The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-21
Flr. Madden Is One of the
Busiest Among the Officials
Of the Big Department, But
He Will Tell You That He
Was Trained for Hard Work
and That He Likes It. :.
THE postal service throughout its

IT HE postal service throughout its
history, but particularly Of late.
has been the graveyard OF many
regulations. yet there is one man in it
holding a high position who has come
through the recent unsavory scandals
with his good name unsmirched. The
public career of Edwin c. Madden recalls
that Of a certain gentleman of France.
held to be without fear and without re-
proach
Who's Who in America has this to
say of the postofIice official: Madden. Ed
win Charles, third assistant P. NJ. G.
since July 1, 1899; b. Montreal, Can
Nov. IS. 1855: S. John B. and Annie NJ.
NJ: ed. Detroit public schools. grad.
Business Coll. Detroit; locomotive engi-
neer 1s76-1S9O; appointed clerk in post
Office in Detroit 1890; promoted to supt.
same year; served until promoted to
present position. Republican; Address,
Washington
Swift But Steady Advancement.
This is the life OF the man in little,
and il gives you some idea of his swift
but steady rise TO prominence in the af-
fairs of the nation. an advancement
which is not equaled every day. The
above quotation. however. says nothing
OF the amount of hard work, the physical
and mental endeavor, which is the price
paid for this renown. Mr.. Madden is one
of the busiest men in a department
where speed and accuracy must be COM
bined
II arrive at my Office he will tell
you. "at 9 o'clock No; don't often
walk though a constitutional these fine
mornings is a splendid beginning for
day OF desk work.
All Kinds of Letters.
The examination Of my mail is the
first task before me. 1 receive hundreds
OF letters daily. varying in Importance
from the official communication to the
letter from persons with a grievance
Here is a sample of the latter class:
Dear Cousin: q presume you are my
corsin-) I am your fathers sisters
cousins youngest granddaughter
q" Dear Mr.. Madden: VIII you please
write and tell us where you live and
what was your fathers and mothers
names before they were married. Have
you any sisters and brothers? II so
what is their names and where do they
live? One would never know things II
they didn't write and find out 1 was
locking over the newspaper the other
da: and l saw your name and I asked
mother tif this name) or you I mean
wasn't our relation, and she said I
might write and find out Did you know
James Madden who used to live in Mon
mouth, H.? His third wife died this
winter Hoping TO hear from you soon,
remain, your cousin. -
" Dear Mr.. Madden; wish to announce
myself as a possible kinswoman of your
own When can l call? l have a picture
OF the churchyard in Scotland where so
many Of the Maddens lie buried
After my mail has been opened and
read, with the assistance of A. NJ. TRAY
ers, my private secretary. and / have
dictated the necessary answers TO my
stenographer, the clock points to noon.
Sometimes I eat lunch and often 1 20
without. II depends upon the amount OF
business I have to transact.
Congressman Come to See Him.
Then I am ready to see any callers
While Congress is in session as manv
IS half dozen Senators and Represent
atives call daily to lay their suggestions
before me. Then, too. there are always