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3068 ·coNGRESS!ON .AL RECORD-HOUSE. FEBRUARY 24~

ftntl (at 6 o'clock anu 20 minutes p. m.) the Senate aujonrneu , CONFIRMATIONS. 1111til to-morrow, Friday, February 25, 1916, at 12 o'clock meridian. Executi.,;e no1nination canjinncd by the Senate Febnta1·y 24 (legislatit·e day ot Febnta1·y 21), 1916 • NOl\II.._JATIONS. .POSTMASTER. E .xecutire nomiitati ons 1·ecei ved by the Senate February 24 (leu­ ARK.A.NSAS. islati r e day of Febntary 21), 1916. I. V. Echols, Cotton Plant. PosTMASTERS. ALABAMA. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ,V. T. McCord to be postmaster at Alabama City, Ala., in THURSDAY, Feb'J"}"ary ?34, 1916. place of J. S. Franklin. Incumbent's commission expired Feb­ ruary 19, 1916. 1'he House met at 12 o'clock noon. The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the fol­ CALIFORNIA. Io·wing prayer: R. A. Berry to be po ·tmaster at Berkeley, Cal.. in place of We bless Thee, Infinite Spirit, our heavenly Father, .that the C. S. l\Ierrill. Incumbent's commission e~rpired February 21, {loor to the holy of holies is ever ajar, that tho e who will may 1916. enter in and receive the touch of infinite wisdom, love, anu Cary D. l\fcNeil to be postmaster at Corona, Cal., in place of purity which reveals the broader view of life and inspires to · ,V. L. Brown. Incumbent's commission expires March 13, 1916. nobler living and greater usefulness. Touch us, we beseech Thee, ILLINOIS. with Thy holy spirit that we may be prepared for. the duties, great or small, which Yre shall be called upon to fulfill in the Andrew J. Gillogly to be postmaster at Sidell, III:, in place providence of Thy plans and purposes to-day and always. In the of T. B. 'Villiams. Incumbent's commission expired January spirit of the Master. Amen. J8, 1916. The Journal of the proceedings of yesterday "\Yas read aml ap­ .Tames Wyatt to be postmaster at Chrisman, Ill., in place of proved. J". F. Newlin. Incumbent's commission expired January 11,1916. RIVER. AND HATIBOR APPROPRIATIO~ BILL. · KANSAS. 1\lr. SPARKMAN, by dire'ction of the-Committee on Ri'\""ers Everett G. Gillidett to be postmaster at Plains, Kans., in place and Harbors, reported the bill (H. R. 12193) making appro­ of ~·erett G. Gillidett. Incumbent's commission expires March priations for the construction, repair, and preservation of . cer­ 8, 1916. . tain public works on rivers and harbors, and for other purposes, NEBRASKA. which was read the first and second time, and, with the accom­ panyii~g report (No. 2u4), referrec,l tc? the Committee of the Reginald H. Kloppel to be postmaster at Leigh, Nebr., in place Whole House on the state of the Union and ordered to be of Henry C. Hooker. Incumbent's commission expired February printed. 8, 1916. . . l\!r. HUMPHREY of Washington. 1\.lr .. Speaker, I reserv~ all NORTH CAROLINA. points of order on the bill. 1\I. F. Bond to be postmaster at Edenton, N. C., in place of The SPEAKER. The gentleman fr~m '~a hington reserYes W. J. Leary, 'sr. Incumbent's commission expired February all points of order on the bilL 1, 1916. . Mr. HUMPHREY of Washington. 1\lr. Speaker, I a· k unani­ Lamuel B. Wynne to be postmaster at 'Williamston, N. C., mous consent that the minority may have five days in which· to in place of J: R. :Mobley. Incumbent's commission expired Feb­ file their views. ruary 1, 1916. · The SPEAKER. The genUeman from .Washington [Mr. OKLAHOMA. HUMPHREY] asks unanimous consent that the minority may have five days within which to file their vie\TS. Is there objec­ C. 0. Berry to be postmaster at Vinita, Okla., in place of S. E. tion? 'Vallen. Incumbent' commission expired February 8, 1916. Mr. SPARKMAN. "1\Ir. Speaker, I would like to give notice ,George H. Overbeck to be postmaster at Buffalo, Okla., in that I desire to can· up this measure as soon ·as possible. I do place of D. G. Rogers. Incumbent's commission .expired Feb­ not know when it can be reached, but. I would like to call· it ruary 1, 1916. up after the Post Office appropriation bill is disposed of ri:nd PENNSYLVANIA. such other measures as ·may be before the House. · I understanu H. A. Koller to be postmaster at Glen Rock, Pa., in place of there is one before the Hou e that comes up under a rule, and J. V. ' Vambaugh. Incumbent's commission expires March 1, if I can get it up before that. time I would like to do so. 1916. The SPEAKER. The Chair· will ~tate that the Chair will Ephraim A. Swanson to be postmaster at Youngsville, Pa., in first recognize the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. BYRNS], to place of J. H. Fuellhart. Incumbent's commission expireu De­ call up the legislative appropriation bill, when the opportunity cember 12, 1915. . His~ . . , SOUTH DAKOTA. Mr. SPARinlAN. Mr. Speaker, I merely want· to suggest that I hope no such time will be granted, under unanimous con­ T. l\1. Simmons to be postmaster at Huron, S. Dak., in. place sent, as will interfere with the taki'ng up of the bill at the proper of S. P. Malone. Incumbent's commission expired January 24, time. 1916. The SPEAKER. The Chair can assure the gentleman that TENl'mSSEE. that will not occur within five' days.· Is there objection to the A. C. Bowers to be postmaster at National Soldiers' Home, gentleman from Washington having five days in which to file Tenn., in place of R. H. Bailey. Incumbent's commission expired minority views? [After a pause.] The Chair hears none. January 24, 1910. POST-OFFICE APPROPRIATION BILL. Mary B. Buford to be postmaster at Lynnville, Tenn., in place 1\lr. MOON. 1\Ir. Speaker, I .move that the House resolve itself of R. T. Hickman. Incumbent's commission expires March 4, into the Committee of the 'Vhole House on the state' of .the 1016. Union for the further consideration of the bill H . R. 10484, the · Robert E. Cullom to be postmaster at Hartsville, Tenn., in Post Office appropriation bill. place of Clarence V. Owin. Incumbent's commission expires The motion was agreed to. March 4, 1916. Accordingly the House resolved itself into the Committee of WASHI -GTON. the Whole House on the state of the Union for the further con­ R. P. Turnley, jr., to be postmaster at Rosalia, Wash., in sideration of the Post Office appropriation bill, with Mr. .RAINEY place of W. P. Ward. Incumbent's commission expired Feb­ in the chair. ruary 13, 1916. The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will read. The Clerk read as follows : WISCONSIN. For pay of rural carriers, substitutes for rural carriers on annual leave, clerks in charge of rural stations, and tolls and ferriage, Rural Charles E. Prindle to be postmaster at Niagara, Wis., in place Delivery Service, and for the incidental expenses thereof, $53,000,000 : of C. E. Prindle. Incumbent's commission expired January 20, Provided, That not to exceed $20,000 of the amount hereby appropriated 1915. may be used for the compensation of clerks in charge of rural stations. ._ 1916~ .' CONGRESSION.L-tL RECORD-HOUSE . 3069

1\.Ir. TOWNER. l\1r; Chairman, I offer the following nmend­ l\lr. l\IOON. I ·do not object, but it is understood that the ment, which I send to the desk nnu ask to ha>e read. point of order is made on the whoJe amendment. · The Clerk read as follows: l\lr. TOWNER. Certnin1y, with the understanding also that Page 27, after line G, amend by adding the following as a new para- the full amendment will be printed. I will now ask the gentle­ graph: · man in charge of the bill if he will withhold the point of order ''That the Rural Free Delivery Mail Service shall be extended as until we can have some debate upon this Rural Delivery rapidly as practicable, so as to furnish as nearly as possible all the rural population of the United States with dally mail delivery, excepting Sun­ Service? uays anu legal holidays. That in the reorganization of existing routes l\fr. MOON. I will do so, if we can have unanimous consent and in the establishment of new routes it shall be the duty of the Post­ to take up, first, an amendment proposed by the gentleman master General of the United States to furnish as nearly as practicable an every-day, all-the-year-around service, excepting Sundays and l~gal from New Hampshire [Mr. SULLO\TAY], as there will be no dis­ holidays, to every family in all rural communities, except as provided cussion about it. in this act. That in the reorganization of such service and l.n the l\Ir. TOWNER: Very well. ~>xtension thereof such service shall mean delivery by the earner at the home of each family on ·such route wherever practicable.. That when Mr. MOON. Then we can fix some time for debate. in individual instances such delivery at the home is impractlcaule, su~h Mr. TOWNER. That is satisfactory. :ervice may ·be effected by delivery at road intersections when the dis­ l\Ir. l\IOON. Then, l\fr. Chairman, I offer the following tance is not more than one-half mile from the place of uelivery to the home of said family. Such service, however, shall not be cot~siderecl amendment, which I send to the desk and ask to have read. as a compliance with .Jaw except in exceptional instances, and 1t shall The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Tennessee offers an be the duty of the Postmaster General to furnish, as far as possible, amendment, which the Clerk will report. delivery of mail at the home of each f.amily on all rural routes now established or which hereaftei' shall be established. The Clerk read as follows : That hereafter rural mail routes !!hall be divilleision has been carried heretofore in· the bill, except in t~xisting route .~ and in the establishment of new routes whe_re a tla1ly the last bill, when it was left out inadvertently. The gentle­ delivery is practicable and where dirt roads constitute the maJor portion of the route to be traveled shall approximate such routes to such man from New Hampshire [Mr. SULLOWAY] understands the standard. situation fully, and inasmuch as this matter has been carried That a standard motor-vehicle rural mail route shall be 50 mlles in heretofore, and as that seems to be a very arduous service, length. 'l' the Postmaster General, in the reorganization of existing routes ::mu in the establishmPnt of new routes where hard- urfacerl roads which takes the whole time of the carrier, and the service is are available or hereafter shall he established, and where a llaily mail altogether by boat, I think it should be agreed to. service is practicable by motot• df'llvery, shall approximate such rout!"s 1\fr. CAMPBELL. This applies· to only one rural route? to such standard. '.fhat no standard motor-vehiele route shall be estab­ lished which shall be less than 40 miles in length. Mr. l\lOON. Yes; to one rural route. That where existing rural routes are now established on dirt roads l\1r. CAMPBELL. That is up in New Hampshire? and such routes exceeu the standard horse-drawn vehicle route by 20 Mr. 1\.IOON. Yes. It is extra hazardous and arduous work. per cent or more, the Postmaster General is directed to rPorganize such routes to conform aproximately to the length of such standard horse­ I yield to the gentleman from New Hampshire. llrawn vehicle routes, to wit, 24 miles. That where existing rural 1\lr. SULLOW A.Y. l\Ir. Chairman, this route is the first water routes are now established on bard-surfaced roads anu such routes rural-mail route eve-r established in this country. A.t the time exceed the standard motor-vehicle route by 20 per cent or more the Postmaster General is hereby directed to reorganize such routes to con­ this sen-ice was hegun on Lake ·winnipesaukee, where there are form approximately to the length of such standarll motor-vehicle routes, some 350 or 360 named islands, there were a very limited num­ to wit, 50 miles. ber of people on them, because there was no way of communi­ That in casf's where daily service on standard horse-drawn Tehicle routes has been establish<'d, and an average of less than 3,000 piet'f'S of cation or of getting provisions or anything else. With the estab­ mail per month are handled for three consecutive months, the se1·vice lishment of this route business increased and land went up to shall be I'educt>d to a triweekly service. 'l'hat llaily sen-ice shall be a high rate per foot, or whatever it may be measured by, and ­ establlsliecl and maintained on standard borse-rlrawn vehicle routes wherever in the reorganization of routes or the establishment of new people gathered in there until there are now over 2,000 homes on routes an average of 3,000 or more pieces of mail per month will be these islands. They are cottages for summer homes. There are handled for thre<' consecutive months. 'l'hat· wherever a triweekly also a numbex of hotels, summer schools, and camps, and prob­ service has ueen established anll an average of 3,000 or more pieces of mall -per month have been handled for three consecutive months, · such ably 20,000 or 25,000 people are on those islands during the triweekly Sf'rvice shall be increasetl to daily -service. summer months. This route is very profitable to the Govern­ That in caRes where daily service on standard motor-;ehicle routes ment. This carrier has built his own boat. I am not familiar has been established and an average of less than G,OOO pieces of man ·Pel' month are handled for three consecutive months, the service shall with boat building, but I have been on the boat, and I want to be reduc!"d to a triweekly Sf'rvice. That daily service shall be cstab­ say it must have cost him at least $6,000. It is really · not ltshed and maintained on such standard motor-vehicle routes wherever adapted to any other purpose, being built with a postal station, in the reorganization of routes or the establishment of new routes an average of 6,000 or more pieces of mail per month 'vill be handled for and be carries tons and tons of mail. There is a city from which three consecutive months. That wherever a triweekly service has been he starts his boat-Laconia, N. H.-with over 10,000 population. f'Stablished and an average of G,OOO or more pieces of mail per month It is a manufacturing town and a stirring business community. !:lave been handled for three consecutive months, such triweekly service shall be increast>d to daily service. This carrier operates, I think, some six months or more, and That on standard horse-drawn vehicle rural mail routes 24 miles In during the season when people are at their summer homes he length the rural mail carrier shall receive an annual salary of $1,200, handles as much mail as does the post office at Laconia, with to be paid monthly. For every mile above said 24 miles or major frac­ tion t)lereof the rnrrier shall receive the sum of $30 in addition to ~aid its 10,000 inhabitants. Un1ess there are some questions to be a_nnut! salary. For every mile or major fraction thereof below said 24 asked, I do not desire to take any more time. miles the annual salary of the carrier shall be reduced in the sum of $30. The CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment of the That on standard motor-vehicle rural mail routes 50 miles in length the rural mail carrier shall receive an annual salary of $1,800, to be gentleman from Tennessee. paid monthly. For every mile above said 50 miles or major fraction The question was taken, and the amendment was agreed to. t hereof the carrier shall r('ceive in addition to said annual salary the Mr. TOWNER. l\1r. Chairman, may we have an agreement in sum of l!i30. For every mile or major fraction thereof below said 50 miles the annual salary of the carrier shall be reduced in the sum of $30. regard to the time? · That on standard horse-drawn vehicle routes and on standard motor­ l\1r. MOON. Well, how much time does the gentleman desire? vehicle routes, in cases where a triweekly sen·iee has been established, Mr. TOWNER. I should think we ought to have -an hour on the salary of the carrier for such triweekly service shall be one-half the amount that would accrue to such carrier if the service had been a each side, I will say to the gentleman. uaily service1 as provided in sections 9 and 10 of this act. . Mr. MOON. On what? That nothmg herein contained shall be construed to prevent the use l\lr. TOWNER. I should think we ought to have at least an of motor vehicles on standard horse-drawn vehicle rural mall routes now existing or which hereafter shall be established. hour on each side. That all acts or parts of acts, and all executive orders issued by the Mr. 1\IOON. To discuss this- amendment? Postmastf'r General, or under his authority, which are inconsistent with Mr. TOWNER. Yes, sir. It means, of course, a considera­ the provisions of this act are hereby repealed. tion of the whole question of rural routes. 1\lr. MOON (interrupting the reading of the foregoing). Mr. Mr. MOON. There are two or three other amendments that Chairman, I make the point of order against the proposed will require time for discussion, and I suggest to the gentleman amendment. that the other amendments that are to be offered be read now. Mr. TOWNER. Mr. Chairman, the amendment has not yet I will make the point of order on them, and they will be pend­ been completely read. I do not insist that it shall be read, ing, and we will take an hour for discussion of all amendments._ if it may be placed in the llECORD, and I ask unanimous consent Mr. TOWNER. A.n hour on each side? that the further reading of the amendment be dispensed with. l\Ir. MOON. No; that is too much. We have bad 16 hours The CH:AIRl\fAN. The gentleman from Iowa asks unani­ of debate on this bill and about 4 hours' debate on this :tuestion. rrious consent that the .furthet ~;ead!ng of ·the amendment be l\fr. STEENERSON. We haye not heard of any other amend­ dispensed with. Is there objection? · ments so far. 3070~ CONGRESSIONAL .RECORD-~ I!OUSE.

