The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1907-12-26
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Postmaster General Meyer, in his
annLal report, makes several recon-
mendations for increasing the efficiency
and extending the scope Of the work
Of the Postoflice Department. Chief
among these recommendations was that
for the establishment Of postal savings
banks. Mr.. Meyer would have every
money order office, and such others as
may be deemed necessary, designated to
receive deposits in amounts Of not less
than 81, but the amount Of Individual
accounts he would limit to $500. On
these deposits interes. at the rate of .
pei cent should be allowed. A material
extension Of the parcels post service Is
urged. A recommendation is also made
for more up-to-date business methods
and revised system of bookkeeping.
He also suggests a permanent official
corresponding to the superintendent of
mails or the agent Of great manufac-
turing corporation, who would hold of
flee continuously through various ad-
ministrations. In illustrating the
growth Of the postal business during
the last fifty years, Mr.. Meyer states
that in 1857 the receipts were $SO53,-
952, with a deficit Of $3,454 100, while
the last fiscal year the receipts were
S183,5S50O5, with a deficit Of $6,653,-
2S2. He believes that by 1917 the re-
celpts will be over $350,0O0,000
-
One of the features Of the annual re-
port Of Gen. F. G. Ainsworth, adjutant
general of the United States Army,
which has called forth no little COM
ment throughout the country, Is the
statement that If present conditions
continue there will be nothing for the
government to do to secure men for
the military service but to materially
increase the pay Of enlisted men or re-
sort to cOnscription. The report shows
that the deficiency below the author
lied strength Of the army on Oct. 15
1906, was S,046, while in October, 1907
it was 20,535. Among the reasons Civ
en- for this falling off 10 the strong
competition which the government
encounters from private employers
who offer higher pay and more attract
i've conditions.
The annual report of the Isthmian
Canal Commission, recently made pub
lie, shows expenditures up to date Of
$4S, ,2S5, ,SS0.37, and indicates crafty
ing progress in the work. On June 80,
1907, the total force of skilled and un-
skilled laborers was 29,446, an increase
of 10000 over the previous year. The
death rate among employees for sever
al years past shows a marked improve
ment in health conditions, mainly due
to sanitation, better housing facilities
and better food supplies. The report
strongly recommends the continuation
of the work by the National Govern
ment direct and not through a con-
tractor or syndicate of contractors.
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At the direction of the President a
special commission, consisting Of Law
renee O'Murray, Assistant Secretary of
Commerce and Labor; Herbert Knox
Smith, commissioner of corporations
and Charles p. Neill United States la
Dor commissioner started for GOldfield,
New, to investigate the labor conditions
at that place and to determine whether
there is necessity for the presence Of
the United States troops recently or
dered there at the request of Gov.
Sparks
Bids TO the amou1t of S25 100000 of
the recent offering Of Panama canal
bonds have been accepted by Secretary
Cortelyou at an average price of 1O3,
and nearly all Of the accepted bids are
from national banks which were in a
position to take out additional circula-
ton at once. 1t was thought that the
per cent certificates would not exceed
$15,OOO,OOO. The Secretary says that
the Improvement justifes him in limit
ing both the new issues
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AS an indication Of a desire on the
part Of Congress to deal promptly with
the currency question, Speaker Cannon
departed from precedent in naming the
House committee on banking and cur
lency in the opening hours of the ses-
sion, instead Of waiting until after the
Christmas recess. Fowler of New Jer-
sey, who recently criticised Secretary
Cortelyou for what he termed his "in-
efficient efforts to relieve the financial
situation" was reappointed chairman.
The committee Is expected to organize
at once. "
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The cash balance in the treasury has
been reduced to about $17,0OO.OOO by
the distribution of funds among na-