New-York tribune., 1919-12-05
Burleson Says Department
Has Made $35,OOO,OOO
in Z Years, as Against Big
Loss Under Republicans
s'No Apology" for Critics
Report Again Calls for U. S.
Ownership of Wires;
Wants Unions Barre d

WASHINGTON, Dec. "A surplus
OF $2,342,S51 in postoffice operations
for the fiscal year 1919 was announced
in the annual report to-day OF Post
master General Burleson. The figures
are subject to some adjustment, which
would increase the surplus, Mr.. Bur-
leson said, adding that this was the
sixth time in the seven years of the
present postoffice administration that
revenues had exceeded expenditures.
An aggregate surplus Of more than
$35,06O,O 900 as compared to an aggregate
deficit of more than 100000 for the
preceding seven year period is shown
in an appended table.
1.-The cause of the change is imme-
diately apparent" the report SAYS OF
this comparison. "Whereas the reve.
nues under this administration in.
creased S737, ,597, 1918, or at the rate OF
5O.68 per cent, compared with the sever
year period prior to the time it assumed
office, the expenditures increased only
$643,335, 1896, or at the rate of 42.49 pei
cent The difference between the in
crease in expenditures and the increase
amount of the net change in favor OF
the public treasury"
Much of the criticism leveled at the
departments financial policy, Mr.. Bur.
lesson said, "was due to lack of com
plete and accurate information"
No Apologies Offered
"The facts as presented" he added
tell story of achievement. They dc
r. ~ COLL far
and none is given. The administra
tion stands squarely on its record"
Improvements are summarized as
follows:
"Inauguration Of the air mail ser.
vice; establishment of the space sys-
tenn in determining the compensation
of railroads for carrying the mail; re-
adjustment Of railway mail service in
the interest of both Improvement and
economy; read djustments of organiza-
tions in postoffices, methods of service
and distribution of supplies, on basis
of sound business principle; inaugura.
tion of rural and city motor vehicle
service and village delivery service;
extension of box and collection service
and postage stamp, money order and
registry facilities to patrons on star
routes; improvements in the registry
~ 'S~iAAt AAAo - SN PoSa NCi POSC cilO
methods of handling dead letters; re-
adjustment of rural delivery service
providing more equitable distribution
of facilities to patrons already served
and extensions of facilities to those
citizens who ha& heretofore been de
MED any service at all; complete reor-
ganization of the equipment and sup
ply services through the extension of
operation and economy of production
and the introduction of modern shop
methods, equipment and appliances
effecting substantial savings and i'm
provement in the service; the partia
second class mail matter, effecting 6
saving of over $15,O0O,OO0 annually;
reduction of letter postage between the
United States and several foreign
countries; large extension Of interna
tional parcel post, and the increase ir
weight and size of parcels permitted
in the mails"
Mr.. Burleson again asked repeal o.
legislation permitting affiliation of or
CARNATIONS of posal employees will
labor organizations (which sanction re
course to the strike or boycott to en-
force their demands"
Government employees" he said
Should be permitted to organize fo
tnelT SOCldl anu general WelIArey TO Ap
pear before committees of Congress
and to furnish information concerning
the postal service of which they may
have knowledge"
"The enforcement Of the principle
that government employees should no
hold an affiliation incompatible with
their obligation to the public servic,
cannot be distorted into a reflection
upon the efficiency and loyalty of the
postal employees, whose devotion to pub
lie duty under the trying test of wal
was conspicuously demonstrated. Bu
the principle is one which cannot be pru
IDENTIFY disregarded."
Reaffirmlng, arter detailed discussion
his previous stand as to zone rates OF
publications, Mr.. Burleson said: "Ths
Postmaster General has always be
lieved that a low, fiat rate Of postag'
should apply to reading matter, fol
the reason that its primary purpose il
the dissemination of news and is edu
cational, but he is also firm in the be
lief that this low rate of postage shoule
not apply to that portion of the publ
cation devoted to advertising or com
mercial uses. The law which fixes