The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-12-12

grades. from the first class to the third. should be placed in the classi- fled civil service. This action,s which Is earnestly recommended, would un occasionally result in still better standard of service. The policy the department has followed for several years of reappointing presidential postmasters with exceptionally good records has shown in a striking way the advantage of having our post-of- hces managed by experienc d officers. The old practice of making frequent changes for political purposes had a most demoralizing effect and resulted poor management. If their positions were included in the classified ser vice, postmasters could be continued in charge of their offices so long as they performed their clties satisfac- tOrfly, and whenever vacancies oc- promotion of subordinate officers thus 1nsuring a constant management by men trained in the postal business. Incidentally the inclusion of post masterships as a part of the classi- fled postal system would furnish a part of subordinate officers and em- ployes ambitious to reach ultimately the rank of postmaster.
 Fourth Class Postmasters.
 The plan that has been tested in several States of selecting fourth class postmasters through civil- service examination does not always bring satisfactory results. This is particularly true with respect to the smaller fourth-class offices. At such offices the salaries are not sufficient to compensate the postmasters for the time and attention required of them. Often the only manner in which postmaster can be procured is by permitting him to make the post-off1ce work incidental to his business. as. for example, in the case location of a fourth-class post-off1ce is of prime importance to it's patrons. and sometimes that can not be satls- factorily determined under the civil service method of selecting postmas- ters. It is believed. however. that with some notifications the civil-ser- vice principle can be successfully ap- piled to fourth-class offices. and q general extension of the system throughout the country is therefore favored.
 Assistant Postmasters Classified.
 On the recommendation of the de- pertinent the President issued an ex- ecutive order dated September 30. 1910, that became effective December 1, pldCluS WiIIllu CuS competitive ser vice the position of assistant post master at every first and second class post-off1ce. In addition to the assist ant poStmasters, who number 2,237, the order includes also 1886 clerical positions in first and second class of- fees. With this action practically all positions in the post-off1ces mention ed became a part of the classified competitive service.
 Salaries of Supervisory Officers.
 While the salaries of the subordi- nate employees of the postal service are now for the most part on satis- factory basis. the compensation of many of the supervisory officers is too low. In nearly one hundred offices the assistant postmasters are receiv- ing less pay than some of their sub- ordinates, while about 600 foremen, superintendents, and other supervis- ory employees receive the same salary as men working under their direc- ton. The salaries of departmental officers are also in many. cases less than those of field officers under their supervision. If Congress appropriates in accordance with the estimates of the department many of these in equalities and inconsistencies in com pensation can be remedied.
 Annual Vacations.
 In the departments last report it was recommended that law be passed granting thirty days annual leave of absence with pay to post office clerks and city letter carriers and also to railway postal clerks who are required to work six days or more week throughout year. Such a measure would place the em- ployes in the postal service outsid 3 of Washington on the same basis s.s the departmental employees with re- spect to vacations. It is hoped that Congress will take the desired action at the coming session.