People's voice., 1900-07-26
IIsx TO Secure Free Rural Delivery.


Special Agent II. G. Rising of the
pOstoffice department, has just issued
a circular containing instructions to
pUstmasters who wish to secure rural
free delivery routes. 1t is very i'm
pOrtant, and II the farmers in any
locality in Sumner county feel that
they would be benefited by free
delivery, the mode OF proceeding,
here outlined, should be followed:
"First-It is necessary TO secure a
good county map, one with sections
about two inches square, showing the
location Of houses, school houses, etc.
This | USE to trace a map which l
forward to the postoffice department
as part OF my report. | trust you
will assist me TO secure "a late map or
atlas for my use when | visit you.
"Second-When l investigate the
route | notify the postmaster of my
intended visit and invite him 10
accompany me. / drive over the route,
counting the houses, churches, school
houses and manufacturing institu-
tiOns, ODe-half mile on either side.
There must be at least 100 houses
within the specified distance. Those
outside the limit are estimated as ad.
ditiOnal patrons after the service shall
have been established.
"Third-l trust you will ur9e the
patrons OF the proposed route to use
their road graders where the roads
need repairing when the service has
been ordered established. hope you
will impress upon them the necessity
Of having good roads and to NOW the
weeds in the road according to the
laws Of the state.
Fourth think it advisable for
you 10 drive over the route before |
visit you. Please see that it is close
to twenty-five miles in length, and il
the route as petitiOned for will accom-
modate the greatest rumber Of people.
Changes by you NAV be found neces-
ssry, The ideal route is ten miles
long and two miles wide. You should
mt cover too much territory, and you
should conform to this limit asclOsely
as possible.
"Fifth-I prefer capable union
veteran for carrier. 1t will also be
necessary for me TO recommend sub
stitute carrier. Each will be required
20 give bond in the sum of 81 800
Blank bonds will be furnished by me,
"S.xCh-I will give you timely
notice VI NY intended visit. 1t will
be unnecessary for you to write me
urging me 10 call, as it takes valuable
time TO answer letters and only delays
the work, Be patient, and | will dc
the best | can.
"SeyenJh-The purpose OF rura
free delivery Is TO give people in the
country, remote from the pOstoffices
the benefits of daily mail. Do not
cOnfouGd this service with suburban
deiivery-that is, run your route out
into the country instead Of round anC
about yUur town. Also please under
stand that any one desiring can bt
accommodated with rural boxes alons
the routes
"Eighth-Patrons Of rural free de
livery routes are expected to provide
secure weather proof boxes, Ilacet
near the highway in such a location
that the carrier eau conveniently
reach them to deposit and c.ilect
mail without diSmountins. The
boxes must comply with these cnndi
Lions. Wooden boxes and oyster can'
will not co. Good galvau zed lroi
boxes can be procured chedply thai
will Keep the mail safe AMI dly.
my instructions are such that
shall be obliged 10 eqGalize the route
as nearly as possible aud within TN
several congressional districts. |
will be impossible for me to cnmpI.
with the requests Of poStmasterS an'
others interested TO visit their pla"'
first. Hence it will be imposSibe an'
impolitic u place all the ruu'eS de
sired in one congressional district
Each district and each county mus
have a proportional share.
AFTER Investigate a route l for
ward the report to the department
| | cannot make changes in the route
after l have repOrted to headquarters
and it is doubtful il any changes viii
be ordered for any route this year.
81 wish to say that full instruction
and the necessary number Of Unite
States mail collection boxes will b
sent you after the route has bee
established without reqiusitioD."