Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1908-02-21
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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
anu a revised system of bookkeeping.
lie also suggests permanent official
corresponding to the superintendent of
mails or the agent of great manufac-
turing corporation, who would hold Of
nee continuously through various ad-
mlnistrations. In illustrating the
growth Of the postal business during
the last fifty years, Mr.. Meyer states
that In 1857 the receipts were $685.
a52, with deficit Of $3,454, ,1O6, while
the last fiscal year the receipts were
S1S3,5S5, ,OO5, with deficit of $685.
2a2. He believes that by 1917 the re.
'cipts will be over $35O,0OO,OOO.
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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. IS,
1906, was S,046, while in October, 1907,
1t was 2O535. Among the reasons CIV
Ell 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 Isthmia,.
Canal Commission, recently made pub
lie, shows expenditures up to date OF
$4S, ,2S5, ,S8O.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 con
tractor or syndicate of contractors.
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Despite denials on the part Of gov
ernment officials, there is a persistent
report that the United States Govern.
ment has purchased from the Wright
Bros. the control of their "heavler
than air" flying machine. The Wrights
have been in Europe for some time,
and it was generally supposed that
they were negotiating for the sale OF
their machine to foreign governments.
Much secrecy is thrown about the sub
ject, but 1t Is apparent that the gov.
ernment is interesting itself deeply In
the problem Of air navigation.
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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 z. 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
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Bids to the amount Of $4,000, 900 O.
the recent offering of Panama canal
bonds have been accepted by Secretary
Cortelyou at an average price of 1903,
and nearly all of the accepted bids are
from national banks which were I'm a
position to take out additional clrcula-
tlon at once. 1t was thought that the
5 per cent certificates would not exceed
$15,000,000. The Secretary says that
the improvement justlfies him in limit |
ing both the new Issues.