Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-11-10
Postal Service Impaired.

PEOPLE in the rural districts VINO are
enumerated because Of the inefhcient
POSTAL service under Postmaster Cen
eral BurIeeon, win be interested to
know that urban inhabitants are like
wise afficted. Complaint OF the poor
service in Washington, D. G., 10 quite
prevalent, while in Phila delphia COM
mit.ee was organized. known as the
Bourse Committee, consisting Of ten
members Of the various commercial ex-
charges, which called on Mr. Burle-
son, Oct. q. and made their complaint.
The committee has announced its in
,ention 20 carry the matter 10 Presi-
dent Wilson, Il Burleson does not make
come move toward the betterment Of
the service.
OF course this Generalization Of the
postal service. resulting in ineficieney
and postal deficits. is but the logical
outcome Of appointing men like Burle-
son and his first assistant. Daniel c.
Roper, TO such positions Of RESPONSE
hiiity. Neither Of them had practical
knowledge Of postal affairs prior 10 his
appointment 10 his present position.
The Pos. Once Department ought 70
be the most business-uke department
q the government. and II the letter
carriers. rural deliveries and star
routes could De let alone the public
would be better served.
During the last year Of the Republi-
can administration tire postal service
had frany been adjusted 70 general
satisfaction and for the first time in
the history Of the depa rtment sur
plus Of nearly $4,000 800 was recorded.
Immediately on taking over the Office
Mr. Burleson issued a statement deny
irg mat such a surplus existed. and
having circulated that denial through
out the country. some months later the
democrats sneaked this surplus into
the Tressur.' Under the head Of mis-
celia neous receipts. with 4 foot note
IN Very small letters. reading, "Includ-
ing :3,ao ,t1o surplus OF postal revenues
for the fiscal year 1873"
The Pos, Office Department VIII not
DH restored 70 efficiency until 1t is re-
stored 10 a business basis. II will not
10 put on business "a sig until & blisi-
ness man y placed 1T the head Of il.
and rot a couple Of professional poll
tic!ans. And the personnel OF the pres
ent administ- ation and Of the nationa
legislature creates the firm conviction
tn3t II there are any business men in
the Democratic party, they are doing
their best 10 keep out Of public office
The postal service is not the only
department that has suffered from in
experienced supervision. FIR instance:
When President Wilson cast his eve
over the length and breadth Of the
United States seeking a man 10 oc-
cupy the important cabinet office Of
secretary Of the navy. he passed over
all that long line Of trained and ex-
perienced men who have seen service
in the navy. and selected landsman
whose chief qualification seems to have
been the fact that he served as pub
lefty manager for the Wilson cam
psign. Quite naturally, therefore. when
Secretary Daniels became convinced
that ne was making a gigantic failure
as head OF the navy, and desired to
select board of advisers to devise
ways and means Of making the navy
ef1cient, he passed up the men trained
and experienced in naval problems and
selected chiefly men whose minds have
been working for many years on prob
lens not at all related to ships, guns
and preparedness. All are excellent
men in their several lines, just as Mr..
Daniels was good publicity manager.
but indications are that the value of
training and experience will again be
demonstrated.