Mr. MOON. . There are two or tlu·ee; probabiy, to be-offered be- controlled by him and half o.f"tlie time to be controliE~d : by · the over here. gentleman from Minnesota [1\lr. STEE ~soN]. · l\Ii'. STEENERSON~ It seems to' me we had better dispose l\fr. 1\IOON. And that a point of order be considerell' as· now of thi!;'- amendtllent first~ being_ made. on all amendments_ 1\fr. MOON~ - ram· adVised tbat' there are fom· ameudments · The CHAJR~IAN. And. a . point of order shall be considered' that will be: propo ed, and my ~ uggestion was that' -;ve let those as ma"l that: this point uf. order- is to be..· made, r am willing. to llli\ C ' IDLER of 1\H i ippi. Mr: Chairman, T offer the fol­ let . them ' lurve · two ~ hmtrs and. go ahead with• the·debate; I ron­ lowin"' amendment. trolling..half and" the· gentlenm.n.from· Minnesota controlllng-Iurl.f. •.rne CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from -l\1i · i . ippi offer an Thn:t" applie -to· the· section and.all amendments. · amendment, which tlie Clerk will! report. Mr. Chairman, I wili..a.s unanimous- consent. that.. gentlemen.. ' The Clerk read as, follows.: Amendment by. Mr. CANDL:ER of"'Mlssissippi: Strike ·out the perio.d·a.nd who haveJamendmentS' offer:· them now· and they. be considered insert at the·end. of lln.e 6, pag~ 2.7, the·follo.wi.ng_: as pending, and I will make the point'" o:t.. order on· all. pemUng, u Provided; That the Postmaster General is-. authorized· and directedI amendments:- to: pay, out of the -appropriations already made. for the·fiscal year 1915; to..all.letter carr-iers in the~ Rural ' Fre.e Delivery Service·durlng. the-fiscal M"r: GODU. With two hours of"debate? year ended June 30, 1915, their executors and administrators, the dlf· 1\Ir. MOON. One hour to a side, half to be controlled by tlie ferencc between what they nccl:ve" this paragraph-be now presented; and be..:consid­ , · The CHAIRl\IAN. The-. g~le.m.nn from Iowa [1\.Ir. Goon] . ered as pending, to be taken· up iil their order after the expiril.­ offers an amendment, which will be amendment No, 5, and' tion of two hours' debate on this paragraph, half of the time to which the Clerk will report. lg16. COXGRESSIOX _A_Jj -RE O OI~D-HOlT SE. 3071

The Clerk reae the money, I think it is a wise offers an amendment, which \Viii be ~ ·o. G, and whicl1 the Clerk thing to do it. will report. - l\fr. TOWNER. Let me ask the chairman this further ques­ Tile Clerk read as follows: tion: Was it not the intention of the committee, in raising the Amendment by ~Ir. IIt::LL of Iowa: Page 27, line G, after the word estimate of the department from $48,500,000 to $53,000,000, to " stations," in ert : "Prot·idcd, That in the payment of sums from this appropriation as restore the Rural Route Service to what it was before the reor­ salary to xural route carriers the money so paid, when any rurnl route ganization plan, that was instituted in April of this last year, is reestablished, shall, upon the filing of application by the person who went into effect? was carrier at the time the rural route was abandoned requesting that be be reappointed, go to saicl carrier unless there was just cause for l\Jr. MOON. Oh, no; nQ, indeed. Tlle department and the his removal from the service at the time the rural route ,-.;a s abandonea committee had no such pm·pose. The purpose was to give or just cause bas since arisen." - ample money not only for the maintenance of the routes as The CHAIRMAN. The Cieri: will report amenument No. 7, they now are but for the extension of this service. I for one, offered by the gentleman from Iowa r:t\Ir. HULL]. us n member of that committee, would not think for a moment The Clerk rend as follows : of the wisuom of interfering ''ith the discretion of the depart­ Pnge '.!7, line 6 , after' the-word " s tation ~ . " 1nsert: ment in the changes of these routes where the se1·vice could be ·• Pro ~: id cd, '.fhat such sums as may be necessary may be useu from done a. effectually as it bas been uone heretofore for less tJ1e money hereby appropriated to re~tore the rural routes to the effi­ money. ciency they had attainecl prior to March 4, 1915, and it shall be mandatory on the Post Office Department to so restore said routes when Mr. TOWNER. Then it is not the purpoRe of the committee to a majority of the patrons request in writing such restoration." take any action that will restore the senice as it was before The CHAIRMAN. Are there any other amendments? The these changes \Yere instituted? amendment originally introduced by the gentleman from Iowa 1\fr. MOON. I will tell the gentleman that there are but a [Mr. TowNER] will be called " amendment A." few of tlwse routes where these changes have been made, and M1·. MOON. 1\fr. Chairman; I re erve points of ordet· on all wherever tl1ere has been any inconvenience to the people, or the amendments. where the service is not as good as it has been, that will be The CHAIR1\Lt\..l~. The Chair unuerstauds a point of order is remedied, as the department has assure(] us, so as to gi \e the reserved as to each amendment. Are there any other amend­ best possible service to the people everywhere, as was uone in ments? If not, the gentleman from Tennessee [1\lr. l\loo;\'] is a case in Michigan, in the district of 1\!r. BEAKES. But the • recognized. gentleman will realize that when there are States that have a l\1r. STEEXERSON. Mr. Chairman, I understoou that amend­ large number of routes upon wJ1ich practically only a fourth ment nnmbere

3072 CONGRESSIONAL _RECORD-HOUSE. FEBRUARY 24~ different from many of the complaints against the changes in the OFFICE OF THE POST~ASTER GENERAL service in Bristol County, Mass. Wa~hington, D. 0., Febnt.ary 19; 1916. Sincerely, yours, A. ~o~=:~Ng.eneraJ. Hon .. JOHN A. MooN, · Ohairman Oommittee on the Post Otftce and Post Roads, House of Represent.atit·es. ; MY DEAR MR. MooN : Under date of February 16, 1916, a. letter was POST 0FF1CE DEPARTMENT, addressed from the offi.ce of the Fourth Assistant Postmaster General to FIRST ASSISTANT POSTMASTER GENERAL, H~p.· F. W. MoNDELL, House of Representatives, stating that~ Washington, Febt·uary 21, 1!J16~ In the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD .of February 12, 1916 page 2779 Hon. JOHN A. MOON, you are quoted as follows : ' ' House of Representatives. " 'Why, there have been routes discontinued in my State in the last MY DEAR JUDGE MooN: Under date of the 17th instant, in response two or three years that have been ~nrdng for 10, 20, and 30 ears to an inquiry over the telephone from Representative LAII'EAN, I trans­ and .no service has ).>een put tn operation to fully take the place lf the mitted, for his information, certain data in relation to correspondence serv1ce thus discontmued.' . between this office and postmasters prior to the issuance of an order "In .vi~w of the importance of the matter referred to in your state­ regulating the delivery of mail on holidays. ment, 1t IS requested that Y!>U ad.vise t.J?s office at your earliest con­ It was hoped that the information conveyed to the Representative venience as to any routes illscontmued m the State of Wyoming that might be inserted in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD in order that the have not been superseded by equally good service and the name ot department's attitude in relation to holiday service would be made plain. any post office in the State not now receiving adequate mail facilities" I am transmitting herewith a copy of the letter to Mr. LAFEAN and trust The inf.erence to be drawn from the statement above referred to i you may find the opportunity to place same in the RECORD. grossly nnsleading, and in order to correct what is undoubtedly a fals! Very truly, yours, · impression I inclose a list of star routes in the State of Wyoming having DANIEL C. ROPER, a less frequency of service than six times a week, with the annual cost Fb·st Assista-nt Postritaster Genera!. of each route and the cancellations of the post offices supplied thereon it being assumed that all offices with service of six times a week or·more have adequate !I!Ail facilities.. The department has contracted to pay $103,944.52 per annum for service on these routes, the primary pur­ FEBRUARY 17, 1916. pose of which is the mail supply of post offices which only produce in Hon. D. F. LAFEAN, :postal revenue approximately $15,208 per annum. The. productiveness HotUIC of Representatives. Is, the!efore, only about 14.63 per cent of the cost, and as the post MY DEAR MR. LAFEA • : In response to your inquiry o-ver the tele­ offices mvolved are of the fourth class practically the entire amount pro­ phone, I am transmitting herewith for your information the follow­ duced is returned to postmasters as compensation. ing data i.n relation to the correspondence between this office and This information should be particularly valuable to your co'mmittee certain postmasters prior to the issuance of the order of November whel} viewed in the light of section 39G5 of the Revised Statutes, which 19 regarding one delivery of mail by carriers on all holidays. reqmres that- . On November 12, 1915, the following letter was sent to the post­ "The Postmaster General shall provide for carrying the mall on all master.;; at several of the largest post offices : post road,:; established by law as often as he, having due regard to pro· "As many protests have b~en received by the department against duetlveness and other circumstances, may think proper." the complete suspension of mall delivery by carrier on holidays, I wish Yours, very truly, to ·secure your opinion as to the advisability of establishing the unl­ A. S. BURLESO~, form practice of requiring at least .()De delivery on all holidays. Posttnaster General. Reference is made to section 284, Postal Laws and· Regulations." In reply to this letter I am quoting paragraphs from the letters of Star t·outes in the State of Wyoming havi'IIU less ft·equency of se7'Vice the postmasters to show the practical unanimi.ty of opinion that the than siw times a 'teeek, with annual cost of each route and produc­ interests of the service demands that at least

Sta1· routei:i i1l the State of Wyoming having less frequency of servic~ erence to certain remarks of his appearing in the CONGU.ES~IO:-<~L REC· thai~ si$ times a week, etc.-Continued. ORD of February 14 concerning changes in tb~ Rural Service m Wor­ cester Countyi Mass. Cancella­ Sincere y, yours, 1>o~tfl~a~!'~s8~ie,·az. NumJ tions of Termini. Times · Cost. ber. a week. offices FEBRUARY 21, 1916. supplied. Hon. CALVIN DE WITT P..AIGB, House of Representatives. MY DEAR Mn. PAIGE : Re'ferring to your remarks appearing in the 64.235 Grant-Wheatland...... 3 1994.00 !90.00 CONGRESSIONAL RE!JORD of February 14, 1916, CQnCerning the revision 64236 Dover-Grant...... 2 300.00 40.00 of the Rural Service in Worcestel' County, Mass., I beg to state that 64237 Wheatland-Owen ..... ___ ...... 3 1,5.'i0.00 140.00 a careful review is being made by a representative of the department 61233 366.00 25.00 of the present arrangement of the service in this county, with the 64239 i:t=;,~~ea-ti:IDii::::::::::::::::::::: ~ 598.50 60.00 object of perfecting such modifi-cations therein as are shown to be 64241 Junction-Binford...... 3 1,184.00 86.00 necessary to promote too best interests of the service, and there has 64242 Fishcreelr-Binford...... 2 416.00 52.00 64244 M:acfarland-Glendo...... 2 600.00 30.00 been transmitted to the inspector assigned to the investigation all 46.00 complaints grQwing out of the changes in the service, with directions 64246 Sunrise-Frederick...... 3 400.00 that they be given careful consideration to the end that all meritorious 64250 Empire-Torrington...... 2 288.00 42.00 cases may be properly adjusted. 64251 Allen-Torrin~n ...... ;...... 2 38L03 54.00 64254 Iowa Center-Chugwater...... 3 689.45 92.00 As to your reference of the denial of the request of Capt. Horace B. 64255 Phillips-Chugwater...... 3 736.67 108.00 Parker for the extension of route No. 1 from Brookfield, I note that 64258 Orallite Canon-Hecla ...... ~.. 3 330.00 55.00 you refer to this as a motor route and. that the extension involved 6426{) Cheyenne-~i ~tle Bear...... 3 1,050. 00 163.00 2i miles additional travel. Our records show, however, that there were 64.26-t Golden Prame-Salem (no office)...... 3 600.00 96.00 eight families concerned, two of which reside less than two-t(!lths of a 64266 Willow-Manville...... 1 . 285.00 32.00 mile from the direct line of the route, leaving but six to be materially 64267 Foxton-Orin...... • ...... 1 360.00 24.00 benefited. A total travel of 5.6 miles is invol-ved, exclusive of certain 64269 Torrington-Lagrange...... 3 I, 732.74 344.00 omissions, whi(!h would effect a net increase of 3.5 miles. It would 64270 Sussex-Kaycee...... 2 1,2SO.OO 256.00 therefore seem that the department was fully justified in declining to 64271 Kirtley-Lusk...... 2 900.00 86.00 take favorable action on the request. 64273 French-Saratoga...... 3 1,80L24 58.00 I may also add that the route in question is now 28.4 miles in 6427-1 Rock River-Garrett...... 2 2,000.00 158.00 length and ls not a motor route, nor has the carrier ever made ap­ 64275 Ne.iber-Dickie ...... -...... 2 1,080.00 88.00 plication or been authorized to use any other conveyance in the per­ 6-!280 Ten Sleep-No Wood...... 3 2,400.00 426. ()() formance of service than a horse and wagon. 64286 Jackson-Moran...... 3 3,000.00 476.00 Sincerely, yours, 64237 Miller-Waltman...... 2 1,575. OJ 15LOO A. S. BURLESON, 642S Lusk-Warren...... 3 1, 920.00 264.00 Postmaster Gcn-e 1·a~ . 64298 Arlington-Rock River...... 2 500.00 50.00 174.00 64299 Bosler-Moore ...... ~...... 3 1,495. 00 OFFICE OF THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, 6430.1 Uva-Grayrocks..... ~ ...... -- 2 365.00 46.00 WasMngton, D. a., February S1, 1916. 64301 Little Medicine-Medicine Bow...... 2 999.00 55. 00 Hon. JOHN A. MOON, 64302 Meeteetse-Pitchfor.k...... 3 1,125.00 286.00 Ohairman Oommittee on Post Office a-nd Post Roads, 64304 Encampment-Big Creek ...... -···········- f 1,320.00 140.00 House of Representatives. 64305 . 990.00 87.00 64306 240.00 120.00 MY DEAR M:n •. MooN: I inclose for your information copy of a letter 64308 ~=~1EL~~~~:::::::::::::::: · :::::::: i 416.00 45.00 this day addressed to Ron. THOMAS D. ScHALL, Representative from €4310 Big Piney-Mason.. ~...... 1 275.00 27.00 Minnesota, in regard to his remarks on Rural Delivery Service, as ex­ 64311 Coldspring-Douglas...... 2 1,250. 00 80.00 tended in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD of February 19, 1916. 64312 Cassa-Glendo...... 2 300.00 68.00 Very truly, yours, · 64316 Bondurant-Dalliel...... 2 1, 750.00 295.00 A. S. BURLESON, 64317 Merna-Daniel...... 2 728.00 90.00 Posttnaster Genera!. 64322 2,500. 00 "102.00 64323 ~:rr~:~~ ~~~: :::::::::::::::::::::: i 300.00 52.00 FEBR~ARY 21, 1916. 64324 Kelly-Grovont...... 3 180.00 115.00 Hon. THOM.AS D. SCHALL, 64325 Terhune-Belle...... 1 116.67 40.00 House of Representati-ves. 64327 900.00 140.00 MY DEAR MR. ScHALL: My attention has been called to your re­ 64328 398.67 50.00 marks as extended in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD of February 19~ 64330 !~E~~f:i~t:::::::::::::::::::::::: i 1,~:gg 192.00 1916, page 3295, concerning the revision made by the de-partment in 64331 Weston-Gillette...... • ...... 1 60.00 the rural uelivery routes in your district, at the post _offices of Osseo. 64332 Casper-_<\Jcova...... 3 1,350.00 350.00 Robbinsdale, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Rogers, Wayzata, Long Lake, 1------1------~------Maple Plain, Loretto, and St. Bonifacius. The statements .made in TotaL ...... ~ ...... 103,944. 52 15, 208. 00 criticism of the rearrangement of these routes is so widely at variance with the facts a;; reported to the department that if permitted to go POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, unchallenged might possibly create an impression in the minds of. FOURTH ASSISTANT POSTMASTER GENERAL, the uninformed that the department is obstinately endeavoring to · WasMngton, Decevlber 23, 1915. change these routes to the detriment of the patrons served. Hon. WILLIAM S. GREENE. . In the revision of the Rural Delivery Service throughout the coun­ House of Representatives. try the department has exercised the greatest care in selecting J?Ost­ office inspectors for this work. The men thus selected are especially MY DEAR MR. GREENE : I am in receipt of your communication of the qualified by reason of their general knowledge of the subject, their 21st instant, inclosing a letter from the postmaster at Westport in familiarity with the topographic conditions of the territory under protest against the transfer of route No. 1 from his office to South readjustment, and the special adaptability for thls class of work ·westport, Mass., as ordered effective the 16th instant. l have noted because of their wide experience in projecting and changing the rural that the postmaster bases his objections against the change on the routes. The changes in Hennepin County, Minn., in which the above­ supposition that the change in the distributing point of this route named offices are located, were recommended by an inspector who had will result in the substitution of inferior service, in that the mail col­ to.rmerly -been engaged in rural-dell-very work in this county and who lected along the line of travel between Westport and South Westport for a number of years had the best means of becoming acquainted with will have to lay over in the latter post office until the following mo.rn­ all the conditions affecting the service, and of knowing the require­ ing before being dispatched, whereas this was not the case when the ments on each particular route, so that by reason of this pec>nllar route was operated from Westport. situation the department is convinced that the reorganization of the In reply I beg to state .that while the facts are substantially as rural routes in Hennepin County has been accomplished with as few stated by the postmaster, be has failed to mention that mail formerly complaints as would be possible in the circumstances. received at his office at 10.30 a. m. is now delivered on day of receipt, The experience of the department in such cases is that some few whereas previously such mail was not delivered to th~ patrons by the patrons who suffer a slight inconvenience will loudly protest a1=ra~st carrier until the following day. It has been uniformly held that where the entire readjustment as though endeavoring to create the impre. swn it is impracticable to secure both the delivery and dispatch of mail on that all the patrons served have been inconvenienced, o.r that inferior day of receipt at railroad point that preference should be given to the serviee has been provided throughout the entire county. Investiga· former as being the more important. This has been found to be the tlon has sbowu, however, that the complainants have been unduly universal opinion of the patrons ln all sections throughout the country alarmed by rumors and reports, and that they have misappreh~>nded where it has been left for them to decide whether the schedule should entirely the arrangements made by the department for their .mall be arranged so as to effect the deli-very of mail on day of receipt or supply. Some of these complaints have actually preceded the reV1sion the dispatch of mail on day collected. Itself, as evldenced by letters publis.bed with your remarks which bear It also seems that I am justified in inviting attention to the fact dates of November 6, November 11, and November 12, 1915, whereas that under the recent revision of the service, which made possible the the readjustment of the routes in Hennepin County did not become discontinuance of one route in this territory, that practically 50 p.er effective until November 15, 1915. As a further example of the cent of the patrons formerly served by route No. 1 from Westport, and with which this s1tuatlon bas been magnified and the department who reside in that section of territory taken over by the extension of placed in a false light before the public, it is only neeessary to state routes No. 1, from North Dartmouth, and No. 1, North Westport, are that the records show that with all the ch.an~r11 made in the entire atrorded not only the advantage of delivery of mail on day of receipt at county of Hennepin, very few roads are omitted und not to exceed 59 railroad point, which was not formerly their privilege, but also a families have been "required to move their mail boxi'S a sho.rt distanee, similar dispatch of mall collected. less than one-half mile, while, on t.be other hand, direct service has Sincerely, yours, .T A.S. I. BL.AKSLEE, been extended to 228 families who have heretofore been deprived of Fourth Assistant Postmaster General. the benefits of Rural Delin·ry Service. To revert to the old condi­ tions would deprive the.se 228 families o.f the direct service they are. now receiving. OFFICE OF THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, The transfer of the route fl·om St. Louis Park to- Linden Hills Washington, D. a., February 21, 1916. Station of the 1\llnneapolis post office has resulted in a decirted 1m· Hon . .TORN A. MOON, p.rovement in the service, as St. Loui-s Park is still supplied on the Ohairman Oommittee on the Post Ofli,.ce ana Post Roads, route and the carrier stops at this offiee on his outward trip to recetve House of Rep1·esentatives. all mall coming addressed thereto for the former patrons of the St. MY DEAR JUDGE MOON: I inclose for_your information a co-py of a Louis Park route, while he again passes that office near the comple­ communication this day addressed to Hon. CALVIN D. PAIGE in ref- tion of bls trip.,. giving all pa.trons exaclly the same service as hefore 3074 CONGRESSIO~ .t\.I1 RECORD-. HO.USE_. FEBRUARY 24,

