprl-
' ate 81. 1900 for this service for the
current year.
The increase from 1000 in 1896 to
nearly 100000 in 1900, shows unmis-
takably the growth of public senti-
ment in its favor. 1t has passed the
experimental stage, and next winter
congress will make it permanent
branch of the postofiice department,
sending throughout the country into
! all the homes the blessings of educa-
ton and civilization.
have been surprised that the news
papers, usually on the alert in matters
of this character, have not before
taken up the free rural delivery, and
assisted in pushing it to success.
The effort of the republican'partY IN
it's late Philadelphia convention, 10
partially adopt this lusty infaut as Its
own is amusing to those who know the
history of this question. l said par
I tially adopt, because the plank faYors
''frce rural delivery wherever practl-
cable, " truly.noble hedge. ut is our
child wherever and whenever an non
or to his parents" but as my olo
friend, Judge Stroller, used to say
otherwise not"
The credit of instituting this SER
vice belongs to no one man, ana 10
no political party. Democrats and re-
publicans alike have supported ana OPP
posed it. Without the support OF the
other marty neither could have carried
it to it's present condition. VINO Is Cne
father is still an open question alp
inclined to believe that my trlehd'
Hon. John S. Williams Of Mississippi
had as much to-do with its inception
as any one, although other gentlemen
appeared to be sparkling AROUND III
close proximity at the same Time !
have but attempted to play the beneVo-
lent step-father to it myself. | touno
it a living issue when l entered con-
gress, showing evidence OF neglec''
but nevertheless living, and nave Only
added my mite towards its nurture
and growth.
| do not doubt that the appro'
priation next winter will be more 1n@n
double the present one. Five millions
of dollars will carry the service 10 d
point where everyone can see It's Oehe-
fits and feel it's blessings.
lam not much on Drophesylng' DuU l
! dare risk the prediction no" On.'
| within five years every farmer -
Georgia will have his mail oell'eieo
at his door at least once every oay ~
! the year, Sundays excepted " l!n
this will come renewed interest," -
country life. With telephones au ~,
mobiles, good roads and free aS aa,,
| mail delivery who wouldn't ra'nel
| live in the open country thah III W.
stuffy and crowded city? The cohses
ton of the towns and the depletion
the country will be mutually Felie.e~
for the great good of both, anu o0UnI
life will once more become the iu0"
life of the American citizen
How to secure it? That is easy
preliminary to the establishment
the service it is usually required ina
the citizens of the district snoulu iol
ward, through their represeh'"'i' Wv,
in congress, petition setting b ~. !,
the nature of the country, wheInei
4 ..,ousolvy 1lOnlll aG6u, eAN