New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-03
PLEA FOB LETTER CARRIERS.
INCREASED SALARIES FOR HARD
WORKED PUBLIC SERVANTS
PROPOSED.

washington April 2-'"The letter carriers salary
bill introduced by Congressman William Alden
Smith, Of Michigan. is one Of the most popular
measures pending in Congress" said member
OF the House to-day. 1T provides that the pay OF
letter carriers employed in cities of 5000 popula
ZION shall be $500 for the first year Of regu-
lar service $500 the second year $1,000 for the
third year and $500 for the fourth year Of ser
and thereafter. In cities Of the second class
the maximum salary provided is $1,000 year
Many persons are under the impression that
the carriers receive salary of 800 month, that
the government makes provision for them in case
Of sickness disability and retires them on pen
sion in old age but the actual facts are that, no
matter how many years a letter carrier may
serve the government, how efficiently and
faithfully he may perform his duties. ne can
receive no promotion in the Postoff1ce Department
beyond salary Of $1,000 year. In Of sickness
or disability his Immediately ceases. or rather
goes to the substitute carrier who takes his place
When he becomes too old to perform his duties he
is left to depend the charity of relatives or
others, no man in his station OF life can main
tain family retaining decent standard Of liF-
ing and provide for age and infirnity from small
salary Before receiving appointment he must
pass Civil Service examination which requires of
him z high order OF intelligence and a good edu-
cation. He must furnish a bond in a security COM
pany at his own expense. He must also secure a
supply Of summer and winter uniforms which are
more expensive than the average business suit and
which DO well. because of the rough
weather in which they worn and the hard work
performed by the wearer Before receiving a reg
ular appointment the substitute must spend from
two 10 five years living from hand 10 mouth on
the pay Of the regular carrier who may be absent
through sickness other causes. The carrier only
works eight hours a day but. as these hours are
not consecutive. il generally takes him from ten
fourteen hours to complete the days work.
1t is TO be hoped that the present Congress will
recognize the demands of this intelligent, efficient
and faithful body of public servants. Their call
Ing compels them TO live in the centres of popula
ton, where and living expenses high, and
as z general rule they are married men, with fami-
lies TO support and children to educate and their
proper standing in the community TO maintain in
manner BETTING trusted employees Of the United
states Government
ter carriers salary bill can be advanced than the
ter General:
In the five years just passed the number of car
rers al the free delivery offices has increased from
As5i &c 1888 q per cent, and the gross
celpts at the free delivery Offices have increased
IRON s 1904 to s74 ,3e4 The receipts the
tfee delivery offices for the fiscal year end
&c June 80 100, showed increase Of LIS per
cent over the preceding year and the total cost per
a,lnnrn 20 the department for the maintenance of
ne cty service is at the of only 30 cents for
ties"
The House Committee Claims to-day reported
.dFoFabiy a bin appropriating $3.50 r94i for over
Ifne service OF numerous letter carriers whose
Claims nave been allowed in the Court of Claims.