the change, the only fllJiei·en ce being that thP carrier iR a.ttar.hP4l to l\I.t·. C~ i\IPBELL. Mr. hairruan, "·ill the gentleman from the Linuen Hill ~tation instead of the post office at St. Louis Park, which is certainly not a detriment to the sen·ice. Changes have also Iowa ;yield to me at tllis time? been made at the other offices named in your remarks, but these are 1\Ir. 'l'OWNER. If the gentleman will giye me five minutes mostly transfers in base of supply from one post office to another. of his time, I will be very glad to. The department has never attempted, however, to provide each patron of the Rural Dellvery Service with mail from a particular office, and 1\lr. CAMPBELL. I want to ask tlte .~entleman from Ten­ you will no doubt concede that the extent of the Rural Delivery System nessee a que tion in the time of the gentleman from Io,Ya, if and the millions of patrons served thereby would absolutely preclude Im~ ~ the adoption of any plan that would guarantee such service. Your·s, "ery truly, 1\Ir. STEENERSON. I will gi~·e th~ gf?~tlemnn one minute. A. S. BURLESON, l\fr. 1\IOON. I am only occupying tlle tin1c at the request of Postmaster· Genera,. the gentleman from Iowa [Mr. TOWNER] to an wer his question. That is not a matter that I can control. 0FFICF. OF TllE POSTMASTER GENERAL, · Washington, D. 0., Febmary 21, 191G. 1\lr. TOWNER. I yield to the.gentl.eiuan. Hon . .Ton~ A. Moox, 1\Ir. CAMPBELL. l\Ir. Chairman, will the g;f'nt!eman from Chai1·iltal& Committee on the Post Office a11a Post Roacls, Tenne see include the legislation now _proposed by . ·o many House of Representati~:es. Members of the Hou e in the rule that .11e i. asking at the con­ MY DF.JAR JunGE MOON : I am inclosing for your information a cppy clusion of the consideration of the bill? The l\Iembers of the of an inquiry this day addressed to Ron. WILLIAM H. CARTER, of Massa­ chusetts. concernin_g certain remarks made by him on the floor of the House arc asking certain legislation so . that the Hou e enn House February 17. which are so at variance with the policy of the determine what the policy of the Government hall be with department that I deem it proper to request that he furnish me with regare money, • • • an!l that when one visits the 1\lr. 1\IOON. One moment. The committee ought to conf:iiariancc "\\ith the policy of the the floor of this Hon. e in a few minutes or under a rule. All I clepartment that I would ref:pectfully request that you furnish me with can say to the gentl<'man is this: That ~f t.he. e qnestioru· shall the name of the person or pN·sons connected with the depal'tment respon­ corue before the committee fo1· consideration, as in the ca~e of sible fot· such utte1·a.nccs. the gentleman from Ohio who has offer-ed n bill. tlley will be . 'inccrely, yours, A. S. BuRLEso~ • Posttnaster ·Gc11cral. taken up mHl considered, nnd wheu '-"e haYc rcacl1e<1 a proper conclnsion with reference to that :uuene readju. ted in 43,780 of these routes. The is legislation that will fail if it is not flHn:ehetl a!': a rit!Pr to this · complaint is coming fl'om only a few hundred routes, but they appropriation l>ill. Does not the gentlemnn know that HtP l e gi~­ lation urged by . ·o many l\Iembers of Congro. ·~ fllltl of int('rcst haYe influence. There is no que tion about that. It soun distinction: Tile legislation that we nrc of~e1·in~ is Jc~ .~i."la­ the gentleman from ~fichigan. · tion that has been maturely considere(l, any the department ruther th::m legis­ this is nothing but a very great business concern-discretion lation urged by the 1\lembers of the House of TieprE*ientative. ·? ought to be, left to the officers to perform tlle duty required 1\lr. l\100N. Ko. Tile policy of the committee is to con iuet· un course while there are about 433 complaints out of forty-three no response from the committee. thousand and odd, there will not be very great trouble in work­ 1\lr. l\100N. No; that is not it. The will of the dcpartm€:'nt ing it out. I know the gentlemen who_are offering these amend­ is not yielded to in many matters, but the legi. lation which the ments and who are bringing about this discussion are doing it gentleman speaks of is not only recommended by the depart­ in good faith, and I know that they want to assure their con­ ment and approved by the committee, but the legi. lntion askell stituents of their interest; and I want to assure them and their for under the rule .is legislation tllat this Hou. ·c has heL·etofore con tituents also that this department is making the very best passed, ·but \Yhich failed of passage in tiw Senate. effort to put eve1·ythiilg in coaect shape. Tl1ere is to be not Kow, l\lr. Chairman, I did not intend to take up any of the only one revision but two revisions of t11ese routes, so that all time of the gentleman from Iowa (1\lr. To:wNEJI], hut he rc­ tl1e people can ha·re the full benefit of the service. queste :60 miles in length. representatives of the people, the Members .of this House-and Nowhere in this .colintry, I think-at least, With v.ery few ·ex- he is not justified in exer-cising that responsibility himself. ceptions--has such service ,been given to the people on these . {Applause.] Therefore 1 heartily favor some legislation that t·outes as they are entitled to rEkel've. It will not do to say that 1 will regulate and direct and conb.·ol this service in accordance the department should bave this discretion and may be _pre- : with the wishes of the _people, and in accordance with their sumed to use it wisely, because we know that the department ; purposes ·and desires, as expressed by tbe represent-ativ-es of the does not yield to the opinion of the patrons of the Toutes and the : people here, who keep in contact with then· constituents and desil·es -of the people who are-to be served. We know now that the i ·Jmow then· desires. It . should not t>e decided upon in some department holds a different view with regard to this·service from ; place far removed frqm them. by rpen who do not have the that which is held generally by the people. We know now that , opportunity to come in -direct c011tact ·With the people and know the department believes that these routes oru;ht to be let out to their sentiments, desires, and purposes. {Applause.] So much the lowest bidder instead of a regular salary being paid to ~he : for that. I wish I had time to discuss it further. rural carrier. We know now that the -department withheld for : Now, I have -offered twe amendments here. The effect of both a -year the sala:ries that we intended should be giv.en the car- of them is to require that 1;he amount which has been appro­ riers and that we fi.xed as the pay of rural carriers, and that, ·printed -by Congress to pay the rural letter carriers thE.!ir salaries although ·the .department had no authority for so doing except · ·be paid to them by the Post Dffice Department. Gentlemen, the their own arbitrary determination, they -did so because they · history of this 1egislation is this: thought the· carriers tOught not to have such ~alary. Gentle-J?en In the Post Office appropriati(Jn b-ill for the fiscal year 1915, talk' about this .service ·ohly requiring the time of tbe tearners · whieh was passed by {)ongress in March, 1914~ provision w-as for four hon:ts a day. This statement rests upon ·no other made for an increase in compensation for rm·al letter carriers foundation except that- the· Fourth Assistant Postmaster G!ID- · from $1,100 to $1,200 per year, and it was the general under­ ~ral selected certain I'outes in the United States, and dunng ·standing that a proportionate increase would be applied to all the month of July, the only. mOJlth in all the year wllen Toads routes. The phraseology of the btn 'was identical \Yith that used are universally good throughout ·the Unit-ed States, the .only in all previous bills incJ.:easing the 'Compensation of TUral car- month, practically, in which it is possible to use motor-vehicle riers. · · routes everywhere on dirt -r.oads, and, basing his statement on i But with the beginning of the fiscal year 19!5 the ..Postmaster sueh .a showing, he·says·that these -men are .only engaged four General adopted a new and 1IDexpecte.d basis of compensation, ·hours a day. He did not take the time in'January; .he did not : ·which resulted in -withholding from .about 90 per cent of the take. the time when the ro::~:ds were bad; he did not take ·the 1 cru.·tiers a part of the increase intended by Oooiress and from a time when motor vehicles could not be used at all. So, when · 1arge number the total increase. Aceording to -statements made the department is endeavoring in every way possible to discredit 1 only about 10 per cent of the total -number of carriers .received rthis service. when it is endeavoring to withhold in ·every _pos- 1 the full amount appropriated by Congress. rsible way the appropriations which we have made lfor the bene- The Postmaster General's new salru.·y scale was promulg-ated fit of thi~ s~rvice a~d whi~h Congress intends shall ~e I?aid ~or the last of July, "1914, and promptly "1Ipon learning that the -will the upbUildmg of this service, when the department ·IS diverting of Congress had been thwarted the Rouse Post Office Committee or withholding these appropriations to the detriment of the reported a bill fixing the pay of rural cru.·riers specifically on 2- service in eve;y I?ossi~le Wfi:Y, it seems that the time bas come -mile ·gradations up -to 24 miles and withdrew from the Post­ when we .are JUstified m_saym~ tbat we ·c?-n no~ longer trust the , master General a.ny and all discretion. in the matter. This pro­ department to .carry out the WIShes and 1ntentwns of.Con?I'ess. , vision was a -part of what was known as the Moon railway-mail S

ice, and there is nothing so discouraging to a man who wants · Mr. HULL of Iowa. Did the gentleman come to you anti ask to perform good service as to set before him a task that is for this authority? utterly impossible for him to perform, and that is what the Mr. MOON. Why, no. He does not have to come to me nor tlepartment has been doing . in a large number of these cases. the committee. It is the Congress; they have given him the Out in my district there is one route over 31 miles in length, where authority. tbe carrier says he has four horses and a wagon and an auto­ Mr. HULL of Iowa. I will ask you another question : What mobile, and still he can not get over the route during the winter has become of th ~ $3,000,000 that you saved-the .'3,000,000 weather and in the condition of the roads that then obtains. I that you did not use on the rural routes? suppose the department thinkS he ought, in addition, to have a Mr. MOON. Did not use on any rural routes? flying machine. because that is the only way _by which he could Mr. HULL of Iowa. Yes. possibly complete .his deliveries within the day. Mr. MOON. It went into the surplus in the General Treasm·y. . Mr. Chairman, Cong·ress has plainly intimated its intention. to Mr. HULL of Iowa. Then you plead guilty of taking tbe the departmen't as to how these routes should be carried on and money of the farmers in the Northwest and South and East to what money should be expended upon them. In utter defiance finance th~ Government? of the intention of this House and this Congress, as expressed 1\fr. 1\IOON. I would like to know where the farmer. get hy the legislation which they have enacted, the Postmaster Gen­ anything to do with this. eral ha.o;; seen fit to take the money from the rural routes anrl Mr. HULL of Iowa. Well, you will probably find out next expend it in some other manner. Such being the case, what November. [Applause and laughter on the Republican side.] we ought to do now is t" exprE-Ss not merely our intention but Mr. MOON. The gentleman from Iowa seems to totally mis­ our directions in positive terms of injunction, so that it will no apprehend tbe whole question of the power and authority of longer be di regardetl by the department, and the-people of our the Post Office Department. districts will receive the service to which they are entitled. 1\ir. HULL of Iown. :ur. Chairman, I ask unanimous con­ [Applause.] sent to extend my remarks in the RECORD nnd yield back the It is useless simply to appropriate the money. We must direct remainder of my time. bow it shall · be used. It is -idle to say that the people ha\e The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Iowa asks unanimous nothing of which to complain. Th~ chorus of complaints which con ent to extend his remarks in the RECORD. is sounding in our ears would not be made if it were not well 1\fr. MOON. I do not want to object, but if they will be ex­ founded authority to abandon Mr. HULL of Iowa. I asked the-gentleman from Tennessee what Congress- established and made appropriation to keep running for this fiscal year. Two mass meetings to-morrow, anu people of entire a .question and he has not answered it. district demand of me an explanation. I again urge courtesy of imme­ Mr. MOON. If you will look at the act establishing this diate answer, so that I may explain to them. service and the general organic act that empowers the executive IIARRY E. HULL. officer-the Postmaster General---,--to administer the functions of That telegram has r:evcr been answered. Rat11er, it hns never that office, you will not have any trouble as to finding out where been answered directly. It was answered indirectly '"hen the the authority comes from. Postmaster General appeared before the Committee on the Post Mr. HULL of Iowa. I ask you, did he come to sour commit­ Office and Post Roads and asked to be given authority to make tee and ask for the authority?· : the changes that had already been made. In other words, he Mr. MOON. He would not have to come to our committee. asked the Congres.s of this United States to legalize an illegal' He bas the act -of Congress authorizing Jt. He has the general act committed by the department of -·which l1e was the l•ea-<1. ~ ac~ that establishes his office, authorizing him to do so. . This usurpation of rights, tllis malfeasance of the prcrognti.Yc LIII--19-i 3078 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE. FEBRUARY 24~

