The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1922-08-10

mental principle Of decentralization
Ia TO do everything In q state for
n state that can he done there For
merly n postmaster, whether % miles
from Washington or $500, sent his in
quiries and complaints to the depart
ment. Now they take all such service
matters up with their central account
ing postmaster or their inspector-in-
charge, and get quick and reliable in
formation, In some localities many
days ahead of the time formerly re-
qulrcd. This system has been insti-
tuted without the cost Of one add
tionnl penny, through more intensive
organization
Post.ofllce supplies formerly shipped
from Washington involving delays.
sometimes to the embarrassment Of
the local office, ARE now supplied direct
from the central accounting office
within the state. ON July ! new sys-
TEN of handling funds and accounts ut
district Offices was inaugurated which
enables them to finance themselves
and will eliminate the rendition and
auditing of 100000 monthly money-or-
der statements each year Postal funds
and money-order funds from whatever
source Immediately become inter
changeable and available for any ex-
penses of the office. They will no
longer need to be kept in separate
drawers. an ancient method Of ac-
counting adopted when postmasters
could not keep books.
Following the plan of paying Insured
parcel post claims In the field the de-
partment on July l extended this
method to G. q. ID. cases. By this ac-
tlon It expedited the adjustment Of
these claims and established closer
business relation with Its patrons.
Big Savings by Reorganization.
The department has undertaken the
reorganization of approximately 100 OF
the largest post offices serving the
great population centers of the coun-
try and which conduct 50 per cent Of
the postal business. In one such Of
flee, serving 796,S36 patrons, II has eff
fected saving of 100000 annually
without curtaillng or impalring the
service. the postmaster general says.
In this policy of reorganization the
postmaster general has caused
thorough survey and inspection of the
department at Washington to be made
resulting in the elimination of approx
mately $50 unnecessary positions and
effectlng an annual saving of S156,OOO
together with the transfer of $40 EN-
ployees to another department OF the
government where they properly be-
longed
Each week the executive officers OF
the department meet in weekly con-
ference, the postmaster generals staff
twice weekly, and present their prob
lens for discussion. upon which united
judgments are based so that when in
structions are issued they are the re-
suit Of an exchange of views which
goes far in arriving at n correct solu-
ton.
America and the World Court.
The recent announcement Of Charles
Evans Hughes, secretary Of state.
that there is no prospect for any
treaty or convention by which the
United States would share in the
maintenance of the permanent court
of international justice, until some
provision Is made by which. with.
out membership in the League of
Nations, this government would be
able to have appropriate voice In
the election of judges, has bought
to the administration many express
sions Of regret from lawyers in vari-
Gus sections of the country.
Until the secretary of state made
his announcement the impression pre-
vailed that this government was near
ing membership In the International
court. Under his decision the United
States will remain on the outside I'M
less:
/. This government takes member
ship in the League of Nations.
q The constitution of the court Is
changed so as to permit the United
of judges without being a member OF
the League of Nations.
There Is small prospect Of either
one of these things being done In the
immediate future. Under the consti-
tuition of the court the judges are
chosen by the council and assembly
of the League of Nations. The au-
thorities here do lot expect he ma
tions that hold membership In the
league to change the method of cleo
ton Of judges just to please this gov
eminent.
America Satisfied With the judges
Elihu Root. former secretary Of state
and former senator. who is regarded
as one Of the foremost lawyers In tho
United States, wrote the constitution
OF the international court. There Is
the disposition In some quarters to say
that the excuse which the United
States has offered for not joining I'm
the support of the court Is not a valid
nna In this connaptinn N IL nniptad