The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-03
Mf BristoW Makes His Report
 for the Fiscal Year
MANY APPOINTMENTS MADE
Removals of Postmasters for Cause Show Decrease, While 4462 Off ces Are Discontinued Through
 Free Delivery Extension.

Washington, December 2-The annual report of Fourth Assistant Postmaster Bristow for the fiscal year, ended June 90, last, makes the following recommenda- tions:
 An appropriation to construct inspectors lookouts in postoffices wherever neees- sary in the opinion of the postmaster general; that the interstate commerce law be changed so as to prohibit common carriers from aiding and abetting in the green goods, lottery or any other scheme carried on partly by mail and party by common carrier in violation of the postal laws; that special agents and postal in- spectors be hereafter designated rural agents; that the provision that rural car riers shall not be prohibited from doing an express package business be repealed that the maximum pay of rural carrier be increased to Sl50 per annum for a route of twenty-five miles or more in length, and the enactment of law requir- ing assistant postmaster, cashiers and other employees to give bonds to postmast- CTS direct, and holding postmaster respon- sible under their own bonds.
 Expenditures $47,ooo,ooo
 The estimated expenditure for both city and rural free delivery service during the fiscal year beginning July l, next, will ag- gregate about $470O0.000.
 There were 15,061 appointments of post masters during the year, and the removals of postmasters for cause showed a de- crease. There were 4462 postoffices discon- tinued of which 2163 resulted from the ex- tension of rural free delivery, the salaries of the postmasters of the latter offices ag- gregating $121 ,332. There are now in op- eration 19,39S rural free delivery routes. It is estimated that a26O additional routes can be established out of the appropria- tion now available by March 1, 1904. To maintain the service on these routes dur ing the fiscal year from July l, 1904 to June 30, 1905, will require SIS, 560000.
 If congress provides for an increased number of agents, as recommended, it will require about $19,0 GOO to maintain and install the service. If the maximum salary of the carriers is increased from 5000 to $750 per annum, as recommended, 1t will necessitate an increase in the above estimates of about 25 per cent.
 MT. Bristow's report further says:
 Corruption in Service.
 An Investigation which is still in pro gress has shown that for a number of years supplies for the free delivery ser vice have not been purchased with an eye single to the public interests. Both in the matter of quality and the cost of equipment. the ruling has been individual gain. This applies to articles furnished under regular contracts, such as street collection boxes and carriers satchels, as well as to those bought in the open market under exigency privileges. which has been much abused. Favored con tractors, abetted by a trusted but un- faithful official, have corrupted the ser vice. An early and thorough reforma- ton will be undertaken along the line of service with the prospective result of improved service at reduced cost. Fraud ulent contracts have been abrogated. In the re-letting of contracts, honest compe- tition will have fair and free play