·of the Government, has brought about the present deplorable Under its regime there was almost universal satisfaction. and tt1 condition, has caused the demoralization that now exists in the remained forth~ present administration to inaugurate a -policy rural service. which bas not only retarded the development of the rural1·outes All this chaotic condition has been brought about in the name but has actually placed them in a state of deterioration. of economy. But there has been no economy, rather has there The mail service of the United States was originally planned been u eless extravagance. Economy means equal or increased and developed for the cities. No thought was taken of the rurnl efficiency at a less cost. The present status of the rural­ communities, and the men who produced the wealth were left route situation in the United .States represents approximately to depend on community centers for their intercourse with the a 50 per cent decreased efficiency with less than a 5 per cent world. The mail system, as devised and established in cities and decrea e in cost. In this theory, that the action of the P-ost towns, was never intended to be placed on a paying basis. The Office Department has been penny wise and pound foolish, I central idea always has been efficient service with a due regard ·am borne out by that most august body, the Committee on the for e:A-penditure, but efficiency first. Since the rlJral route was Po t Office and Post Roads, which saw fit to ignore the recom· established efficiency has been the central idea in its develop~ mendation of the Post Office Department, reducing the appro­ ment. It has become recognized as one of the greatest public priation about $5,000,000 and to authorize in this bill the same utilities in this country, and its far-reaching value can never be amount as that of last year. measured in dollar and cents. No petty policy of fal e economy When tb~ Post Office Department reduced the efficiency of sho11ld be allowed to interfere with its continued development. the Rural Route System it struck a vital blow at the very The farmers and the rural communities of this country have arteries of that which has made this country great-the farmer a right to demand better mail service than they are now re­ and the rural community. Little by little during the last two ceiving. They have a right to insist that not only shall the decades have t11e farmers of this country been coming into their backward step that bas been taken, in the last few months, be mvn. Nothing has been more instrumental in bringing _this di countenanced, but they have the right, and they will insist, about than the rural routes. Rural mail delivery has brought that the rural-route service shall progress until every fru.·mer the farmer in touch with city life; it has brought him in touch shall receive his mail at his door equally with every man who with the market where the product of his toil must go; it resides in the city. has brought him in touch with the great industrinl renters of Another factor that the post office has disregarded in its ruth~ the world ; it has helped him to buy and to sell; it has helped him less dissection of the rural routes, is the community interests. to reap a just reward for his economy, his thrift, and his un­ When these routes were first established, they were so arranged ceasing labor. The rural route has made_tbe farm a more de­ to cover the area which centered in the town from where they sirable place to live; it bas encouraged t]le development of land; started. In this town the farmer, who received his mail on the it bas added a market value to the price of the farm; and it has route branching out from it. flirl his business. It wa there that been one of the most important factors not only in the develop­ he had his bank account, there he bought hls groceries, there ment of rural life, but in the industrial evolution that has taken he sold his grain, and there he got his market prices. 'Vhen place in the entire counb·y. When the department saw fit to the parcel post was established it gave an added value to his decrease the efficiency of this rural-route service under the rural route. With the telephone, he could call up his grocer, guise of. economy it Rtruck at the very foundation of that which his butcher, or other business man. place an order, and have it has caused this wonderful development. delivered at his home before night. This excellent service gave In support of what has been done the Rtatement has been made him all the advantages of living in town. that the farmers ought not to object; that if th-ey did not get Under this revision policy that has been put into effect dur­ quite as good mail service as formerly the Government gave ing the last year no attention whatever has been paid to this them this service, and they, forsooth, should be satisfied with community interest. The result has been that the farmers have anything that might be handed to them. In reply I would like been placed on rural routes emanating from towns where they to ask. who is the Government of this United Stutes? Is it the have no busine s and no social interests. Under this new ar­ Post Office Department here in Washington? Is it Congress? rangement the farmer can not call up his merchant in the city Or do these same farmers and rural communities make up as and have his goods delivered, because the route he bas been important, if not the most important, part of this Government? placed upon starts from ther-e no longer. In other words, be The farmers themselves pay .in the funds that keep these routes bas been cut off from all of the business and social life he bas in -operation; they support their own rural-route system, and been accustomed to, by this revision. This has caused m01·e they have the right to demand that it be as efficient a theit· own d-emoralization than any one thing the Post Office has done since money can make it. the rural routes have been established. _ Such being the case, the farmer can justly claim that he has _a These are the conditions that exist in the rural service in the vested right in the rural routes that have been -e tablished; and United States to-day. The action of the Post Office Deparbnent that having been established, the Government has no authority has retarded the development of this great public utility, and in to change them to his injury. In the community in which I liv-e doing so .bas placed its stamp of disapproval on the development the value of land is determined on w-hether or not a rural route of rural life and rural interests. There is one thing that this runs by the door. Farms on these routes are worth from two administration has not reckoned with, however, and that is the to three to five dollars mvre per aere tlh'lll the farm which have awakened consciousness of power, in the farmer and the small~ not these advantages. The farmers now realize that easy access town resident. No longer \vill they sit supinely by and let a and direct communication with the mru·kets and the industrial Government department here in Washington override their in· centers lends an added value to the property so situated, and its terests. There is a universal demand that the rural routes be values are so adjusted. In taking away or decreasing the effi­ restored, first, to the status that they occupied prior to these ciency of a :route you are t:a1.ing awny a portion of the as~et on changes which have taken place in the last few months, and, which the value of his property is pJae.ed, and this the GoYern­ second, that they be devel9ped along the line of efficiency first ment has no right to do. and economy next. These demands must be complied with or It might be timely here to o-o a little into the hi tory of the the voice of the people will speak with no uncertain terms at the inauguration of rural routes in the United States. This wonder· coming election. ful department of the mail er>ice had its inauguration under Mr. STEENERSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman the wise and beneficent policy of the Republican Party. It was from Ohio tMr. KEAnNs] two minutes. during the administration of the late President Harrison that The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Ohio [Mr. KEARNs] the first money, the small sum of $10,000, was appropriated by is recognized for two minutes. · Congress to establish the fir t rural route. Then our Demo­ Mr. KEARNS. :Mr. Cl1:1irman, I want to o:ffer the following cratic brethren came into power and concluded that the Govern­ amendment and have it read. · ment had no right to waste such a sum on such ~ a foolhardy The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Ohio [Ur. KEARNs] propo ition, and during the Cleveland .ndministrntion the money offers an amendment, No. 9, which the Clerk will report. was not used. When McKinl-ey was elected. and the Republicans Mr. MOON. I reset·ve a point of order on it, l\fr. Chairman. once more assumed their own, the active work of establishing T.he CHAIRMAN. To which a point of order is reserYed by rmal routes was really begun. Its immeasurable value was in­ the gentleman from Tennes ee. The Clerk will read. stantly recognized by the farmers, from all ove~ th-e eountry The Clerk read as follows : came calls for a tnken place entir-ely und-er dirt road:- which shall be 24 miles. and that all rural mnll rout!'s now - the \Yise nml judi ·iou. management of the Republican Party. establishetl which exceed such standard by 20 PN' t·cnt or more shall 1916. CONG-R.ESSIOK ~\_L RECORD-HOUSE. 3079 be reorganized to conform approximately to such standard, n.nd that all counts for the reason why I have offered this amendment, 1·ural routes of this class which shall hereafter be established shall conform approximately to such standard and not exceed by 20 per cent asking that no part of this appropriation be allowed to be used or more such standaru length of 24 miles, that a standard of length for the maintenance of motorized vehicles unless the entire for motor \chicle rural mail routes shall be established, which shall be route 'vould permit of the use of such vehicles practically the uO miles, and such routes shall be established only on bard-surfaced roads which will furnish an every-day service all the year round ; that entire year. Otherwise .the service would be completely de­ all- motor routes now established on dirt roads shall be discontinued stroyed for that part of the year that the automobiles could and reorganized to conform to the standard for horse-drawn vehicle not be used, and I have personal lrnowledge that the two routes routes on dirt .roads, and that hereafter no motor vehicle mail routes shall be established except on bard-surfaced roads. That no rural mail established in Clermont County can not be traversed by auto­ routes of either class shall hereafter be reorganized or established mobiles for some four or five months during any one year. which shall exceed in length by 20 per cent or more the standards And what is true of the two routes proposed to be established herein fixed. No order shall be made and nothing herein contained shall be interpreted to prevent the use by the carrier of motor vehicles in Clermont County, I am advised, is true of every other county on horse-drawn vehicle routes on dirt roads. The order herein pro­ in my district. And what is true of my district, I take it, is viUeu to be issued by the Postmaster General shall not be revoked or true of every other dish·ict in the State of Ohio, and I would modillcd during such fiscal year, 1917 ." guess from the speeches I have heard upon this floor and from · Mr. STEENERSON. 1\Ir. Chairman, has the gentleman's private conversations I have had with Members that the same time expired? conditions prevail t11roughout the United States. Therefore The CHAIR~IL~. Yes. The gentleman had two minutes. this proposed change in this department is practically de­ It has expired. _ stroying the free delivery of mail to the farmers and the small 1\Ir. STEENERSON. I will yield two minutes more to the villages throughout the United States. gentleman. He wants to explain his -amendment. Certainly the farmer, t11e country manufacturer, and mer­ The CHAIRMAN. The ~entleman from Ohio [1\lr. KEARNS] chant are entitled to some consideration and some benefit from is recognized for two minutes more. the Government that is giving in such a generous and lavish 1\Ir. KEARNS. Mr. Chairman, the reason why I have intro­ way to the people of the cities. The patrons of the city offices duced this amendment is because the bill uses the words " hard­ have four and five and sometimes a dozen deliveries of mail surfaced roads, in the establishment of motor-drawn vehicle per day. Surely the people of the rural dish·icts are entitled route3. Now, it is a fact that there are many of our hard-sur­ to some consideration, and without exception there is not a faced roads that can not be traveled during some three or four rural neighborhood in the entire country that is affected by months in the year, and consequently, I know, the patrons who this proposed change but is protesting with all the energy it live on such routes do not want a change unless they can re­ can command. ceive the same service practically every day in the year. There is another phase of this question tliat is entitled to Now, in my own county, the county where I live, they are great consideration. If these motor routes are established, as establishing two motor routes over roads that can not be is proposed by the department, patrons who for years have been traveleti more than seven months out of the year, and all of receiving their mail from a certain office and have established these patrons are objecting to this change. They know that the bu~iness enterprises and are receiving their mail over a rural Post Office Department of the Government has not been prop­ route, are now compelled to receive their mail, against their erly advised or these routes would not be established. protest, from another office entirely remo>ed from their own I took up this matter with the Post Office Department and locality. This will cause long and continued delays in delivery. told that

In 1911 the Free Rural Delivery Service cost the GoTern­ one in the rural communities of the country. I am unable to ment $37,126,812. We collected in postage on matter collected understand just why this readjustment was made. It has been on rural routes $7,570,000 in that year, a net loss to the Gov­ charged upon the floor of this House that one of the reasons for ernment of $29,500,000 for this service in 1911. We propose the readjustment was to discharge a large number of faithful,. now to appropriate $53,000,000 for this service for the coming e1ficient, and trustworthy public servants, the rural mail car-' year. riers, who are under civil service, and who are in a cla :sifted Now, 1 want to submit a word or two about the history of list, and who otherwise could not be dismissed except for cause the Free Rural Delivery Service, concerning which most of our in order that their places may be filled by political appoint~ friends from th~ country districts are intensely interested. I ments. I do not pretend to know the truth of this charge but make no reference to politics in this statement, because the I sincerely hope it is not true, because I do not want to beiieve Free Rural Delivery Service was first suggested by a Republi­ that a great department of this Government would demoralize can Postmaster General, and I am in favor of the service. a great service like the Rural Service of this country in order :Mr. GOOD. 1\Ir. Chairman, 'vill the gentleman yield for a to discharge political obligations. But I do charge the. fact to question? be that, so far as this service is concerned, since this rearrange­ Mr. 1\IOORE of Pennsylvania. Yes. ment and readjustment, tl1e serviee has been crippled and the 1\fr. GOOD. The gentleman is complaining about losses to the people are not receiving the efficient service that they received rural service. Will the gentleman explain what proportion of before. the $60,000,000 loss that the Government sustains for carrying Sorrfe days ago the distinguished chairman of the Committee second-cla ~s lllilil matter was caused by some notable publica­ oil the Post Office and Post Roads [1\fr. MooN] stated on the tions from Philadelphia? floor of the House that there would be a rearrangement of these Mr. MOORE of Pennsylvania. I think it is argued that that rural routes where they were not satisfactory. I want to say is all for the benefit of the consumer of mail matter in the coun­ in reply that any business management of this Government try districts, and that . the return comes back to the post would have required this investigation before this change was office through -correspondence created by the preference given made, and if he had properly investigated, these changes would to these publications. I think that is the argument. I observe not have occurred. I want to say that no business man would tbat the gentleman smiles approvingly. have demoralized this service without first making an investi­ Now, why the Postmaster General and the Fourth Assistant gation as to what he could and could not do. [Applause on the have not given us any figures with regard to receipts since 1911, Republican side.] I do not know. I would be very glad, indeed, if some member of The statement of the distinguished chairman, Mr. MooN, the committee would e~lain. I am in favor of the Rural Free that there would now be an inspection in some of these places Delivery Service. It was established by a Republican adminis­ where objections have been made comes rather late, it seems to tration, and I ·do not wish to see it unduly curtailed ; but I wish me. I am hopeful, however, that this investigation he refers to call attention to a section of the report of the Postmaster to will be made and so far as possible the mistakes made General which indicates that the fact is constantly before the by the department may be corrected. But I have seen no satis­ head of the department that the public receives the maximum factory evidence that the department intends to correct these return for the- money expended. and that there is an ever­ mistakes and give to the patrons of these rural routes the increasing cost per patron served. In this House we hear so service they are entitled to receive, and Congress should take often of favoritism to those who live in the great cities and of action in this matter, for I see no relief elsewhere. the burdens we lay upon our brethren in the country that I Much has been said about the rUPal carriers, and I want to want to call attention to the facts ru; to the Free Rural Delivery. add that when you take into consideration the fact that these The CHAIRMAN. The time of the gentleman has expired. men must furnish their own equipment at their own e~--pense, Mr. MOORE of Pennsylvania. Will the gentleman give me and when you find that after they have paid all of these ex­ two minutes more? penses, including the upkeep and depreciation, that they receive Mr. STEENERSON. I have not the time. much less pay than the Government is paying for other like Mr. MOON. I yield two minutes to the gentleman. service, ·the intimation coming from the department that these Mr. MOORE of Pennsylvania. I thank the gentleman. Of men are not earning what they receive should not carry any cour e I am not in any way reflecting upon the service, because weight here. I believe in it. I have always stood for better means of com­ From the remark!!~ of the Fourth Assistant Postmaster Gen­ munication between the city and the country; but inasmuch eral before the committee reporting this bill, I take it he be­ as the burden of taxation, consequent upon recent legislation at lieves that this service should be placed under the contract least, fallS heaviest upon the man -in the city who is usually most system. I have not the time to discuss this question now, but I abu ed, I think it is fair to observe that we are now giving to believe everyone is and ought to be willing to pay a reasonable our brethren in the country a service costing the city man as and fair compensation for this service, one that will maintain well as the coimtry man at least $53,000,000, upon which there the rural carrier and his family in a reasonable and respectable is probably a net loss of $45,000,000. If I have overstated the manner. loss, or the amount of this contribution by the city man as well This Government should deniand an efficient service and as the country man to the country exclusively, of course I stand should be willing to pay a fair and reasonable wage for that -to be cor1·ected. In view of the fact that we are considering a service. great public service, the Rural Ft·ee Delivery, it does seem The bill under consideration makes sufficient appropriation fair that the man who receives the direct benefit of it; th~ man for carrying on the Rural Free-Delivery Service in the efficient remote from centers of population, should understand that the way it was carried on prior to the so-called readjustment, and burden which is levied upon all the people is very largely in his an amendment to this bill should be adopted now requiring the interest, and that it falls heaviest upon those centers of popu­ Postal Department to expend this money in the manner Con­ lation which contribute most to the taxes of the country. I gress has intended it should be expended, by giving to the farm­ wish this borne in mind sometime when those questions are dis­ ers o.:' the country a good and efficient rural service. Nothing cussed in the House which involve new forms of taxation to be short of this will be satisfactory. placed upon the centers of population. We vote freely for the Mr. STEENERSON. I yield five minutes to the gentleman improvement of new routes and postal roads. Only reeently from Ohio [Mr. MATTHEWS]. many of us from the cities voted for $25,000,000 to extend the Mr. MATTHEWS. Mr. Chairman, I nnder tood the clutirman country roads. The burden of that taxation will be levied most , of the Postal Committee to say a few moments ago that only a heavily upon those who had already paid for their roads in the very small per cent of the large number of rural free-delivery citie . I mention this; because it is to be hoped that we shall routes in the United States were affected by the recent action understand each other better as between the country and the of the Post Office Department. As my district happens to be city, the factory and the farm. [Applause.] one which is very seriously affected, I want to take just a few Mr. STEENERSON. I yield three minut~ to the gentleman moments in explaining conditions as they exist there. from Iowa [Mr. DoWELL]. I have listened with a great deal of interest to wbat has been Mr. ·DOWELL. Mr. Chairman, when the present Fourth said on the floor of this House-in connection with the Rural Assi tant Postmaster General took charge of the Rural Service, Free Delivery Service, a Bervice in which the people of my I believe nearly every community within the United States was district are deeply interested and which until the past few entirely satisfied with that service. I think there was but little months was fairly satisfactory. Having started some 13 or complaint from any source with reference to the efficiency of 14 years ago, it has been built up and gradually extended, the service, and it occurs to me that it is one or the amazing until now practically all rural communities are having, or rather things that when he took possession of this office this official were having, their mails delivered promptly each day of the proceeded immediately to the rearrangement and readjustment week except Sunday in a -manner that caused little, if any, of the Rural Service, and by so doing disSatisfied nearly every_- complaint. · 1916. CONGRESSIONAL · RECORD-HOUSE. 3081·

