The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1902-04-04
JUDGE CONNER'S
GREAT SPEECH

UuInI VI ILUu
HE DISCUSSES THE CONTRACT
4 SYSTEM FOR MAIL CARRIERS
This His First Speech Greeted With
Loud Applause. An Able pre-
sentation of The Subject
Mr.. CHAIRMAN: With the light / now
have on this question, l find myself op
posed to the contract system proposed in
the bill of the committee and in favor of
the existing plan of sele ecting ruralcarriers
I do not charge that conditions justify a
change from the plan now in force, but
in view of the fact that the service is still
in its experimental stage and that under
the salary plan it is continually growing
in favor and popularity, and in addition,
as no demand comes from the people or
the department for the adoption Of the
contract plan, do not hesitate to say that
the suggestion for the proposed change at
this time is inopportune and that shall
vote against it.
I regret that in making this decision 1
am compelled to place myself on record
against the almost unanimous recommen-
dation of the committee reporting the bill.
There is no doubt of the absolute good
faith Of every member of the committee
re recommending the change from the salary
to the contract method in the selection of
carriers, and that they are inspired by no
other thot than the good of the service goes
without saying The record of the chair
man Of the committe from the beginning
is one to be envied. and that he has. in
all stages of the development of the rural
service, been its true friend and loyal
supporter. The country owes to him and
other champions of this great movement
an everlasting debt of gratitude. But,
while bowling my acknowledgements to
the committee for their efforts and good
faith, do not lose sight of the fact that
the proposed change would be grievous
mistake and one that would seriously
cripple the successful development of the
service.
It is not out of place at this time to
speak of the benefits and popularity of
the rural delivery 1t has been repeatedly
said upon the floor during this debate
that it is here to stay, and may add that
it is not only here to stay but to grow and
develop until il shall extend to every pop
ulated section of the country 1t is safe
to assert that nosother astasof legislation
has been so fruitful of good results and SC
universally popular, The expectations Of
the most sanguine have been more than
realized in the actual growth and popu-
larity Of the service.
The farmers of the country are in a
large me asure, the benefciares of the
service. In no other way do they receive
such direct returns from the taxes paid bJ
them. 1t places them upon an equa
footing with the residents of the cities anc
affords them the same opportunities. 1
: removes time and distance and break!
down the barriers between the city ane
country The farmers life is no longe
one of isolation and solitude, but of con
tentment and happiness. He reads in hi
daily paper what is going on in thi
busy worl:i the same as do his neighbor
in the city. He keeps in close touch will
current events and is familiar with al
/. questions of public character. Hi
horizon is extended beyond the limits ot
his immediate neighborhood and takes ir
all the world In short, his life has beer
transformed and he is new creature
with enlarged vision and increased capac
ity for work and for enjoyment. Thes
are some of the blessings which hav
come as result of rural delivery.
Let US not do anything or make any ex
pertinent which may impair the success
of this great improvement, the crownin
glory of the new century. Its past devel
opment is sufficient guaranty of th
safety of the plan now in force. w
should let we'll enough alone. at least un
Az - 11 okoI &c
for change. Every Argument urged 70
rural carriers applies with equal force t
the city carriers, and, for that matter, t
rail way mail clerks and many other EN-
ployees of the government Why con
fine this new discovery to rural carrier
alone? If it is good thing, why not lie
it be extended to the city carriers and t
employees of other branches of the govern
ment? 1t is safe to assert that not a singl
member of the committee would favo
an extension of the contract plan beyont
the rural carrier. hope it is not becaus
their service is in the country and for tn
farmer alone that this reform is urged
this cheap, discredited reform, whic
makes hirelings of men who otherwis
should be responsible government en-
ployes and public officials. 1t may a
we'll be de,stood that of all that is goo
the farmer is entitled to the best. He
moving up to the front of the process:
ion, and hereafter his place must be re
cognized.
1t may be conceded that the contrat
plan will cost less than the salary metho
but cheapness is not the only thing er
volved. Effectiveness in the service is
paramount Importance. 1t takes goo
men for carriers and good carriers fc
good service In order to maintain th