The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-10-10
ROPER OUTLINES PATRIOTISM OF PUBLIC SERVICE
Faithful Devotion to Duty Es- Sential In Conduct of
 Postal Affairs.

tional Association of Postmasters, at Alexandria Bay, N. Y., the meaning and intent of the Postal Service was admirably set forth in the following terms: "The wise founders of our gov ernment realized that the progress and security of society depends upon the preparation of its members for patriotic and intelligent cooperation, from the humblest to the highest citi- zen. It is, therefore, not insignificant that the framers of the constitution for a government established by and in the interest of the people should place in its first declaration of prin- ciples special postal provision in order that the postal service should be made a democratic facility. Today, as never before, the postal service is recognized as a fundamental educa- tional necessity, the promoter of mu- tual acquaintance of peace and good will among men and nations, and the enlarger of the common life"
 It may not be generally known that fully 80 per cent of all civil service employees of the Government are, in one way or another, connected with the postal service. Some idea may
  dous influence this army of employees can exert in carrying out the benevo- lent purpose of the fathers of the constitution and the interest they should feel in the great establishment of which they are the factors and pro- moters-
 Personal Interest of Postal Employes
 Every individual whose name Is en- rolled among this mass of public ser wants has a direct and personal inter est in all that pertains to the welfare of the postal service. It is for all of them a common trust, from the man selected to be its head to the man in it's humblest sphere. The differ ence is only in degree of duty. The service of all alike is equally honor able and necessary. The man or wo- man who discharges with fidelity and an eye single to faithful service the simple duties of the smallest post of- flee In the country, may expect to re- ceive the same need of public approv- al as the Postmaster General himself, for public service is patriotism and Is not to be measured by dollars and cents, by what pay is received or what station is filled. Ut is dishonoring to even the smallest trust to think or act otherwise.
 To quote again from MT. Roper's address: "The genius of the American Government Is the soul of the postal service, which is a common co-operR- tive endeaYur. of the people. It has it's origin not in act of Congress, nor in the private bill of a State legislature but in the Constitution of the United HtatezL It's ideal is not dividends. but the preservation of the Union and the advancement of civilization by the maintenance of means of communica- ton: it's policy is to operate its ser. vice not for profit, but for the con- venience of the public, and It's purpose entirely unselfish."
 HiEh Standard the Service Reuuires
 With such high and splendid aims corresponding conduct is required that fhe' fullest measure of success may be assured. The Postmaster General has set an example of public virtue by de- voting his time and attention wholly to his official duties. He has required no more from his subordinates than he is willing to do himself. He has, thersfore, been given loyal support, and the extent of public benefit with which his administration ia identified has been secured by the cheerful CO., operation of all his subordinate aids, whether in the post offices of the country or on the thousands of high ways travelled by train, by carrierS in the cities and towns. or in the rural communities of the nation. The pro- gressfve steps of the Post Office De- partment toward public reforms have not been heraided by proclamation, but it Is right and proper that the people should know them, not to award credit for what is only a pub lie duty, but that those who faithfully labor for the general welfare and see the work of their hands prosper, shall st least have the approving consent for duty we'll performed. which is every mans due and of which fntcnd- ed injustice can alono deprive him.
 A great deal has already been done. vast economies secured. and much con- structive work put into successful op- eration. Partisan views admit these accomplished reforms. and tle press of inc country has voiced its approval Of the great strides made in postal management. The betGsrn.enta and progress is beyond the reacn of hos i'll criticism, for it's purposes have been beneficiaI not political. and the results are so patent te congratulated observance that yielding esazeak was naturally given.
 Gaze of the Fourth Class Tesxzsaster
 Whis the public concern naa re- eetved the utmost -attentiea, tnsre are however, some questions oS interest affecting the welfare ef pegsai em p1oyes which should be giyea eensid- eration, and these measures of reform, will have the acti Je es-spssation of the Department in e=eFy 5asps* way by which such peSofsss naay bs Sc cured. It is but esRfnon justice tc considsS tis present method of pay meRt sf sourth-clasg postmasters, for 1t allows them but small returns fo- their labor If the same high stanr dard of efficiency is expected of them which should obtain in the service generally they should have their la bor properly compensated. At pres ent the law restricts the salaries to be paid according to the volume of out going mail at their office. The rural carrier who works under the postmas- ter Is under no such restrictions is better paid, and has more holiday privileges The fourth-class post master may have to work half hol days and Sundays and has no leave toT absence. The rural carrier has both 1HG.Ifnyl nT l..