Now comes the Postmaster General and, by his proposed plan They wer:& told when they entered the service that it would o;f motorizing the service, simply disarranges all existing con­ be a life job so long as they were efficient. Now it appears that ditions and demoralizes the service to such an extent that I merit and long, faithful service are of no avail. They are brought have been deluged with letters and petitions protesting in vigor­ into competition, in ·many instances, wlth young men just out ous term<;; against the changes proposed. In several instances, of school and who will undoubtedly pass a better examination in two counties of my district, protests have come in signed by at any of these so-called civil-service examinations than the every p3tron of the office, giving good reasons why they did av:erage carrier who has grown old in the service. and who if not want the proposed changes made, all of which have been thrown out will be unfitted for any other business. filed with the Post Office Department. The stereotyped reply The long experience and efficient service of the present car­ comes back that it is in the interest of economy. Economy that riers unquestionably fits them to render service that will be far cripples. a service and makes it, in many instances. worse than more acceptable to the public than can be expected from a score no service is surely a false economy. of new, inexperienced carriers, no matter if their grades are Mr. RICKETTS. Will the gentleman yield for a question? somewhat better than the present force. To say the least, it Mr. MATTHEWS. Yes. looks like an injustice was being done to hundreds of public Mr. RICKETTS. Was not the old service universally satis­ servants, many of whom have taken a civil-service examination factory? years ago, been faithful to their· trust, and now must walk the Mr. MATTHEWS. It was entirely satisfactory. I am just plank to make room for others. No such thing could happen coming to that. On the rural routes in my district at present anywhere except in the p-ublic service. [Applause.] the mail is delivered at the nearest point on the route that passes Mr. MADDEN. I yield five minutes to the gentleman from any farmhouse. If the proposed changes are made, . a large Iowa [Mr. Goon]. number of people will have to go from a quarter. to three­ Mr. GOOD. Mr. Chairman, during the past three years three quarters of a mile to some crossroad corner to get their mail, distinctive visitations have come to the- farmers of the Middle and in many instances patrons· claim_ their mail will be from West, each of which increased in its destructiveness to the in­ 12 to 24 hours late. terest of the farmer. First, in 1913, our farmers lost about The proposed motor route will pass the corner one-quarter of a mile $40,000,000 by hog cholera. Then, in 1914, the foot-and-mouth from my house. It might as well be 4 mlles, for that matter. What do disease spread over the Central West, resulting in tremendous they e:xpe~t me to do when any large packages come as registerE>d mall? Do they expect me to be on the corner twO' or three hours waiting for loss to our farmers; but in 1915 there came a visitation, directed the mailman? Have been working for years to work up a mall-order from the Post Office Department, which was more destructive trade on honey in the cities, and that will be all gone with a change to the real interests of the Central West than any that had pre­ in the route. ceded it. [Applause.] That was a disruption of the Rural De­ And there are many other farmers in the same condition. livery Service of the Central West. I do not believe that the Another man writes : Members of this House who represent rural , communities or I understand the Government proposes to establish one auto routo for the two routes now out of Pandora. I am one of the trustees of who represent city communities, where no such change has been Riley Township, and I know we have 6 or 7 miles of dirt road or unim­ made in the rural routes, can have any idea of the effeet of proved roads, and I believe our mall would be a day late on account of the order of the Postmaster General. by which rural routes were the train coming into Pandora so late in the forenoon, and others would be compelled to go a half mile to get their mail. discontinued by the wholesale and new routes were established where there were no roads, over creeks where there were no Another man writes from Payne; Ohio : bridges. over roads that are impassable, changes which require· An of our papers will be several days late. We would positively dis­ continue our daily papers. men to change their post-office addresses without their consent, The above are but samples of scores of similar letters received and compel them to select a post office as their post-office ad­ during ·the past few weeks. I never knew of so much uni­ from 8 to 10 miles farther from their home than the one versal dissatisfaction, or of such large numbers of people so which had been their post-office address for many years. There thoroughly aroused and so highly incensed as they are over the is absolutely no rhyme or reason for these changes made by• proposed disruption of their mail service. · the Post Office Department, or. rather, by clerks in the Office We have a large number of good, improved roads in my dis­ of the Fow·th Assistant Postmaster GeneraL As has been trict. Many are still unimproved and in the late fall, winter, stated here on the floor of the House, if the department had and early spring are utterly unfit for automobile service. In the sent inspectors o-ver the routes where it was- thought it was winter we frequently have deep snow, which often drifts in necessary to make changes:, and caused an· investigation to be places several feet deep. So that for at least three or· four made, and, after complete investigation by a man who had months of each year a motor service is impracticable, if not im­ gone over the route, a change was made, no complaint would possible. To change to horse service for this period would cause have been heare!, but that was not the policy pursued. Clerks confusion and delay, and I doubt if any carrier can be found down here in the Post. Office Department, dl·awing salaries who is willing to do so. Very few, if any. of them are able to of about $1,200 a year, were set to work on these various keep an automobile and a horse and wagon in addition. routes, made 10 or 15 years ago, ma(le only after a personal Another complaint comes from the residents and business inspection of a post-office inspector. I recall one case where a ' men of several small towns. which at present have two or more postal route was established shortly after the rural service was rural routes running out of the towns. Under the proposed plan established over an old military road. That route was changed these routes are to be discontinued and hundreds of patrons the military road was abandoned, and the route was established • forced to receive their mail from some other, larger town. The over narrow east and west roads, which axe but little used people in these small towns are justly indignant, claiming that where the snow drifts so that the carrier can not pass· ov~ • their towns will be injured and lose its identity. They fear, these narrow roads after a snowstorm. If Members will take and with good reason, that the postal receipts at their office will the time to consider the-inconvenience of the farmers and stock fall so low that in a short time it will be discontinued. The raisers who are to-day receiving their mail and daily papers· people living in these small towns have as much pride and in­ and their reports of the liVl'-Stock market some 24 hours later terest in their town as do the people living in larger towns. than they did before thP. changes were made. ·I think they will Another feature is that many of the carriers have been in the· understand the 1·eai grievance of the men who live on the farm, service for years, starting in at $60 per month, and have given who have bad this service, and who believe they are entitled good, faithful, and efficient service, none of whom are to 7.>e to the continuance of it. transferred or allowed to take over an automobile route unless The amendment I have offered is a limitation on this appro­ they take a civil-service examination in competition with all priation and absolutely places the 1·ural service where the comers. For instance, one carrier writes me as follows: Postmaster General can not use a dollar of. this money to pay When I made my examination 13 years ago last October. in 1902, the salaries of the rural carriers over dirt roads if that route the department says that the position would hol] must know, that there was any intention to disor- so what is the use of continually discussing tile matter and ganize them, but that in readjusting routes it is a fact that abusing the ex.ecutiYe officers? Gentlemen cltarge it was done he ought to know that it ineyitably happens that some person for political purposes. must be inconvenienced and the route to that extent, so far l\fr. GOOD. 'Vill the g-entleman yield? as the interest of that person is concerned, disorganized. l\Ir. 1\IOOi\T. Yes. With respect to Tennessee, my position is this: I said to the l\lr. GOOD. Does the gentleman refer to anything I might Post Oftlce Department that, as far as my district was con- have said as indicating political pm·po es? cet·ned. they could go into it and change e\ery route in it if they l\fr. l\IOON. I do not know whether the gentleman saies about it? tlone recently at all in tlle changes made. I was speakino· of l\fr. HULL of Iowa. The gentleman will admit tllis is poll­ those routes in- their inception, and I say it is true, and no tics, that they took $3,000,000 and put it into the general de- truthful man can deny it.- ficiency that the Democratic Party had created. Tllat part. i l\lr. LLOYD. I tlo not deny that at all. Democratic politics, is it not? · · l\1r. l\JOO . Tile gentleman ought not to hn \e spoken so l\Ir. MOON. I do not see any politic· in connection .with that. quickly because he had not reaehed the point where he could I think the gentleman is just a little bit off nu

Free Deliverv SYstem O\er these new routes. Wbnt is the control and modify many of tl1e conditions \vhi<.:h will stny this re ult? Tiley tell us there are but few complaints coming drift. Advaneed schools, sanitation, a.nu modern conveniences of from over the country. We have bad that reiterated here two the home, the telephone. and the automobile, an will aid. But or three tim~s by the distinguished chairman of this com­ one great factor in making country life desirable and of which mittee. I believe that there has not been a single change in the Government has absolute monopoly is tl1e United States all the United States, if . they were made upon the same basis mail. Its extension to the rural communities more than any­ that the changes w·ere made in Indiana, but that t11e snme thing else that the Government bas established makes country complaint has arisen that is now arising there. Yet when we life profitable, comfortable, and convenient. "O to the department and say to those in charge that these In this proposition we have before us to-day I understand the ~outes are not working and the people are not being provided purpose of this committee in appropriating $4,500,000 more than with their mail delivery ns they should be provided they say, w;:~.s asked by the department is to promote the efficiency of the " Give it a chance." From the 1st day of September, in Tippe­ service more than in the sordid question of possible economy. I canoe County, down to this actual hour, in fair weather and ln think the committee wisely added this appropriation to empha­ foul, this new system has been in vogue, and petition after peti­ size to the offending department the desire of Congress thnt we tion has co.rne from the people along these chnl)J!ed routes to should have efficiency and not sordid economy or pinch-penny the uepartment complaining of their failure, and they still say, gain. "Give tl1em a chance." Some of them are 50 miles and some are I believe, Mr. Chairman, that the standard set in this House 60 miles long. Some of the patrons, who were getting their by the chairman, like the standard fixed by the Post Office De­ mail at 9 or 10 o'clock in the morning uncl.er the olcl. system. can partment. is altogether too high. WI1en our genial and dis­ not now get it until the next morning. Formerly tbey had their tinguished chairman of the Committee on the Post Office and mail delivered at the door. Now many of them have to walk Post Roads says that the service has not been injured in his across an entire section in order to get it. And still they say, district it is drawing altogether too strong a bow. Because it notwithstanding this evicl.ence accumulating all the time. "Let w-Ould have been, of course, lese majeste or contempt of court it have a fair trial.'' They I:w.\e inaugurated other systems ot for the department to have gone to the sb·-onghold of Tennessee this character that wi11 go into effect upon the 1st day of April, represented by our chairman, Mr. MooN, and there assailed the :.md if they are carried out as they have been laid out it will be :r;ural routes as they have been assailed elsewhere throughout the ab:oluteiy impossible for six months out of the year for people United States. Such temerity would not have been tolerated. living_alQn~ theRe routes to get their mail with any degree of 1\fr. MOON. The gentleman is mistaken about complaints certainty as to time. being made throughout the whole United States. There are How do they establish these routes'? Sometimes they do only about 430 routes where complaints have been made in the send out an inspector, as bas been stated here, but they do not United States. send an inspector out over these routes when the roads are muddy and the snows are deep. They send them out in fair Mr. SLOAN. Well, as I sa.y, the ·O'entleman's district n..s a weather and they then test out what is the utmost that the standard is altogether too high, also the department'.s standard carrier 'can do, and they arrange the route accordingly. In was too high when the July schedule was selected to measilre the gauge of routes throughout the United States. In Ja-nnary, . orne case~. r say, they have macl.e the routes 60 miles long. Now then thev can not do this work even when the weather when the mud is deep or the drifts of snow m·e high, a reasonable is good. A 'num.ber of the carriers placed on tbe~e rou!es in idea might have been obtained as to the practicability of these Tippecanoe County have resigned. •rwo of them resigned m the routes recently established. Instead of that the department last 10 days, because it is absolutely impossible for them to took July, when the roads were good and the f.acilities for do good work, an been reached. This would remain on the farm, in order that life there mi~ht be made more pleasant, and in order that they might have access to have been a fair basis for the schedules of the rural routes. These the chairman of the committee could have defended. many more of the comforts and accommoflations enj~yed by those who are living in the cities throughout the country. We Now, no one can defend them, or at lea-st no one on this floor are bearing the cry all over this country, "Back to the farm," bas undertaken their defense. yet we are by this act discouraging the very thing- that we are I am not complaining as to my district at present, because thus preaching for. The farmer of this country, after the rural far .ve have not been assailed. But from what has been going free-delivery syRtem was established, coulc'l be informed every on I know that my district is not immune, and I trust that from morning with reference to the ·markets. He knew as well as this increased appropriation, with itl=l excellent purpose and the the city gentleman did what the pre'lailing markets were. Now speeches that are delivered i'n this debate, the gentleman who he can not obtain that information until the next day if he presides over the fourth divi~ion of the Post Office Department depends upon the Rural Free DeliYery Ser"\fice for his mail. will " take a tumble to himself" and understand that he is ex­ l\fany of the farmers living within 2 miles of the cities on pected not to make money out of the Post Office Department. these rural delivery routes have quit the rural routes and send but that he is to serve tl1e American people in this important into the town for their mail, in order that they may have their function of government and obey the will of Congress, which mail every day. Some have asked to be changed from one refleets the sentiment of the American people. {Applause on route to another, and yet those petitions have been refused. the RepubliC'an side.] · They say, "Give us a fair chance.'' A fair chance has been The CHAIRMAN. The time of the gentleman from Nebraska given, and the new service has been found wanting in every has expired. particular. [Applause on the Republican side.] Mr. STEENERSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman The CHAIRMAN. The time of the gentleman from Indiana from Pennsylvania [Mr. Mrr.LER] two minutes. has expired. The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. Mr.· STEENERSON. 1\Ir. Chairman, I yield three minutes to MILLER] is recognized for two minutes. the gentleman from Nebraska [Mr. SLOAN]. Mr. MILLER of Pennsylvania. Mr. . Chairmun, the distin­ The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Nebraska [Mr. guished chairman of this committee made the remark when he SLOAN] is recognized for three minutes. was on his feet that these changes were. made by inspectors. Mr. SLOAN. Mr. Chairman, the constant drift from the Now, the only department of the Government that I have visited, country to the city is a matter deplored by all Americans. It or ever visited-- is a drift that can not be stayed or diminished by positive Mr. MOON. The gentleman misunderstood me. I said the mandate of law. It is one t~t should be stayed by making the first routes weTe established by inspectors and revised by in­ country more profitable and delightful to live in than the city. spectors, and many of these changes were made by inspectors, Civic society and the interest and activity- of individuals may but some were not. 3084 · CONGRESS! OS 'lL RECOTID-HOU. •E: FEnnU..iRY 24,

