The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1903-12-11
wEsTslDERs STILL WONDERING
ABOUT "THAT" PETITION.
ARE NOT GIVING II UP
Unless Something Is Heard Soon Will
Make Another Request for
Letter Carrier.

When the people residing in the
northwestern part of the city began
a movement, several months ago, for
an increase in the letter carrier SER
vice they were hopeful that on the
strength of the showing they were able
to make their petition would be speed
lily granted. In this, however, they
have been disappointed and many are
still compelled to witness carrier
make his daily rounds and pass within
few feet Of their doors without serv-
ing them.
inquiry at the postoface reveals the
fact that the matter is up in the air,
so far as knowledge there is concern
ed. Nothing has been heard OF the
application and it is not known wheth-
the unrolling of red tape in connection
with it will result favorably or other
wise. Recently representative OF the
postal service appeared and made q
number of inquiries relating to the
business of the Office, it's receipts,
the amount of mail matter handled,
ETC. He did not state the object Of his
investigation and left without volun.
teering any information. While it is
net known positively, 1t is believed
that his visit had some connection
~. %hG,s no 0r
but this is merely surmise
The government, as befits it's dig
nifty, is slow in it's movements and
mo matter how urgent speedy action
may be considered by the public, those
| at Washington to whom has been dele
gated the authority to act as their
agents are never in any haste and
| take their own good time in which TO
act on matters presented to them.
No doubt there are many other cities
besides Billings that have similar pc.
titions before the department and
they also, are wondering when official
ponderosity will unbend itself sufti-
] ciently to act on their appeals.
AS an act of special graciousness
the dignitaries at Washington have
condescended to listen to the prayers
4 of the postmaster to the degree Of
giving him an extra carrier for the
holiday season. The additional man
is now at work, but he restricts his
labor to the districts covered by the
regular carriers and helps them to ham
die the masses Of mail matter they
will be called upon to deliver from now
until after Christmas.
Will Keep 1t Up.
Having had ample time in which to
make a manifestation of their inten-
tions in the matter, it is probable that
before long another attempt Will 'De
made to secure some sort OF action
: from the Washington pOtentates. AZ
all events, it is likely that their mem
ory will receive jolt, as the people
who petitioned for the appointment
of a third carrier have concluded tha'
their children shall not arrive at the
, age of senility without learning some
: thing in regard to the matter. Should
! it prove necessary to do so, they de
sire to arrange for continuation q
: the request by those who may follow
= them. Having once begun the agita
. tiou. they are determined that It shal
= NOT he permitted to die out through
lack of provision to continue it int
another century if need he. Thel
/ propose to keep the matles Le-el..s th'
. department until they are given an
u swer one way or another. Delay VII
: not discourage them and they will no
9 let I'M until they are answered.