The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-09-29
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This achievement has been made
possible by the hearty cooperation OF
po.tmasters and supervisory forces
with the departmental officials In their
] effort for intelligent retrenchment and
we hope that the consequent decrease
Id the amount OF the annual deficit VIII
Incline Congress to favorable consid-
-1kration OF some OF the pressing wants
of the service.
Zone matter urgently calling for
consideration Is the fact that the pres
ent classification law was adopted
twenty -one years ago, and that the
subsequent growth OF the service has
developed conditions not then fore
seen. There now exists a class known
as supervisory employees. whose du-
ties require knowledge OF details and
executive ability in the handling OF
men. We would respectfully suggest
that the postmaster general again pre-
sent this subject to Congress, with Fl
view OF securing the passage of a new
classification act recognizing such con-
ditions.
Understanding it to be the desire
Ut tho department 30 soon as cireum-
stances shall permit to extend the
period OF vacation, with pay, this as
ISOLATION desires to go upon record
- approving the principle that there
should be no distinction between gov
srnment employees in this regard. and
leaving the time and manner OF ad-
juStment to the Judgment OF the de-
partment. also legislation providing
Tor the retirement of superannuated
employees in the classified civil service
uDon az favorable basis as Congress
shall find to be practicable.
.'It L. our experience that the eff
Acieney record system has resulted in
material Improvement in quality and
quantity of work accomplished. as
well as In discipline. Whatever small
inequalities may now exist will doubt
less be removed as time shows the ad-
Visibility OF readjustment of penal
ties.
.tBeiieving that in many instances
assiEtant postmasters are now made
duatsly compensated, we advocate a
Ereater elasticity In determining such
compensation, to the end that in such
cases suitable recognition of valuable
aervtce may be made. We heartily
approve OF their inclusion within the
classified competitive service By the
President as recommended by the
Postmaster General in the further
ance of their policy Of placing the
departments on modern CONNER
cotal basis, and We express the nope
that with the remainder or the fourth
class postmasters those OF the second
and third classes may shortly be
brought under the operation of the
civil servicc laws.
1--WE feel that steps should DO taken
to curtail the growing evil OF stamp
rsmittanees. with its consequent loss
and injustice. aad suggest that this
could be iessened by legislation pro-
- ~ nj
stamps At q discount, az being con-
txary to public policy.
ssThix association commends To the
favorable consideration or the depart
ment the establishment OF limited
narcel post service confined ia each
sinsta nee 10 rural routes operated from
angie ONCE at such time, under
such regulations and at such rates as
the department shall find 5ndicious-
when II shall be possible to re-
dnce the labor OF pcstofiics employees
u ssx days per week. either by the
eatuaination OF as much Of the work
III present done on Sundays as IL pos
xfbie without material impairment or
tho service. or by the allowance OF
q fompensatcry leave TO such employees
y ~ Rnuch necessarily be assigned to
1 Atfr on Sunday, We are confident that
~ service will be benefited. perhaps
Stp III equivalent degree, by the bet
I; 6xWd condition Of the employees. thus
4 BEARDED suitable opportunity for rest
Is iii xe1axntion.
1ss5Re very xincereiy regret that pres
u ~ Of ofiiciai duties has prevented
- ~ preeence at this meeting Of Post
Snfnr General Hitchcock. but we de-
70 express our appreciation OF
A0mor done I'm by the attendance
rjo3nnt Postmaster General DE