l\Ir. l\liLLER of Pennsylvania. 1\Ir. Chairman, the only Gov­ putting the countt·y district in touch with the 'vorlu ancl current ernment department in this city that I have visited during the events of history. These rural routes we1·e originally laid out by last three months is the Post Office Department ; and I will say inspectors who went upon and over the ground and took pain · for the officials that they have treated me with the utmost to select such territory as would supply the greatest number · courte y, but have not granted anything that I wanted. [Laugh­ of people with mail and at the same time keeping in mind the · ter.] The Fourth Assistant Postmaster General is a most genial e<>ndition of the roads throughout the year over which the rou{e gentleman. He is the friend of three gentlemen in my county was to be established. who are most di tlnguished Democmts and who are very ex­ The new scheme of the department is impractical, un ntis­ cellent friends of mine. Since last March with some of them I factory, and has met with the condemnation and disapproval of have been trying to get the Fourth Assistant Postmaster Gen­ .a very large per cent of the patrons where the new cheme has eral to send inspectors into my district, and particularly into been put into operation. It i regrettable, indeed, to think that my own home county. and I believe that the postmaster of my the Post Office Department would undertake to force and foiRt home town tried to show to the department the fallacy of what upon the people a rural delivery system that was impracticable they were doing. I wrote the department, but I never obtained and uns3:tisfactory. The rural carriers have established the an answer to my letter, and there never was an inspector, to my fact that they are men of character and integrity throughout knowledge, sent into my county or into my district to look over the Nation; that they have at heart only to render the ,·ery be t these new routes. · service of. which they are capable to the patrons of their re pec­ The people of my district do not want a cheap post-office serv~ tive rural routes. Their service has been efficient in every way, ice. That is the only department of the Government that comes and to their credit it may be said that very few, if any, of the pretty close to paying its way. What the people want is good rural carriers have been .criticized for dishone ty or lack of senice, and they do not care if it costs twice what it costs now, sen·ice. . In the sleet and snow, in the. rain and in sunshine, day if they get good service. They are the people who need it, and after. day, they have performed their duties, witlwut a murmur I think the Post Office Department, before making these radical or complaint, and it has been the policy of Congress to increase changes, shoul

benefited by this service, and te attempt the usc of motors would lessen territorr "·ith the remaining routes, has pro-ven a serious hurd.: the number and bring about dissension, disagreement, and trouble for sblp to rural-delivery patrous. Generally speaking, that 1101icy the management of the local offi ce. is designed to economize in the cost of the service. The depart­ ment claims· to haYe greritly extended the service under its He further says : reorganization scheme. but the official figures show that on I have no intcrPst in this matter excl:'pt to see the present service maintained with the same efficiency as it has been maintained in the July 1, 1913, there were 42,803 routes in operation. On July 1, past. 1915, there were <13,86G route~ while on December 1. 1!H5, tbere were only 42,993 routes, making· a net decrease for the This is only one of hundreds of letter · that I ha-ve received preceuing fi\e months of 873 routes, and a total net increase for opposing this new scheme. tbe two years and fi-ve months, from July, 1913, to December; And in conclusion, l\Ir. Chairman aml gentlemen of the com­ 191:>. of only 188 routes. Hence it is plain that if the depart­ mittee, I want to say that I am willing to vote for nny one of ment's claim of an extension is correct, it llas been at the cost these amendments which will protect the Rural I1'ree Delivery of much exti:;a labor to rural ca1;rlers br extended routes of Srstem for the people of the district which I have the honor to a1re :td~· 24 mile.· or more in length to, in some cases, 30 miles represent -and for the people of the Nation as well. [Ap­ or more; without additional com11ensution, and resulting, in plause.] many ·instances, in serious delay in the deliycry of the maiL l\Ir. STEENERSON. I yield to the gentleman from Wis­ A.uother item of legislation which . houlcl be taken care of consin [l\1r. BROW.KE]. is tlle matter of back pay due the rural carriers for the fiscal Mr. BROWNE of Wisconsin. l\Ir. Chairman, I am heartily in year 191(). The amount involYed was appropriated by Congress faYor of the Towner and Candler amendments. I can not see in 1\Iarch, 1914, and when the bill was passed Congress intended why the rural service should not be extended. 'Vllen "·e think that the Postma ter General should follow the old-establlslled that in some of the larger cities they have mail y Congres.:-. When getting their mail. All of them certainly have not rensonable the House learned ·of the Poshnaster General'~ action in August, facilities at the present time. . . · 1914, promp-t steps "-ere· taken and a bill was passed dit·ecting I belieYe, Mr. Chairman, that the rural free delh·ery is of the department to adjust the carriers' salaries in accordance mutual benefit to the inhabitants of the city and the country. . '\Yith the intention of Congress. That bill was held up in the 'Vhen rural deli\·ery of mail is extended the way I hope to Senate until the close of th~ Sixty-third Congress, and the s.ee it some day it will bring sixty millions of people who dwell Hou e is now being urged to repeat its enachuent of August, in the cities in quick communication with the forty millions of 19-14, · and direct the Postmaster General to pay the carriers people who dwell in the couutry, to the ndYantnge and rn·ofit the amounts withheld. of both. . · . A. before stated, the appropriation has already been made Our rmal free L1elh·ery began in a small wa~· in the yeat· • and is still uneX]_1ended and avnilable. No further appropria­ 1896, in the McKinley admini tration. James A. Gnt·y ·was tions will be required, and it is only necessary to direct the Postmaster General. It was a belated reform, and there is no Postmaster General to obey the will of Congress. reason why the people should not have had it 25 years before Why is it that the Post Office Department has not cnrried out they did. · the intention and requirenlents of Congre s? \Vhy i:-; it that The rul':ll delivery of mail \vas a success from the start, and the department should ignore Congress, which is made up of the ·the service has been extended very rapi(lly, an(l the people Representatives of the people? Should not the will of the peo­ were somewlmt surprised when it was understood tl.lat a sweep~ ple, through Congress; be carried out? Has the Post Office ing reorganization of the Rural DeliYery Service throughout the Devarhnent the right to abrogate and disregard and ignore the United States was to be mndc and thnt many rural routes demands of the American people, as made through their Repre­ "··ere to be discontinued. sentatives in Congres ·? The ans,.,·et· is for you. If the Towner amendment i.· adopted it menns that there 1\It·. Chairman, there is another matter that I w·ant to call shall- be no halt in the exteusion of our rural delivery, but. to your attention, and that i the fact that in this new scheme that it shall be extended. · of reorganizing the Rural Free .Delivery System the new I, for one, do not believe in going backward in n great niove­ routes were not inspected personally by repl'esentatiyes of ment that has pro-ven such a \-vonderful disseminator of knowl­ the Post Office Deparhnent, but, in many instances-in fact, edge and medium for the extension of business and has given in most instances-these new routes were mapped out in the as much satisfaction and happiness to such a large n..ml de­ Post Office Department by clerks under salary, who obtained serving part of our population. their information from reprints and from suggestions made by TIIERE SHOGLD BE A MAIL COX I:X FUO:XT OF E\'Ein:: HOME. postmaBter · who are in harmony with t11e pre ·ent 8Cheme of the present Post Office Deparhuent to reorganize the H. ural I will not be sati~fied until our Rural Delivery Service is Ft·ee Delivery System. The patrons of the free-deliYery routes extended so that there will be a mail box: in front of eycry· wei'e not consulted. They were .not given a chance to express home in this land and an opportunity for the daily deH,·eQ· of au opinion one way or the other with reference · to the new mail to eYery citizen. The residents of small cities, some of them 1e ·s than 3.000 cllnn~e tllat was proposed ot· to make any suggestions with refet·ence to the efi1ciency of the present :;;ervice. Ju other inhabitants, have their mail deli\-eree, for giv~ han' the honor to represent, in which he says, and I quote ing the most perfect service to the inhabitant of the city,' him: whether be be a taxpayer or not. But when we ask for nn J.P. t ml' sa~ t~ yon tJ:i.at dm:ing !DY 10 years of experience as post­ master or this city, unrmg which time a county rural service was laid extension of the rural routes and the establishment of new out and made effecti\·c for my county, there are 10 routes established ones to accommodate taxpaying farmers that are obliged to emanating from this post office, anrl it will be absolutely impractical travel from 1 to 3 miles for their mail we nrc met by the cry to motorize any of them. I doubt if there is a single one of them that can he joined with another route and give to the patrons as good of economy-the same cry that we hear when we ask for service a, they arc now reccirtng and have received for tllC past 10 national aid for OUl' rural highways. yea r ~> . Our farmers work the hardest and the longest hours per cln.y H e further says . in this letter to rue: of any of our citizens. I l m o~ every foot of the 10 routes that leave the county sca t and Tbe eight hours a day observed by most of om farming popula­ post office of my county, antl I am writing you in the interest not tion means eight llotu·s in the forenoon and eight hours in the only of the local carriers but in t he interest of the citizens who are o b~ pa tJ.·ons of thes~ various_ route~ an!l who are now enjoying the benefit afternoon, nt the end of which time they ought not to be or rura~ frce-delrrery mail service. The most of these patrons are now liged to go a couple of miles to get theit· mail. 3086 ·CONGRESS! ON AL RE.CORD-HOUSE. FEBRUARY 24,

PARCEL POS~ made inquiry about tl1e kinARCEL POST NOT ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE LIVING OFF. FROM. RURAL ROUTES­ amendment presented by the gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. Anyone who lives one-half mile or more from a rural route CANDLER] prevails it will not add a dollar to this appropriation; is practically cut off from the use of the parcel post. it will simply direct the Postmaster General to make the pay- - An extension of the rural routes would greatly increase the ments in accordance wifu a law passed by Cong~.:ess two years business of the parcel post. This ·;vould be a great benefit to ago. both the dwellers in the city as well as the country. After Congress passed this law granting them an increase · ~'be parcel post bas been not only a great blessing to the many carriers improved their equipment so they could render people, but it has been more than self-supporting. The Gov- the public better service. ercment has made money from it as a revenue producer. _ If a person in business violated a contract witli an employee, Every day more people are availing themselves of the benefits like this great Government has done in this ca e, such a person of the parcel· post, and the more it is extended the greatet· the not only would be liable 1egally but such business morality revenues of the Government will be. would drive them out of the.community. · I believe the extension of rural fi•ee delivery will broaden I sincerely hope that the amendment will pass and that these and greatly increase the usefulness of the parcel post. deserving Government employees will be given what Congress 1 I also believe that Government aid for rural post roads will voted to give them. also materially increase the usefulness of the parcel post. Mr. STEENERSON. I yield to tl1e gentleman from Minne­ Improvement of our rural roads and extension of our rural sota [:Mr. 1\1.rLLER]. free delivery, in _my mind, will benefit the people more than Mr. MILLER of Minnesota. Mr. Chairman, the people whom anything that has been done for them by the Government in a I represent are largely found in two separate communities, one generation. a city, the othei: a mining district, and yet in addition I have The farmers in all sections of the United States are demand~ quite an extended area that is being rapidly filled up by settlers ing that this Government appropriate money for these two great and farmers. national lmprovements. During recent years in· these rapidly growing and developing There is no more important person measured in influence communiti('S they have constructed excellent roads and en­ upon the life of the Nation than the farmer. He has been tered upon the work of complying with all the requirement::. of called the "nation builder." Every year he produces about the· Post Office Department for rm·al rout~s. During the past $10,000,000,000 worth of wealth. His products not only supply two yeaTs inspectors carne ancl inspected several of them, recom­ the demands of a home market, but find their way abroad to mending their establishment, but I got a reply in every in­ turn the balance of trade in our favor and bring to our shores stance that the deparbnent could not establish the rural route the golden stream of wealth. Upon the farmers' prosperity because of lack of funds. That continued up until this sum­ depends the prosperity of the Nation. mer according to my best information, when I found to my In a country like ours, where we all labor together to produce surprise that $3,000,000. of the fund appropriated for the pur­ the national wealth and all share the burdens of taxation, all pose was turned back into the Treasury. I also found that in are therefore entitled to all the national conveniences and adjoining communities, as wen as in my own, some of the rural advantages. routes heretofore established have been curtailed and injured. The farmer is as much entitled to the daily delivery of mail I say this attack upon the Rural Mail Service among the farm­ as the dweller in the city. It is not only a matter of right but ing population of the United States is a dastardly outmge a matter of national importance, in a people's Government like committed by the present administration of the Post Offic De­ ours that the 40,000,000 of people residing in the rural districts partment, and it is up to the Members of this Hou e to put upon shou'Id have direct and immediate communication with the it the stamp of their strong disapproval. [Applause.] 60,000,000 of people who dwell in the cities ; that information 1\ir. STEENERSON. I yield two minutes to the gentleman on all subjects, books. newspapers, market reports, and so forth, from Pennsylvania [1\ir. HoPwoon]. should circulate quickly throughout the land; that no home in l\fr. . HOPWOOD. Mr. Chairman, in my district we hntl u very America should be so remote that it is not visited daily by a satisfactory rural servi('e until, as my friend Judge 1\frr.r.Er:. United States letter carrier. said it was blue printed from this end of the line a111l 'i MAIL CARillERS. cauiers in the county were put out of the service, redncin~ it While I am upon this subject I want to say a word about from 32 to 25 rural carriers in the county. The result "'a · tllnt our rural mail carriers. I have had the opportunity of meeting many of the districts were necessarily enlarged, an

