The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-05-31

There is a strong probability that
rural free delivery of mail matter
will In the near future be an estab-
lihsed fact in that part of the county
lying between Olyphant and Scott
township. A. s. Eisenhower, of Phila-
delphia, a special agent OF the rural
free delivery department, Is now In the
city relative to this matter
For the past few months a petition
has been circulated among the farmers
and citizens of that part of the county
asking for the establishment of the
free delivery system. This petition
was signed by representatives of over
100 families and after 1t had been en-
dorsed by Congressman Connell, was
forwarded to the postoffice department
at Washington, and Mr.. Eisenhower
was accordingly sent on to investigate.
The proposed route mentioned in the
petition Is over the best roads between
the following places: Olyphant to
Millersvile, past the Blakely Poor
farm to Scott township. to Grovenor,
to Tompkinsville, returning by way of
Montdale to Green Grove and back to
Olyphant. This route Is about twenty
three miles long. Agent Eisenhower
drove over this entire route Tuesday
In a buggy for the purpose of thor
oughly inspecting 1t.
WILL REPORT HIS VIEWS.
He will report to Washington in the
near future his views on the advisable
ity and feasibility Of establishing the
system and any recommendations that
he may see fit to make in the proposed
route. This report will be acted upon
by the postoffice department officials
who will decide whether or not the
system Is to be installed. In case it
| should be, 1t will be under the juris-
| diction of the local postofiice. which
Is the place of deposit for all the
| offices hereabouts.
Rural free delivery means, in brief,
the delivery of mail matter once a day
| to that portion of the population of
| the country who live apart from the
cities having free delivery systems. 1t
| reaches not only those living in small
| towns or villages, but the farming
element also, who live out in the open
country.
The special agent sent on by the de-
partment reports upon the proposed
route which mNst be. not over twenty
five miles in length, and which must
be able to reach at least 100 families.
If 1t is decided to install the system
a carrier is appointed, who Is directly
under the control of the postmaster
of the head office. This carrier is paid
| a yearly salary of $400 which includes
horse hire, but not tolls or ferrage
This carrier receives the mall from
the office from which the start is made
and drives over his route once a day
delivering 1t at all the houses ano
places of business along the route
AS 1t would be manifestly impossible
for him to personally visit any other
house except those along the road, the
custom is for others desiring the ad'
yantages of the service to erect boxes
along the road at convenient points
in which the mail may be deposited.
THE BOXES USED.
These boxes must be OF a substan'
tial kind and must be able to stanC
the wear and tear of the elements
otherwise the carrier Is instructed
not to place mail in them. The car
rier not only delivers but he collects
mail as we'll and parties desiring tC
have mail collected are required tt
display a signal go that the carrier
may see II as he drives by.
The advantages to be derived from
the establishment Of the system arr
manifold In the first place 1t in
creases postal receipts, as more let
ters are written and received; 1t en-
hances the value of farm lands. II
some states as high as S. an acre: |
improves the general condition of tn
roads, as all roads must be In gooC
shape before route can be estab
lished; 1t allows the farmer to obtail
better prices for his farm products, a
by it he is enabled to keep in dali.
touch with the markets, and finally, |