Evening star., 1957-04-14
POSTAL
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IPOSIAL
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yesterdays suspension could not
be gagged Immediately. But post
offices everywhere were uncom-
monty quiet.
Skeleton work crews continued
sorting first-class mail and daily
newspapers over the week end
and this will be delivered tomor-
row. Such mail also is available
to those who hold lock boxes in
post Offices whose lobbies remain
open.
The main City Post Office here
reported sharp upturn in spe-
Icial delivery letters and packages
yesterday from the usual 1000
pieces to $500. Special delivery
matter is exempt from the
suspension order.
A number of trade publications
advanced editorial and publica-
ton headlines TO beat the Sat-
urday curtaiilment.
Many persons in the business
community appeared to believe
the retrenchment program would
be short t-lived, with pressure
from the public to restore full
postal service.
Z. House Vote Uncertain
The House is expected to ac-
Icept its Appropriations Commit :
tees recommendation for a SAL
million deficiency postal appro-
priation. But whether this is
done tomorrow remains to be
seen. The proposal could sail
through on a voice vote but If
enough members demand a roll
call, a serious legislative hitch
would result.
Democratic and Republican
leaders have agreed to have no
final roll calls on any bills be-
fore Wednesday. in view Of jew
ish holidays this week and also,
repeatedly. the opening Of the
baseball season tomorrow at
Griffith Stadium.
II a roll call vote is demanded
tomorrow and one-fifth of the
members present support the
motion. action on the deficiency
measure would have to be post
poned for two days. Thus. the
Senate could not consider the
measure until Thursday-when
there will be a late crush before
the Today Easter recess.
Although Postmaster General
Summerfield has insisted upon a
SAT million supplementary ap-
preparation, it is clear that most,
liz not all of the postal curtail-
ments will be removed If ne gets
SAL million. He says. however, he
will revoke no orders until the
Legislation is signed by President
Eisenhower.
Mr.. Summerfield declared be
had no alternative but to reduce
services because he lacked funds
This was attributed to the unex-
pected volume of mail, the ex-
tension Of carrier service to L.
million new homes and higher
wages voted for employees by
Congress.
Mail Increase Cited
l.. Rohe Walter. special as
sistant to the Postmaster Gen.
eral. said last night the depart
ment had predicted that mail
volume would increase by 2.a
per cent this fiscal year. Actually
the increase was more than
per cent.
In view of the fact that post
Offices handled more than Sc
billion pieces Of mail in 1856. he
said. it is obvious that even a
per cent difference can cause q
serious drain on department
funds.
Mr.. Walter pointed out that
the Post Office does not add tc
its operating funds when postal
revenues increase.
Contrary to widespread belief
money collected from the sale oi
stamps goes TO the Treasury, not
the Post Office Department.
This is because the Post OF.
flee. like all Federal Depart.
ments, operates under a budget
and is required to live within tht
amount appropriated by Con
gress.
Mr.. Walter pointed out tha'
, an increase Of the volume o.
mail necessitates increased ex
penditures, principally TO pa!
the salaries Of extra employees
Although the larger volum,
brings in more money from tn,
sale OF stamps, this is turned
, over to the Treasury.
Payroll Boosted
He also declared that Publi
, Law SO. enacted BY the las
Congress. enabled numerous pos
, tai employees to reach maximum
salary scales quicker than ex
! pected, with the result that tn
department was saddled with ai