change was not necessary, but if the majority of the people wouhl out entirely, making the people go half a mile away from their have told him they wanted this cha nge, why then we would be satisfied. front gates, where· they hacl been getting their mail, to some "I hope you will give this matter attention and that we country other road. people will be served as in the good old times of the past. ~0 ''Yours, respectfully, In some cases families were cut out and they were com­ "liARRi W. SPAXGLER. pelled to go to some crossroads corner half a mile away, where s•Lewisburg, Pa., R. F. D. 1, instead of Mi[!linbttrg, Pa., R. F. D. 1." 20 or 30 boxes would be placed. to get their mail. The service has been \ery unsatisfactory since then, and I ha\e received l\Ir. STEENERSON. 1\ir. Chairman, I have useu up all of more letters anu had more trouule about the rural ser-vice than my time, anu I will state to the- gentleman from Tennes ee that any other one thing since I came to represent that district. I would like to have two minutes more if I can. So, therefore, I want to adcl my word of disapprobation to this l\fr. l\IOON. l\Ir. Chairman, I am glad to find that the gen­ method of saving a little money in this rural service by cutting tleman is in that situation. I now yield 15 minutes to the gen­ out the very best thing that the country people can get fi'om tleman from Florida [Mr. CLAP.x]. the Government. The people, both in the country and in the l\Ir. CLARK of Florida. l\lr. Chairman, I yield first to the city, should get the very best possible mail service that can be gentleman from Virginia [1\:Ir. SAur-.-nERs]. given to them. [Applause.] 1\!r. SAUNDERS. l\Ir. Chairman, if I were asked to point While I am in fa-\or of an economical administration of all out the greatest boon that national legislation has conferred governmental affairs, I do not think that our people desire a upon the farmers during the last 20 years, I would promptly cheap Postal Service at the expense of an efficient and prompt and unhesitatingly reply: "Rural Deli\ery Service." Not only delivery of the mails. · i~ this senice of inestimable value ~ itself, but it is respon­ This Nation having once established a rural mail delivery Sible for another great service which was impossible-of attain­ can not afford to restrict or limit that service, but should, from ment until the way was prepared by the establishment of the year to year, adhmce and render such senice better and more rural delivery routes. I refer of course to the Parcel Post efficient. · Service. The branch of govermuental activities which operate · I realize that our friends on the other side are struggling to this twin service, has disseminated knowledge, extended busi­ keep down the deficit brought about by their destructive tariff ness, and afforded satisfaction, and happiness, to a large class legislation and do npt care to carry out the program outlined of our citizens. From the very beginning nu·al delivery demon­ by the President to lay additional stamp taxes, commonly strated its utility. It grew in popular favor, not by slow and designated as war taxes, to keep the Tr&'lsury from becoming tedious steps, but by leaps and bounds, so that it has been bankrupt, so they are compellecl to resort to such measures as difficult for the Government to meet the clamorous and ever­ this to save a few dollars. insistent demands of the public for extensions, and improve­ Let our farmers and people living in country distl'icts have ments in the service. Great however as have been the improve­ increased mail facilities instead of cm·tailing that they have ments in rural delivery, wonderful as are the present facili­ ties afforded in the rural commtmities, they fall far short of heretofore had. Mr. STEENERSON. I yield to the gentleman from Penns3'·l- the conveniences, and opportunities provided for the residents vania [Mr. FocHT]. of the cities. Practically every man in these cities has his 1\Ir.l!"'OCHT. l\lr. Chairman, as this seems to be a rural-deliverv mail delivered at his doors more than once a day, although in e::\..-perience meeting in regard to the service the farmers are re­ the larger cities he may li\e many miles from the post office. ceiving, or rather not receiving, I want to add a word and say For the convenient, and expeditious handling of the mail in that I have also had correspondence with the department in re­ some of these cities expensive pneumatic tubes have been laid, gard to the inefficient delivery in my district. Numerous peti­ through which the mail is shot at great expense to t11e Govern­ ment but to the vast advantage of the service. Still the farm­ tions of protest have been sent in, also hundreds of letters, and I ers do not begrudge these facilities to the urban dwellers. have received from the department very courteous replies, many They recognize that owing to the comparaUve(y small area of of them couched in choicest and rarest diction, indeed often vo­ the cities, and the superior condition of their streets, improved luminous, but not yet in any single instance did I receive any facilities can be provided for the city people at a reasonable results for my constituents. I want to say in this brief minute cost, when the cost of the same facilities under country condi­ that not only Republicnns are finding fault with this 1·estricted tions, would be prohibitive. service, but many Democrats also; and I wish to here read into But while the country people, with that reasonableness which the REcORD a letter written by a life-long Democrat as indicating has always characterized them, are not insisting that they shoulU the widespread feeling of indignation among all parties in my be provided with the same facilities, which are enjoyed by their district. [Applause.] more fortunate brethren in the cities, yet they do insist that LEWISBURG, PA., F cbnwry 24, 1916. the present rural fa<:ilities both with respect to mails, and par­ lion. BEXJAMIN K. FocnT, The Ohamplain, 142-t K Bt·rect NW., Washillgton, D. 0.: cels, should be contmually expanded, and extended. At this Replying to your telt>gram, the following letter appeared in the time when -congress is being asked to appropriate gigantic sums Saturday News, September 18, 1915: to ·meet remote, and improbable contingencies, the farmers arc "As your edltor is our Congressman. I beg of him to try and have agreed that their interests should be advanced by adequate ap­ our rm·al mail routes restored as they had been prior to September 1G 1915. Under a ruling of the Post Offi ce Department a number of us propriations for the three great national improvements of a who are patrons of the Miminburg rural route will now be served by domestic character, to wit: Rural deli\ery, parcel post, and Gov­ the carriers of the Lewisburg rural routes. I find that all the patrons are very much dissatisfied with this change. Instead of people getting ernment-aided rural roads. These three improvements are tied their mail at 8.30 a. m., we will not get It until 10.30 a. m. or later. and linked together in the most intimate . They ar~ Then again, when the roads get bad in the fall and winter it will be interdependent, and mutually sustaining. Rural delivers made impossii.Jle for the rnral carriers to get around -to all the patrons as they can not traYel with their autos when there is snow on 'the possible parcel post. Better roads will make possible und"i·eamcll ground, and you know how our roa!ls (h·ift in om· section of the State, of developments in the extension of both rural mail deli\cry and and there are many other reasons. The 1\lifilinburg post office will parcel delivery. Improve the system of rural mail delivery' and lose 108 familles who arc patrons now aml who will be served from Lewisburg. A number of patrons will be obliged to move their mail you improve its yokemate, the parcel post. Improve rural r~ads, boxes to the main highways, quite a distance from their homes. The and you make possible vast improvements in rural delivery reason for this is because the carriers who passed over some roads SH'Yice. Improve the roads, rural delivery, ancl parcel post and t~b~ere.;~:~~? so people_ could be properly sened ~ill not due go in you in1prove the conditions of life in the ruml districts. ' Im­ " I wrote a letter to the Post Office Department protesting against prove the general conditions of life in the rural communitie~ this change, but without avail. They seem to think they know better and you ''"ill confer far-reaching benefits upon both the res iden~ what the people need than we do who have lived here all our lives. of the cities, and of the country. The farmers are entitled to an " Our rural deJivery was in a fine condition, with all patrons satisfied. Route No. 1, out. of Miminburg. has been in existence since 1905. I impro\ed service on the rural routes, for the very simple and was one of the prune movers to have this route established which took obvious reason that with better service, he will secure better in­ a lot of time to accomplish, and now when it is in such fine working formation upon the subjects in ·which he is interested, nnd with condition, with a carrier who has always done his duty toward his patrons, and be has not, to our 'rnowlf.dge, made one error in the many better information, more promptly afforded, be "·ill ue in an mone.v orders he handled for u&, we arc turned down, and to make such impro\ed position to deal intelligently with his own inmle y sent on an inspector here over these routes the golden streams of wenltll. Upon the f:u-mer's two:-;perity !Jcforc they concluded to make this change, he ·would ha >e sa ill this depends the prosperity of the Xation. 3088 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE. FEBRUARY 24,

I give my fullest assent to this thought. It has been ~"tated But when winter sets in throughout the greater portion of the in another form. "Burn down your cities," said a great orator. United States, motor service ·is seriously interrupted, if not nnd they will be rebuilt. Destroy the producing capacity of your· rendered impossible, on most of our roads. In one section this farms, and grass will grow in the streets of your proude t cities. interruption may be caused by mud, in another by snow. Fre­ The farmer of to-day is reading more than his father, or his quently it is a combination of both that makes trouble for the grandfather. He is no longer ~atisfied with a weekly paper carrier. The CONGRESSIONAL RECORD is filled With protests from that he had to send perchance 10 miles to secure. He wants patrons of routes which have been rearranged, lengthened, and his uaiJy market reports, and is entitled to them, he wants his motorized. Many patrons who were immediately on the former daily paper, his magazines, his information on all subjects. In routes, complain of the inconvenience of the present service, a measure, he is securing these things through the present as it immediately affects them under · the present conditions. routes but he desires them to be more abundantly, and expedi­ Others whose location on the route has not been changed, com­ tiously afforded through improvements, and extensions of his plain of the irregularity of the service afforded. This ques­ service. The figures of the parcel post are astounding. This tion of m,otorization is rea'lly a question of roads. Conceivably service "has made business, and advanced general prosperity." in' som} communities blessed with first-class roads, the motor Hundreds of thousands of farmers who were formerly hindered car can be used to the same advantage, and with the same by location, and distance from using the express routes, are facility that it is used in the cities. I freely admit that the now receiving a better and cheaper ..-ervice through the medium Government should utilize every agency that will enable it to of the parcel post. The figures which I cite below, are instruc­ provide the public with a more efficient, extensive and econom­ tive and impressive. " In 1912, the year before the parcel post ical service. In time the horse-drawn vehicle may go, just as wen't into effect, the express companies carried, in round num­ in time dirt roads will be superseded by hard roads. But these bers, 317,000,000 packages, or a little over three packages per ideals belong to the distant future. Theory should not outrun person, for the total population of the United States. They the teachings of experience, or the limitations of actual condi- recei-ved for this an average rate of 50 cents pe1· package. In ~~ . 1915 the same companies carried 280,000,000 pieces, at 24 cents The public generally have 'been satisfied with the service per piece. Note the saving to the public in this item of cost. afforded on the rural routes. They are eager for extensions, For the same year, the parcel post carried 400,000,000 packages, and improvements in that service, but experiments looking to at 14 cents per package not counting packages of less than a: improvements should be patiently and thoroughly tried out on pound." Thus through the medium of the parcelJ)ost, how many a limited scale, and under the test of actual conditions, before thousands of people have been brought into business relations, any extensive rearrangements of the present routes are under..c not only to the advantage of the parties immediately concerned, taken. Reduced and irregular service in the name of economy, but of the whole business world. Whenever general business is poor .economy, and will create intense dissatisfaction upon activity is promoted, -action, and interaction is stimulated in the routes affected. Motor service on many of the routes it unexpected directions, employment is afforded, wages are caused proposed to be operated during the entire period of the year, to be paid, and a state of general civic betterment is brought to is an impossibility, unl.ess the ideal of regularity is proposed pass. · to be abandoned. An irregular service, for the reasons that have But while the farmer·s are interested in the continual expan­ been given, will be unsatisfactory. The carriers take a pride sion and development of the Rural Mail Ser-vice. they are also in their work, difficult and exacting as it is, at times. They: interested in the regularity and efficiency of that service, once are pleased when their patrons are pleased. They aTe pleased it is established. Indeed regularity is one prime element of effi­ when they complete their schedules on time, and are willing to ciency. Within the last six or eight months the Post Office De­ spare no efforts, to maintain the ser-vice on a high scale of effi· partment has conducted somewhat extensive experime"?ts in ciency. They know what they can do with their present routes motorizing the service in various States. These experunents and their present equipment. They have thoroughly tried them have affected both the carriers and the public. They have out. They also know from hard experience, the actual condi.. affected the carriers for the reason that many routes have l>een tions on their routes, and whether motor cars are feasible under consolidated, thereby eliminating many carrier~. They have average country conditions. Many of the carriers are buying affected the public for the reason that consolidations have been cars. for use on their present routes during the entire sum­ effected th·rough rearrangements and chang~s in the location of mer, and portions of the spring and fall, but on these routes, the routes. These changes may have been an inevitable sequence when weather or road conditions are forbidding, they return of the use of motors, or inevitably required in order that motors to the use of the horse. might be used, but none the less as a result of these Tearrange­ But before routes are disarranged, and relocated, and the ments the last state of many patrons vf the routes affected was service rendered irregular, and unsatisfactory, the actual con­ far worse than their former eondition. Many persons who were ditions of those routes should be carefully studied on the immediately on the old routes find themselves perchance a ground, the suggestions of the carriers, should be received, and mile or more from the new routes. Moreover, another feature the patrons consulted. It is poor economy to eliminate faithflll; of the~e rearrangements has been to transfer the starting point carriers, and consolidate routes, when the immediate result of the new route to a strange office. Of course in time this of the change is inferior and irregular service. The public, and would adjust itself, but for a while certainly such a change will the carriers will welcome improvements, but every suggested be an interruption and inconvenience to the regularity of service change, however plausible it may appear when worked out on to the individual patron, whose corresponder._ts through years paper, is not of necessity an improvement. The fable of th~ have been accustomed to write to him at a familiar and long­ dog who dropped a juicy piece of meat, in order to secure the established office. 1\Ioreover, regularity of service on a route shadow that he caw in the water, is in point in this connection. is of the essence in another particular. The present service is a good and satisfactory one. By the The patrons of a route.. who are not within sight of their way of rearrangements, and extensions, it is being continually boxes are concerned to know within a few minutes when the imp1·oved. No .rash, or hasty experiments should be made. carrier will arrive at their respective boxes, in order to know Above all listen to what the public has to say, before action is when to meet him both with re pect to incoming and outgoing taken. If they say: u Let well enough alone" ; take that advice, mail. It is no little trouble, inconvenience and at times loss, unless you are very sure that you have something better, some. . to send a messenger with mail to a box a half mile, or a mile thing that under the test of actual conditions will be Teadily away, only to find that the carrier has passed, or per-chance proved to be better. In that event, the public will be prompt will not arrive for a. half hour, or more as a result of delays to accept and approv~ the change. They know as well as ·aDY· on the route. Now the carriers on the horse served routes, are one, a good thing when they see it. But it is well to, "Be sure soon able to serve their routes, except undeT extraordinary that you are right u before proceeding with innovations upon conditions with almost clocklike regularity. The J>atrons know established and satisfactory conditions. to within a few minutes, when their respective boxes will be served and are therefore able to make their arrangements 1\fr. CLARK of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have offered two accordingly. Ordinary rain, snow, or mud, may be disagree­ amendments, and as the point of order has been made to both able to the carriers, but are merely negligible interruptions to of them I desire to read them and call the attention of the his ervice. But these conditions are entirely changed when Chair to some authorities. The first amendment I offered is as the ordinary dirt roads are undertaken to be served by motor follows~ cars throughout the year. For a good portion of the time the On page 27, line 6, after the word "~tatlons," insert the words: ervice may be · satisfactory. A carrier with a modern motor "And provided further, Tbat no part of the money herein appropri­ ated for Rnrnl Dellveey Service -sh:tll be used to cover any e>.."J)cnse car when the roads are dry, even though bad, can serve a upon any motor-vehicle ro-ute until a -majority of the patrons lo be 50-mile route more readily and e~'J)editiously than he can serve served by such motor-vehicle route shall, by written .pctition, a k the a 25-mile route on horseback, or with a horse-drawn vehicle. Post Office -Department to estaoHsh tlcll motor-vehicle route." 1916. CONGRESS! ON AL RECORD-HOUSE. 3089

