The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-21
THOMPSON SAYS
 CALMNESS IS BEST Republican Referee Talks
 About Postal Cut HITCHCOCK IS FAIR
Diplomacy Will Avail More Than Criticism and Condemnatory Resolutions, Says Collector
 of Internal Revenue

|, Tn an interview given yesterday Jo- revenue and one of the administration referees in Alabama advised calmness and diplomacy, rather than i'll advised condemnatory resolutions or criticisms in solving the postal service problem in Br- mingham
 He said that it was within his personal knowledge that Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock would remedy the conditions complained of if the matter was brought to his attention, as it will be through the offices of Congressman o. w. Under wood, and other Alabama representatives in Washington.
 In discussing the conditions Collector Thompson said:
 q would not advise at this time any meeting of the Chamber of Commerce., or any other civic body, for the adop- tion of resolutions condemning the postal service complained of at Birmingham. To do this would only excite the displeasure of the postal authorities who I am pos- itive will give Birmingham better serv- ice than it is said now exists, if the matter is brought before them properly. I have the personal assurance of MT. Hitchcock that he does not desire to dis criminate against any single southern city and it would not be fair if the ad- ministration were harshly or quickly judged by the existing condition. I am fully conscious of the fact that poor pos tai service is not to the liking of the city of Birmingham, but to remedy the matter there is only one way and that is to put the question up to MT. Hitch cock in business way.
 "The retrenchment here is nothing more than has been done all over the United States by MT. Hitchcock to get within the postal appropriation allowed him by Congress. He has outlined a broad general plan of cutting, which has affected every city in America. He must have time to work out the kinks in the service.
 q believe firmly that MT. Hitchcock will render to Birmingham the usual efficient service when the conditions here are brought to his notice through ac- credited channels.
 Tn view of the fact that the entire shakeup is of a general character and that it is apparent that no i'll will is felt toward any city, think any con- demnatory resolutions or criticisms at this time would do more harm than good I know that the matter will be brought to the attention of Mir. Hitchcock at once and I feel sure that the question will be adjudicated fully and to the satis- faction of the people here. Any other course than this would be unwse."
 The assurance of MT. Thompson was the only cause for encouragement which developed yesterday in the situation brought about by the postal mail cut which has been ineffect on the Louis vile and Nashville and Southern trains for the past few days. The incoming mall yesterday was piled into the post office, it is said. unworlled, and in no condition to be quickly delivered to of fees, stores and factories of Brming- ham. By the time the postal clerks in the Birmingham offices waded through the stacks of postal matter, the delay re- sultant had overlapped the first delay, according to the general understanding.
 Despite the fact that promises were made that the mail would be at least partially worked en route here, thus ob- viating the delay, nothing resulted, and the condition remains unchanged.
 It is stated that the railway postal service is trying yet to outline a plan for betterment. However, the expec- tancy still remains unfed by results