The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1907-12-28
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Postmaster General Meyer, In his
annual report, makes several recon-
mendations for increasing the efficiency
and extending the scope of the work
Of the Postofiice 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 interest at the rate of 2
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 permanent official
CORRESPONDING to the superintendent Of
mails or the agent of a great manufac-
turing corporation, who would hold Of
fee continuously through various adj
ministrations. In illustrating the
growth of the postal business during
the last fifty years, Mr.. Meyer states
that in 1857 the receipts were $685.
952, with deficit of S3,454, 106, while
the last fiscal year the receipts were
$1S3,5S5,O05, with a deficit Of $685.
2S2. He believes that by 1917 the re
CENTS will be over $350,0O0,000.
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One Of the features of the annual re-
port Of Gen. f. c. 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 CONSUMPTION. The report shows
that the deficiency below the author
lied strength Of the army on Oct. 10,
1906, was S046, while in October, 1907,
it was 20.535. Among the reasons CIV
en- for this falling off is 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
$48, 2S5, 8S0.37, 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 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 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 Ia
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
tie United States troops recently or
dered there at the request Of Gov.
Sparks
Bids to the amount of 25,OO0,OO0 of
the recent offering Of Panama canal
bonds have been accepted by Secretary
Cortelyou at an average price of 1913,
and nearly all of the accepted bids are
from national banks which were in a
position to take out additional cireula-
ton at once. 1t was thought that the
per cent certificates would not exceed
$15,0O0O00 The Secretary says that
the improvement justifies him In limit
ing both the new issues
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AS an Indication of 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
Iency In the opening hours of the SEES
sion, instead of waiting until after the
Christmas recess. Fowler of New Jer-
sey, who recently criticised Secretary
Cortelyou for what he termed his Gin
efficient efforts to relieve the financial
situation was reappointed chairman.
The committee is expected to organize
at once.
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