Omaha daily bee., 1905-09-08
BOOST FOR F. H. CUNNINGHAM
Reasons Given by Rural Free De-
livery News for Reelection of
south Omaha Man.

An editorial in the Rural Free Delivery
News, the official organ of the National
Rural Letter Carriers association, gives
many and strong reasons why f. II. Gun
ningham of South Omaha, president of the
association, should be reelected. 1t says
Mr.. Cunningham is a candidate for 'presi-
dent to succeed himself His election one
year ago was under conditions which made
his term of office extend over two years.
had he not voluntarily waived his right to
the second year and preferred TO accept
the office again only at the hands of
majority choice at the coming convention.
That his action in promptly releasing the
association from its obligation TO retain him
as president two years Wis manly, hon
orable thing to do Is a uOwledged even
by those who are tryiu. - elect another
In his place.
Have there been any good results secured
for the rural carrier body during the ad-
ministration of Mr.. Cunningham as presi-
cent Ana II so, what are they? Is the
than II was before? Now let us be abso-
lutely, fair and weigh the facts as they
When through the work of the News the
national association was organized in Chi
cagO in October, 1903, Frank II. Cunning
ham was elected president. The editor OF
this paper, directly or indirectly, did not
lend g feathers weight of influence toward
his election or that of any other of the
officers nominated No one can question
that.
tions, OF which all but three or four were
only few months old. Now there are
lnlIlg-lnIet wen organized, active state
associations, or one more than twice as
Al that meeting fifty y-one carriers were
present Nncluding large percentage from
second convention In St. Louis, there ~ were ere
'lvS DELEGATES and officers besides $50 visiting
Al Chicago fourteen states were repre-
sented
Al 81. Louis thirty states sent delegates.
.Fhen the maximum salary was $3.50 a
year
Turing his adp,trIstro flo, a. h,,, - l.,
creased to $40 maximum, and on July l.
1904, nearly 5000 carriers enjoyed some
of their respective routes
When q month later the official at Wash
ington at the head Of the rural free de-
livery service, and who was bitterly and
openly antagonistic TO II, did his utmost
to deprive thousands from the increase
congress had voted, it was largely due to
the personal efforts of Mr.. Cunningham
that the question was carried to the presi-
dent who did a very unusual thing and
not disobey. thus saving the carriers
Two years ago the carriers were granted
on special disposition one or two holt
Now they have six holidays, with pay,
as permanent thing, and more than few
hours notice OF the event
Two years ago there was no prospect
OF securing code of rules.
eral superintendent, who is spending three
months on rural routes studying conditions
The code Is assured and will issue shortly
Two years ago the carrier was unknown
beyond his route and the carrier body
was not recognized at the department and
In congress.
During the last sixty days the postmaster
general has publicly expressed his approval
OF carrier associations when conducted
along the lines set forth in their constitu-
tions and has further shown his personal
interest In their work by the presence of
the general superintendent of the service
at one state convention and his promise
70 attend two others. and also the attend
ance at other state conventions of the su-
Rarintendent OF the district In which the
btates belong.
Two years ago the public at large
knew little and cared less about the rural
carrier.
Now there exists a great national en-
dorsement OF the service and a personal
sympathy for the rural carrier.