The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-02-20

combined and ii they were denied the mails,
as they ought to be, the benefits to lagi+',>la
country newS papers would be incon( eivable.
1. would also direct your attention u a CON-
munication from A. w. Machen, general sup
erintendent of the free delivery system. 1t is
proper to say with regard to Mr. Matchen,
that he is recognized as the one person to
whom, more than to any other, the free de-
livery service owes its present condition Of
satisfactory and creditable development. TO
his marked executive ability strong mental
1ty and recognized capacity for organization,
the efficiency Of this branch OF the service
is principally due, an efficiency which has re-
suited in the popularizing Of the service No
institution Of our government is more priced
and regarded by the rural population than
is this, and there is not publisher in the
country who is not materially interested in
promoting this service. Already there are
covert attacks upon the system and none
that more seriously threaten to demoralize
it than the proposition to substitute the con-
tract for the salary system in carrying mails
on rural routes. We have had enough of the
star route service in the west: it was a
cheap service in every sense to the people,
but in no respect to the government. The
communication referred to, will appear in the
special edition of T e 10 urn al of to-
day.
I regret to chronicle the death of the genial
anu veteran menDer OF LllS ASSOCIATION, r. r.
Barnunl OF the Sank Center Avalanche. He
was ever active and prominent in the frater-
nifty and always took a keen interest in this
association, of which he was a Jealous and
earnest member. He was a moving spirit in
all that contributed to promote the welfare
or happiness of others, and in the association
no small share of our pleasure profit was
due to his sacrificing and unselfsh endeavors.
In the death Of Mrs. Charles Mitchell, wife
nf p association loses
one who by her winsome manner and charm
ing personality, had endeared herself to all.
! would say more in this connection, but as
there will be special tribute paid to the
memories Of the deceased in a separate COM
5nunication 1 will only add. that to Sister
Barnum and to Brother, Mitchell. on behalf
of every member Of this association. I ten
der and extend the most sincere sympathy
and condolences To one and all of US. the
loss Of these two esteemed members was in
sense personal.
would express the acknowledgements Of
our association for the courtesy of The Min
neapolis Journal in the tender Of the use
Of that splendid newspaper for to-day. It s
the first occasion in the history of the Min
Desota Editorial Association that such a gen
erous proffer has been made. and the mem
hers of this Organization fully appreciate this
favor and recognition. 44
In laying aside the honors and responsible
ties of this Office wish. to thank my brother
officers one and all, and also each and every
member Of the association. for their cordial
co-operatior and kindly consideration. The
beautiful memento presented me is priced
beyond any other of my worldly possessions,
for, great though its intrinsic worth may be,
it has other value. It never sparkles but that
it recalls pleasant memories and associations.
Its luster will ever remind me of that which
is brightest and best in life, namely Loyal,
sincere and devoted friendships such as my
relation with this association has secured for
me. AS the brilliancy of the beautiful Jewel
will not fade, so my recollection will, hope,
never dim.
Y step down into the ranks with the cleo
ton Of my successor. but let me assure you
that my preferment has increased, not dimin-
ished my interest and concern for all that
Will promote the social interests and frater-
nal Welfare Of the Minnesota Editorial Associ-
alton.