The daily morning journal and courier., 1905-08-19

 one of the most important in the United States postal service. He also cOnsid-er- ed it the most difficult and dangerous in the entire service. He told how the men had to at times work day and night, and also sometimes being called upon to practically do two days work in one. He said that the dangers of the railway mail service. in his opinion. was greater than all other occupations except of the army and the navy.
 Continuing, the speaker said that the government recognized this fact and it was owing to this that when a man was killed his family was given $1,OOO. He further said that there was bill before congress at the present time which was a sort of pension bill in it's way because, were 1t passed, men dis abled in service would in many cases be given similar amount He said that it was an easy matter to find fault with anything in life, but in the speak CTS opinion this country has one of the best. if not the best, postal system in the world. and it is getting more per- feet every day, although everything cannot be accomplished at once. He then stated egures to show the enor- nous sums of money the government was spending yearly in perfecting the service, and also showed how the amount put out was far greater than that taken in.
 Continuing, the speaker told how he had been postmaster of the city of New Haven for nearly twenty-nine years, having been appointed by that grand old statesman. Abraham Linconl loud applause) one of the greatest and best men the world has ever known"
 In closing his remarks Congressman Sperry said: "The officers of the postal service. as far as I know them, are competent, honorable men, trying to do their duty and to give justice to all. When he concluded speaking he was loudly applauded and cheered.
 The following gentlemen all spoke briefly: Chief Clerk c. S. Collins of Boston, Mass; Cashier John Hull of the New Haven postofFice, Mr. Spaulding 0 the Boston (Iass.) office, and o. H. Swift. Mir. Swift stated that he was the oldest railway mail clerk in point of service in the world, having been en- gagged in the service nearly half cen- tury. .4. ..,..--~ .....--,.
 At the conclusion of the speeches the annual business meeting was held. The report of the auditing committee was first read and this in conjunction with the report of the treasurer showed that the organization was in a most four fshing condition. The report of the president and the secretary were then read and also showed great advance ment during the past year.
 In his annual address President southworth said that there were 267 members in the benefit association. a net gain of 40 for the year, Of the new members Maine has contributed IA, p, Connecticut 13 and New York 1. At the last annual meet ing the treasury contained cash bal ance of $1,03095. During the past year 24 individual claims for sickness and and one funeral benefit of S1OO had been paid, the whole amount ing to $e5O. On hand to-day there is S1,177, showing a next accumulation of $146. The association is now entering upon it's tenth year..
 The question of abolishing the com mittee on legislation in view of the ex- ecutive order from Washington against such political procedure, came up for final action. At the last meeting the subject was thoroughly discussed, re- sulting in the indorsement of the rec of the associations pres tdent that the article of the constitution providing for the committee be stricken out.
 After considerable discussion the sec tion was stricken out Several other changes in the bylaws were either made or referred to the next of the association. They were all of a minor nature, one of which was the raising of the salary of the treas- urer S25. A. c. Walton of this city and Samuel Keith of Norwalk both gave valuable advice to the members, as did also c. F. MaeGregor of this city, who was formerly a member of the as- sociation and one of it's founders.
 The president in his report spoke most feelingly about the death of Rufus W. ShumWay, who was drowned in on the goth of last May. and who was a member of the associa- ton. This was the only death during the past year.
 The election of officers was next held with the following result:
 President. John E. Brennan of New Haven; secretary and treasurer, James J. Cushing of New Haven; executive E. L. Knowles of New Ha- yen, S. R. Keith of Norwalk, R. J. Cor nan of New Haven. F. P. Gillon of New Haven, and P. P. Little of Spring. field. Vice presidents, one from each he New England states and New York, as follows, Charles B. Squires for Connecticut, c. H.. Wainwright for Walter M Baker for Rhode Island, Arthur w. Quinn for New Hampshire, H. H. Branchaud for Vermont, E. H. Foss for Maine and T. ?. Fonda for New York.
 A vote of thanks was given the ra- ring officers, after which the meefine, adjourned During the meeting it was that in the future the annual I meetings should be held in various 'ther, places instead of always in New Haven. as has been the custom. This natter was left to the executive con- nittee to decide and act upon.
 After the business meeting a social eSSiOr was apiouad ar5 +Lo ,.zL T,