Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-03
RURAL FREE DELIVE cry
REMARKABLY GROWTH SHOWN
SINCE 1897.
Mr.. Bristow, Fourth Assistant Post
master General, Favors Lower Rate
on Packages for Rural Patrons.

Extension of the rural free delivery serv-
ice has resulted in an increase of LIB In
the number Of post offices discontinued
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1904
according to the annual report Of j. L.
Bristow, fourth assistant postmaster gem
eral
The growth of the rural free delivery
service is shown by the statement that In
1897 there were forty-four routes In opera
ton and the appropriation was $4,000.
while for the last fiscal year the routes IN
operation numbered 24,566 and the appro-
priation to care for this enormous increase
was S12, 921, 200. This service grew by leaps
from it's establishment, the number OF
routes having been 1.2I6 in 1900: 43ol IN
1901; S,466 in 1902; and Is, 10 in 1903, these
last quoted figures having been extended
last year to those already used.
During the year there were 2,549 post Of
fees established and 5,5S7 discontinued.
There was a decrease of 15S in the number
of offices established. The principal cause
of the increase in discontinuances has been
the extension of the rural free delivery
service. The total number of discontinue
ances was 3,750 post offices, with saving in
salaries of poStmasters aggregating SILL
121. AT the close of the fiscal year there
were 71,131 post offices in the United
States-265 first-ciass. 1904 second-class,
3 1896 third-class, and Go, 166 fourth-class.
Extension of Rural Routes.
1t is estimated that 100000 Will be need
ed by the department to continue the es-
ia blishment of rural routes fast as they
are favorably reported and approved for
the remainder of the current fiscal year.
1t Is likely that 1000 routes will be report
ed within the next two months, and at this
rate the appropriation available will be ex-
haUsted about January 15, 1905.
An appropriation of s3000,000 for the es-
Enlistment of new routes will be asked by
the department for the fiscal year ending
June 80, 1906. OF the needs of the service
Mr.. Bristow says:
routes. 1t is estimated that approximately
2.000 additional routes can be established
cut of the appropriation now available,
ma king 30,87s which will be in operation
or ordered established by January Is. 1905.
To maintain service on these routes during
thu fiscal year from July 1, 1895. to June
30. 1906, will require 81 ,3e0. 600 If the
Congress should make a supplemental ap-
preparation of 100000 for the current fiscal
year. as suggested. additional routes can
be established, bringing the number In
operation June 30. 1903. up to approximate
will be required to maintain the service
during the next fiscal year, making a total
appropriation of $26, 10000 for the main
tenance and installation of the service for
the next fiscal year"
Lower Rates for Packages.
Operation of rural mail delivery and the
extension by private interests Of rural tele-
phone service has created demand from
patrons of rural routes for the delivery of
small packages of merchandise on an order
to local merchants by postal card. telephone
10 small, and the present rate OF cent per