Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-07-08

D GRAW TELLS OF GROWTH
OF RURAL NAL SYSTEM
Fourth Assistant Postmaster
General Speaks Before Con-
vention in Raleigh

RALEIGH, N. c., July 5.-Fourth As
sistant Postmaster General DeGraw,
who is here as the representative of the
postmaster general. was the recipient Of
a most d4monstrative reception at the
state convention of rural carriers which
convened here yesterday. Mr.. DeGraw
will not be able to reach Rome, Ga,
where the Georgia state convention is
being held, but has communicated to
that convention in writing the views OF
the department on rural delivery.
Mr.. DeGraw congratulated the carriers
upon their organization and the loyalty
Of their membership, conveyed to them
the hearty greeting of Postmaster Gen.
eral Hitchcock and urged each and every
carrier 60 use his or her utmost endeavor
to maintain the unrivaled record which
the rural branch of the postal service has
established-a record" he said, from
the viewpoint Of morals far in advance
of any other in the civil service, the last
annual computation made showing that
out of 41.0O0 carriers employed, but lib
were dismissed for cause"
Having been asked to outline the eVo-
luton of rural delivery and its wonder
full expansion, Mr.. DeGraw said:
MANY ROUTES.
"Up to June l. 1870 there had been estab-
o
routes, Of an average length Of 23.7o miles,
and a total mileage of IS, 420.S5. The present
annual rate OF cost OF rural delivery In Geor-
gia Is 81 ,44s.194. North Carolina now has In
operation 1,27S rural routes of an average
length of 22.63 miles, and a total mileage of
80, 1914 The present annual rate OF cost OF
rural delivery In the state is $1.11s.244. South
Carolina now has in operation 75s rural routes;
Of an average length OF 22.44 miles, and a total
mileage of II 1871 81. The present annual rate
Of cost is se77,775. In Georgia, about 100000
people are served by rural delivery; In North
Carolina, about $4,000; in South Carolina.
when IL IL stated that rural carriers
throughout the United States travel 304. 100000
males a year, 1t seems incomprehensible and be-
yond belief. 81. ..-..,
at is estimated that during the fiscal year
1909 rural carriers In Georgia hapdled approx
matey 70. 200, 900 pieces Of mail Of all classes,
m increase over 1905 of ISL per cent. The
number OF applications for money orders re-
ceived through rural carriers In that state has
increased in 1909 over 1905 go per cent.
'naursl carriers in North Carolina handled
go 1911 GIG pieces OF mail Of all classes, an In
crease over 1905 Of 172 per cent and the In
crease in the number of applications for money
orders received through rural carriers was 2s2
per cent
Rural carriers In South Carolina handled
during the fiscal year 1909 35,167.s76 pieces OF
mail of all classes, an increase over 1908 OF 100
per cent and the increase In the number OF
applications for money orders received through
rural carriers was 242 per cent"
Thihs afternoon the association elected to
serve as Officers for next the following: Presi-
dent, C. H. Howell Lumberbridge; vice presi-
dent f. D. PearsaIl Rocky Point secretary
treasurer. R. c, D. Beaman, Stantonburg;
chaplain, d. n. Hunt, Oxford; executive com
mittee. ]. c. Pierce Rocky Mount; ]. NJ.
Hayes Burlington; J. W. Jacobs, Reidsville.
Delegates to national convention, J. B. Howell,
Arson county delegate at large); Mrs Alice
Fowler Alamance county; H. B. Coppedge.
Rockingham.