The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-06
RURAL FREE DELIVERY.

Representative Overstreet, of this district.
places himself on record against the propo-
sition to change the rural free delivery to
the contract system. AT present it is on the
merit system and practically. if not actu-
ally, under civil-service rules. The charge
Is made in some quarters that II has been
built up as political machine. The local
Democratic organ says:
The evident fact is that the service to the
farmers is being made the excuse for build
ing up a standing army of political work.
ers who give nine-tenths of their time to
congressman who appoints them and are
paid for 1t by the government.
This is not true. In his annual report for
1901 Postmaster General Smith said: 1.-The
merit principle of appointment has SUBJ
stantially been applied and no removals
have been made except for cause" He rec
commended that the entire service be brought
under civil-service rules, and so, practically,
1t has been Rural free delivery is of espe-
cial benefit to the farmers. In his annual
message to Congress in 1902 President
Roosevelt said:
On Nov. 1, 1902. 11650 rural free delivery
routes had been established and were in
operation, covering about one-third OF the
territory of the United States available for
rural free delivery service. There are now
awaiting the action OF the department petit
tons and applications for the establishment
of 10.74S additional routes. This shows con-
clusively the want which the establishment
of the service has met and the need of
further extending Ii rapidly as possible
1t is justified both by the financial results
and by the practical benefits to our rural
population. 1t brings the men who live on
the soil into closer relations with the active
business world; Ii keeps the farmer in daily
touch with markets and prices: ii advances
general intelligence through the increased
circulation of legitimate journals and peri
odicals. stimulates correspondence, quickens
all interchanges. promotes good roads en-
hances farm values, makes farm life less
isolated and more attractive. and unites
with other wholesome influences in check
ing and changing the hitherto prevailing
current from country TO city
The national value of these advantages is
incalcuiable, and nothing should be done to
imperil or lessen the benefits of the service.
There is reason to believe that placing it
under the contract system would have that
effect. AS Mr.. Overstreet says:
The change to the contract system would
mean economy at the expense of the eff
cheney of the service. The cheaper service
would mean the cheaper carrier the cheap
or horse, the cheaper equipment and poorer
and more irregular delivery. The people who
are enjoying the splendid service now given
them appreciate IL and they would protest
vigorously against any change involving
possible deterioration
An important element of the rural free de-
livery service is permanence OF employ
ment. The carrier should have long famili-
arity with the route. There should be knowl-
edge of the people on the part of the car
rier and confidence in the carrier on the part
Of the people These conditions are much
more easily attained under the merit sys-
TEN than they would be under the contract
system. IN which there would be contract