The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-08-18

tage OF the new and improved methods
OF the cultivation of the farm, to make
home life interesting and attractive,
and such methods will tend to make
our sons content with rural farm life.
MIR. Jefferson said:
THE cultivators Of the earth are
the most valuable citizens. They are
the most vigorous, the most independ-
ent, the most yirtuous, and they are
tied to their country and welded to its
liberty and interests by its most
lasting bonds"
The distinguished Georgian who in
troduced the first resolution which was
adopted providing for an apprepria-
ton of $4,000 to experiment looking
forward to this great work, had spent
his boyhood days upon a farTI; he
knew the disadvantages under which
the farmer labored in regard to his
mail facilities.
He not only knew of the disadvan-
tages under which the farmer Iabored,
but sought most diligently to inaugu-
rate a system that would bring to
The farmer the relief he SO much
sought and deserved. The amendment.
though small, was bitterly opposed,
and at one time was likely to meet
with defeat, but through the energy
and Well-directed efforts of the auth
or it was finally adopted. Thus was
laid the foundation for the great work,
which will, when completed, be the
greatest blessing the American farmer
has ever received at the hands OF con-
gress from the public treasury. 1t is
source OF qualification to me. and
TO the people of Georgia, to give prop
err credit to this distinguished Geor-
giaii for the work he performed.
Mr.. Fairbanks: / should like to
ask the senator from Georgia before
ne leaves the floor il he can inform
the senate how nearly self-supporting
IS the present rural free delivery serv-
ice?
Mr.. Clay: do not think that the
report OF the postmaster general
gives any accurate information which
would authorize me to answer the
question. The postmaster general as
sures us in his report that where the
service has been established and put
In thorough operation the revenues
nave increased from 20 to Is per cent
ana says that in few years alter the
service is perfected in all probability
At will be self-sustaining. There are
not sufficient facts and figures in the
report OF the postmaster general nm
TO this time to answer accurately tho
question asked by the senator from
Indiana.
y Mr. Fairbanks: Mr.. President.
nave been much interested In the SEN
-ator' s statement OF the development of
the rural free delivery service because
u is a service in which have taken
considerable interest from its early
experimental days. AS the honorable
senator has shown, it has Justified in
the fullest degree the hopes and ex-
pectations of its authors. 1t has oc-
Cured TO me that there is reasonable
opportunity for increasing its effici-
ency and without any additional bur-
den upon the government.
Congressional Record Vol 3e part
8 Up. zl77 to 307S and appendix):
9th congress, End session, Feb "a to
March 4, 1903. The quotation above
begins about the middle of the second
column on page 2609, senate proceed
lngs OF February rs, 1903, and ends
near the bottom of page 261O.-Asso-
ciate Editor)
Mr.. Bacon: Mr.. President. wish
10 say a word in reference to the pre-
sentation which has been made by my
colleague on the origin and author
ship. II | may SO term it, of the free
rural delivery system am very much