Norwich bulletin., 1916-07-22

carefully made, developed irregulari- ties which needed correction and the application of the just and equitable rules of proper administration tempor- arily inconvenienced some and per haps gave rise to criticism in others, 1t was but an incident to all reform atory processes and could be expected to disappear when the wider benefits sought and the greater advantages to be obtained made the object and the purpose clear and justified the wisdom of the action taken. For instance if, by the change of conveyance and the encouragement of routes, more and better service could be given should it not be done? Whenever and wher- ever such changes have been made it has been found possible to extend service to additional patrons hereto fore denied this accommodation-from from 500 to 1000 in numberf. Surely the slight delay it might occasion to one or several patrons should meet with little or no objection when it was shown that this had been the means of obliging many others with at least a single delivery who previously had none whatever.
 In the nature of things, the great desire of the people to obtain a bene- fit which it's government could provide and the willingness of the government to give it and give it rapidly, condi- tions would develop which demanded both attention and consideration. If, therefore, it became evident in opera tion that by careful inquiry more could be accomplished than was be- ing rendered, it was clearly the duty of those in control to investigate con ditions with view to possible bet terment. "The greatest good to the greatest number, must ever be the motto of wise and successful admins tration, and officials can only hope to win public approval when such motto governs their administrative acts.
 The Policy and Purpose.
 It has been the policy and the pur- pose of this administration to make of the rural delivery and it's partner in public benefit, the parcel post, all that it's most sanguine projectors hoped to accomplish. The postmaster general is deeply interested in both, and has used to the utmost the great powers of his office and his personal influence as well to promote in every possible way these two great factors in our national life. He wants the man away from the greater advantages of commercial opportunity to have an equal chance with his more favored brother in the cities, and gain for his industry, whatever it may be, the full est measure of benefit that govern ment can bestOw. To this end the energies of the Department have been directed, the wiSest cOunSeIS sought, and the greatest personal attention given. As important postal centers provide an easy market for the pro- ducts of the farm and the rate of pos tage is reduced by the extension of local zones, motor delivery was es- tablished, whereby exchange was stimulated between producer and con- sumer, and both alike benefited. De- livery zones from these important cen ters will be; and have been, doubled; still others established, and the fami- lies tributary to these centers thus enabled to take full advantages of this enlarged opportunity to market the products of their industry to the best advantage.
 The administration expects to great ly widen and still further improve this public benefit and advantage until all sections and all localities where ru raI service can be made operative sshau have these cOnveniences afford ed them and have them generously maintained. Petitions for service are no longer necessary. The recOmmen- datiOn of the postmaster brings an in spectOr who goes over the ground, and if service can be made at all ef- fectiVe, it will at once be given. No considerations of administrative econ Omy. no mere saving of money by nniSerly methods or DarsimOniOuS pro
 
 benefit which the rural delivery can give or wise public policy can sane tiOn. The common people, upon whom the burdens rest and upon whose toll the nations prosperity is built, are to have their share of government favor in full measure returned to them and every aid to the furtherance of legiti- mate enterprise and effort secured to them by performance and by practice What Rural Delivery Has Accom-
 pIished.
 The rural delivery is indeed a boon to the country. Its measureIess ad- vantages can not be estimated, nor need the cost of maintenance be con- sidered, for it has brOadened the field of industrial opportunity, touched as if with magic power the possibilities of human endeaVOr, and transformed conditions to a, degree almost marvel ous. It has brought the printed page, the great educator of civilization, daily to the home has brought special delivery almost to the door; has se- cured good roads and maintains them by official interest and concern; it has attracted the attention of the various states to this question and obtained results; it has made farm lands more valuable and contributed to increased production; it has abridged time by rapid communication; frightened all environment, and made ordinary dull routine interesting and attractive; it has lessene5 toll by the instructive suggestions which government experi- ment and inquiry affords, and has made the home a center of influence and crowns domestic life with all that makes for peace and cOntentment.