The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-07-26
WILL FIGHT UNTIL J.
SUCCESS ATTAINED
vIRGfNiANs DETERMINED TO
HAVE BRISTOL OFFICE
RESTORED,
MARTIN AND SWANSON
TWO SENATOR'S DECLARE IN
JUSTICE Is BEING DONE STATE
REASONS SENTIMENTAL AND
- ECONOMICAL.
MARTIN AND SWANSON

Especial to The Richmond virginian.)
WASHINGTON, July 25.-With a
determination to have the postoff1ce at
Bristol. Va. continued IL the fight
takes all summer. the Bristol delega-
ton added materially to their side of
the case today by presenting additional
statements to the postoffice department
showing a diversity Of reasons both
sentimental and economical why they
should not submit to the maintenance
of one postoffice of the Tennessee side
| Of the line.
They called on First Assistant Post
master General Roper late this after
noon and delivered the statement of
facts requested by Burleson yesterday
and explained the situation in full to
him.
Refuse Satisfaction.
Roper surprised the delegation by
suggesting that a substation be estab-
lished on the Virginia side of the line
to handle the Virginia business. This
was frowned upon by the Virginians
who told Roper plainly that they
would rather revert to the old order
Of things than have a station in Vir-
ginia subservient to the Tennessee Of
Ace, and having no Virginia identity.
Roper received the delegation very
courteously in marked contrast to the
treatment accorded them by Burleson
Yesterday.
Senator Swanson said that the fight
would be continued until the depart
ment acceded to the demands of the
Bristol people no matter how long II
lasts.
Senator Martins Views.
There is a great deal of sentiment
up postoffice in a municipality or
ganized under Virginia law said
Senator Martin in discussing the sit
uation today. but there is something
more than sentiment and State pride,
as sufficient as those considerations
would be.
TT must be remembered that this
Virginia city has a population of more
than seven thousand. and without
postoffice at Bristol. Va. the business
interests there would be terribly hand
icapped The schools, colleges
churches. publishing houses and all of
agencies Of civilized life in that locality
are to be subordinated and disparaged
IL the postoffice department insists on
its present policy.
ut is true a small economy might
be accomplished. but a greater econ
omy would be accomplished IL the
office at Jersey City were discontinued
and the people of that city served
through a substation from New York.
Indeed, such a policy would neces-
sarily lead to the dlscontinuance of
all offices near State lines. Alexandria,
would go promptly.
I'VE have been faboring under the
impression that the postoffice service
was established to furnish facilities
and conveniences for the people and
to promote their comfort and develop
their aspirations and proper ideals.
There should be economy in the SER
vice as far as possible, but the SER
vice should not be destroyed to
economic a few dollars.
The President Polite.
The Virginia delegation was treat
ed with great politeness patience and
consideration by the presidnet and
! high sense of public duty will induce
been presented to him so earnestly
| in the interest of fair dealing for
Bristol, Va It Ia hard to realize the
intensity of feeling existing over this
matter. There Is a deep sense of in
| justice. not only at Bristol and in
that vicinity. but 1t is extending
througout the State. State pride Is
aroused. Justice to State interests Is
demanded There were quite num-
Der calling on the president yester-
/ day. from other parts OF the State as
well as from Bristol. Nearly every
member of the Virginia delegation in
congress was in attendance. We trust
the administration will agree with us
| and see to it that justice Is done
and the pride of Old Commonwealth
is not Inundated by this discrimi-
nation"