I have offered the second amene­ value, e~en if he was an experienced man In rural ·affairs, he titions, tbe Fourth Assistant Postmaster General, directed, I must have gone over the road at the different seasons of the year presume, b_y the underlings who claim to have made these inves­ and have examined it under different conditions. I know .roads · tigations, simlll'Y snys that a motor-vehicle service can be main­ in my State which, under favorable conditions in the dry season, tained there. ~r e know it can not ·be, :beca·use we know the are almost ~s good as macadam roads, ana when the rains come· roads .and we know the condition of them ; and in one instance :and flood them they are practically impassable. Why, .Mr. in my district, in one county, they 1lm-e consolidated two _routes 'Chairman, a few wee1.--s ago a motor-vehicle route was established· and established a motor route 'in lieu of them, by which 40 families at a certain vluce in my district. This route was to be 50 miles who had theretofore been receiving mail on the two rural horse­ in length. Three young men were certified as eligible for cur­ drawn vehicle routes were absolutely cut out of .all mail alto­ rier on this route, and although the salary was $1,800 per year, gether, except the star route, and it is well known that you can revery one of the three, one after another, declined to takie the not buy stamps from a star-route mail carrier, and you can not place. They declined because they said it was utterly impos-· purchase money orders, and you can not have a nnmbeT of sible t'<> operate a car over that l."'ad for that distance daily. things done which a rural cunier can do for you. Unfortunately in my district we nave not the system of good, ' Now, on that -particulm· route I lmve •constituents who for hard roads enjoyed by some other communities, ana which we 40 ancl 50 years have been getting their"muil addressed to !them hope to Jmve and ·enjoy in the nem· future. at n little office culled Aucilla. Those people are now informed Also, :Mr. 'Chairman, unlike some ·other communities we are that their po it-office address is hereafter to ·be 1\Ionticello, not blessed with a garage every few miles on our connh·y roads, 3Q90 C01. GRE S SIOX~l_L REOOil.D-llO"CSE. FBDRUARY :34, ns some other communities al'e, and therefore if a carrier in my Hamilton, a : 1an of large estates :mil at one time governor o! Ui h·ict on a GO-mile motor route should ha\e the misfortune Pennsylvania anll New Jersey Colonies. He died in 1703. To to have a breakdown of some kind 25 miles from home, he him is largely due the establishment of the 110 t iu the Coloni-es. could not get his cur to a garage, and the Lord only knows when He secured concert of action among them. · he ould deli\er that mail. Under my amendment, motor routes The fir t newspaper in tlle Colonies was publisllell by' John can and will be e tablished just as soon as the roads ~re so Campbell at Boston in 1704, and the first L.me contained the improved as to justify it. . following notice: ~It-. Chairman, free rural mail delivery is a great blessing All persons in count ry and town ma.v have sail1 JJcws letter wet>kly to tile American farmer. For all Ilis toil, his taxes, and his upon reasonable terms, agreeing with John Campbell, po ·tmaster, fot• · patriotic love of country, this great boon of the free deli\ery of the same. hi.~ mail is about all he sees of governmental beneficence, and I No postage was required for new ·papers until 1758, wheu beg tilis House to preser\e it. · an annual charge was made of 9 pence for GO miles. Carrying The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman yield back five minutes. mail by stage was inaugurated in 1756 bet-ween New York aml · Mr. HASTINGS. !\Ir. Chairman, I yield two minutes of my Philadelphia, and from New York to Bo 'ton in 1772. time, if I may, to the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. SAUNDERS]. Thil·d. In 1707 the Postal Service pas ed directly under tilo Mr. MOON. l\Ir. Chairman, I believe I haye control of the management of the General Po t Office in England, and Dr. time, and when a gentleman lea\es the floor the time belongs to Benjamin Franklin, among other. , was at one time the deputy me. Does the gentleman from Virginia de ire to speak? in cllarge of the Post Office Department in the Colonies and had 1\Ir. SAUNDERS. Yes, sir. entire supervision of the service. 1\Ir. MOON. How much time does the gentleman want? Fourth. The Continental Oongre ·s on July 25, 1775, provitlecl l\Ir. SAUNDERS. I will take such time as can be given me. for the appointment of u Po tma ter General foi· the United l\!r. PARK. Will the gentleman yield to me? Colonies, with a salary of $1,000 per annum, and Benjamin Mr. MOON. I will yield to the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Franklin was unanimously elected by the Oongre ·s for one year S A,.UNDERS] one minute. · . and until hi· successor was appointed. This position was al o Mr. SAUNDERS. I just -want to submit a few remarks in held by Richard Bache, of Pennsylvania, a son-in-law of Frank­ connection with the point of order. lin, and in 1782 by Ebenezer Hazard, of New York. l\!r. 1\.IOON. We had better wait for that until the gentleman The.rates of postage were fixed by th~ act of October 18, from Oklahoma concludes. I yield the gentleman from Okla­ 1782, and distance, as well as weight, was taken into considera­ homa three minutes. tion in fixing the amount of postage. Dm\iug the Revolutionary The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Oklahoma is recog­ War rates were very largely increa ed, but at the close of tlle nized for tlu·ee minutes. war they were reduced to about double the urn paid at the Mr. HASTINGS: l\!r. Chairman, the Post Office appropriation commencement of the war. bill under consideration presents many que tions for thoughtful After the inauguration of Pre. iue:nt Washington Samuel Os­ inquilT. It canies an aggregate appropriation of $320,1309,879. good, of Massachusetts, was nppointetl the first Postmaster Gen­ It is the largest of the appropriation bills, and appropriates more eral on September 2G, 1789. money for the Post Office Department than ever heretofore Only 75 post office · were in xi. tence in 178!), and the amount appropriated, made nece sary because of the gro\\th of the expended for the th'ree months llP to the clo e of the fi cal year, service. June 30, 1780, was $7,560. The report of the Postmaster General For the fi scal year endin~ .June 30, 1915, there was appro­ shows that at the clo. e of tlie fiscal year, .June 30, 1015. there priated .'313,364,667 for the Postal Service, and this amount · were 56,380 post offices throughout the United States and a gro s was continued by resolution for the year ending .June 30, 1916. expenditure by the department of $298,54G,02G. The year 1001 Of course, all the brunclles of the public service are important; shows the largest number of po t offices, wllen there were 7G,9-!i:i. and all appropriations from the Treasury should be closely The number has gradually decrea ed because of the rapid exten­ scrutinized, but no other branch of our Government affects in a sion of the rural mail sel'\ice and tile appointment of rural more per onal way e\ery citizen of this Republic. carrier . Many of the ·mall offices have been discontinued from A few days ago \\e passed the Indian appropriation bill, time to time. The fir t appropriation for po t offices wn.s made carrying in round numbers about $0,000,000. This bill is of in 1837 and amounted to $3,1300,000. Prior to that time the di ~ ­ great importance to certain States where Indians li\e, but every bm·sements were paid out of the receipts. citizen in every State is keenly intere ted in the proper adminis­ n u n..u. DELin;nr. tration of the Post Office Department. By llie act of Marcll 3, 1893, Congre.: appropriated ,,'10,000 This appropriation bill is interesting al. o from the fact that to experiment with the Rural l\lail D Jiv ry, but the monP.y a-:-as the Post Office Department is self-su taining. For the years not u ed. Another am)l'opriation of ~20,000 was made by tlte 1913 and 1914 there was, in round numbers, a surplus of act of .July 1G, 1914, but wa. not used. A third .appropriation $4,1300,000. Because of business depression incident to the war was made on June 9, 1 06, of $10,000. The first experimental in Europe there was a deficit last year of between ele-ven and serYice wns established on October 1, 1 9G, when three routes t'i\·elve million uollars. were started in West Vit·ginia. The service has been rapidly ex­ GROWTH OF THE POST OFFICEJ DEr.mTUE:\'r. tended, anu on June 30, 1915, there were 43,878 rural-delivery In looki~<'-g over tlle various iteJ;Ds of this bill I was forcibly routes, operating out of 18,813 po t ·offices, and of this numb r impre sed with the growth of this department. There is not 1,180 routes were in the State of Oklahoma. Because of the much information available concerning the Postal Service prior consolidation of route. , the number ha · since been reduced to to 1775. Its history is divided into four periods: 1,085. Fifty-three rural routes are in my district. First. Prior to 1693 only municipal districts exi ted. Letters Tbe amount carried in this bill for Rural Delivery Servi<:e is were left at certain central places and notices posted as to when $53,000,000. In my judgment, no appropriation is more benefi­ they would be collected, and private arrangements were made cial to tile people than this one. It gives to· country people the for their conveyance and deli\ery. This service was gradually same mail advantages as those enjoyed by people living in the extended and developed into the Postal System. The court at cities and towns, and enables them to take daily and weekly Boston, 1\fass., in 1677, upon petition of the merchants, ap­ papers and magazines and keep abreast of the times, so that they pointed John Hayward to receive and convey letters according may become as well informed upon the current topics of the to directions. ':....his is said to have been the first po t office ever day as citizen residing in towns and cities. e tablished, if indeed it could be called one. This service hould be greatly extended. Since being electeu In July, 1683, under an order of William Penn, a post office to Congress' I lla-ve taken a \ery deep interest in the question was established at Philadelphia, with Henry 'Valdy as post­ of increa ·ing tlle number of rural routes in my district. I have master. The mail went out once a week to certain points and 'vritten hundreds of letters advi ing patrons along proposed the date of departure was posted in the mo t conspicuous places. routes that it is necessary and how to get up petitions to secure England had no general post offices until the act of Parlia­ them, the number of patrons required under the rules of the ment signed June !), 1657. department, n.nd the number of miles regarded as a standard Second. The post from 16!)3 to 1707 was comlucteu under route. I have cncoui"aged. them to get up such petitions anu wllat was known as the Neale patent, which wa. a charter of forward them to the department und have cooperated with them the American .post, under which the Postmaster General for in every way in order to seeure the e -tabli hment of additional Amerlca was authorized to appoint the necessary officers. Under routes. 'Vllen once establislled, the patrons along a route can this patent cooperation of the various Colonies was obtained be depended on to see that the roads are kept in good condition, and the Po tal Ser\ice started in 1693, connecting the larger and they will not for any rca on permit a route to be di - cities along the Atlantic coast. Riders were engnged, going continued. from point to point over certain routes at regular stated in­ When first established, n. route 1lelivers mail triweekly, until tcnals. Neale assigned the patent and all its rights to Anllrew the report of the postmaster out of who ·e office tlle servicE. goes CONGRESS! ON AL -RECORD- ROUSE: shows that mail in sufficient quantities is delivered along the­ . The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection to the request of 'the route to justify n daily service. A report of this kind will not gentleman from Oklahoma? [After a pause.] The Chair hears be considered until the route has been in operation six months. none. There nre many .petitions pending consideration for the estab­ ·Mr. MOON. I yield to the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. lishment of new routes in my dish'ict. They have been referred PARK]. to inspectors and a report is awaited in each case. The patrons Mr. PARK. Mr. Ohaii·man, I send the following amendment along these proposed routes have been urged to see that the to the Clerk's desk to be read. roads are placed in passable condition. The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Georgia offers an Inasmuch as the receipts of the Post Office Department were amendment, which will be numbered 10. The Clerk will report in excess of the disbursements prior to the outbreak of the war the amendment. Where does the gentleman want this amend· in Europe, · and inasmuch as receipts are expected to increase ment to go, at the end of the paragraph? over disbursements when the war is ended to an amount esti­ Mr. PARK. At the end of the paragraph. mated between ten and fifteen million dollars, bills have been · The Olerk read as follows: introuuced in Congress to expend this money upon roads trav­ At the end of paragraph, page .2, line G, insert the following: "That ersecl by rural route carriers. This disposition of the money no rural route to be served by automobile of 50 miles or longer shall be authorized and established until it clearly shall appear that the meets with my hearty approval, and while a law to this effect service can be in etl'ect for 12 months in the year on a regular schedule can not be enacted now, I sincerely hope the question will be every clay in the year.'' ngitnted and pressed upon the attention of Congress at the close ot the war, when business conditions again become normal Mr. PARK. Mr. Chairman, I offer the amendment "in the in the United States. interest of regularity and efficiency of the service, and unless the service shall be regular, unless the farmer knows that he is PARCEL POST. to get his mail, unless he knows when to go to meet the carrier The parcel post was established January 1, 1913. It has been with his package that is to go by parcel post or meet the greatly extended by the Post Office Department and by legis­ carrier daily at a given time, it is of very litt1e service to him. lation since that time. At present it is coming into close com­ The proof to be submitted by which an auto route shall be petition with the express companies, and has been the cause of established should come from those most nearly affected by the lowering express rates throughout the United States. On this change proposed; the people on the route, the carrier, the account it is of great vaiue to the people generally. The rates inspector, the postmaster, and the officials in charge of con­ from time to time _have been vecy much reduced and the size struction and repair and maintenance of roads should be heard and weight of packages have been inci·eased. Almost every­ from, and from all these sources the facts should be ascertained. thing can now be sent in this way. The man .on the farm can Regularity of service makes for efficiency ; without it efficiency have his .customers at the various markets, and through the is destroyed. If n carrier must maintain an automobile when parcel post can supply them. with poultry and dairy products, the roads are good for t11e service and two horses and buggies meats~ vegetables, fruits, and, in fact, everything grown upon to serve the route when the roads are bad, there is no way to the farm. When the people generally become familiar with how determine with certainty a carrier's pay, and no way to deter· to use this service to advantage, and when they learn that mine, except by weather conditions, when the route will be practically everything can be sent bY means of the parcel post, served by automobile or by horse and buggy. as well as how to pack their products so that they can be sent No people are more worthy of the confidence and support in t11is manner at an extremely low cost, this service will be of this Government than the faithful carriers, who travel the very much more used and in time supplant the express com- roads in storm and rain, in foul and fair weather, and before punies altogether. · so radical a change shall be made by the Post Office Departmen_t POSTAL SAVL'iGS. every precaution should be taken to see that the service is not By the act of June 25, 1910, Congress established postal impaired. savings depositories and authorized various postmasters to The people in the rural districts derive niore benefit from accept postal savings to the amount of $100 from each d~ositor the Rural Free Delivery Service than from most all the benefits for any one calendar month until the aggregate amount reached conferred upon them by the National Government, and we should $500. Congress recently during this session amended this act by be careful how we tamper with this great service to the rural increa~ng the amount any depo!'lltor may make to $2,000, of population of our country. which not to exceed $1,000 may be interest bearing. If any changes shall be made, I favor only changes that will . The records show that most of these deposits are made by increase efficiency of service.and in no way impair it. foreign-born wage earners, who are either suspicious of or not 1\Ir. GREEN of Iowa, Mr. PARK, Mr. WooDs of Iowa, _ :Mr. familiar with the methods of banh"ing in the United States. BENNET, l\11'. SLOAN, Mr. KINKAID, and Mr. MILLER of Pennsyl­ There is now deposited under the present Postal Savings System Yania by unanimous consent obtained leave to extend their about $73,000,000, to the credit of 560,000 depositors. Under remarks in the RECORD. the previous law, when the limit of any account was $500, it is Mr·. MOON. l\lr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that all interesting to note that there were 30,000 of such accounts, and gentlemen who have spoken may be permitted to extend their 22,000 of these

[1\Ir. CLARK]. It is clear to my mind that the change of routes The CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will report it. ought not to be left entil·ely with the Post Office Department. The Clerk read as follows: I think the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida At the end of line 6, on page 27, insert the following: will correct an evil of which a great number of us are complain­ "That no rural free-delivery route shall be discontinued or cho.n"'ed ing. Radical changes in the Rural Free Delivery Service have without the written approval of the l\Iember of Congress who repre­ without doubt caused considerable trouble throughout the coun­ sents the district in which the route or rout~s are located." try. If it were left to a majority of the patrons on the routes Mr. MOON. Mr. Chairman, I make the point of order on affected to say \.vhether or not they wanted routes converted into that amendment. a motor-vehicle route or a change made, it would give a great The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Tennessee has one ueal bf'tter satisfaction to the people than to arbitrarily make minute left. t11e changes as is now done by the department. I hope the Mr. MQON. I yield tllat to the gentleman from·· W.rominr; amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida will be held [Mr. MoNDELL.] in order. I think it is cleru·ly a limitation on this appropria­ Mr. MOORE of Pennsylvania. 1\Ir. Chairman, what became tion and is in order, and I hope it· will prevail, because we need of the point of order on the amendmen~ of the gentleman from some legi~lation that will let the Post Office Deparbnent know Tennessee [Mr. AusTIN]? how Congres..c;; feels about this matter. [Applause.] Mr. AUSTIN. My colleague made it, but I hope to persuade The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. him to withdraw it later on. Moo~] has four minutes left. Mr. MOORE of ~ennsylvauia. A parliamentary inquiry. Mr. MOON. 1\Ir. Chairman, my collengue from Tennessee Are the rulings on th.e points of oruer to be held until the close [:Mr. AusTIN ] wants to abu e the Democratic Party and the ad­ of the discussion? ministration a little, anu I give him three minutes for that pur­ Mr. MADDEN. Discussion has cJosetl. pose. (L:mghter.] The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman frorn Tennessee [Mr. Mr. AUSTIN. Mt·. Chairman·, I am n.fraiu I can not uo the MooN] has one minute. subject justice in three minutes. I want to offer the following Mr. MOON. The Chair can rule on the points of order. amendment, and I hope that no Member will lodge a point of · The CHAIRMAN. The time of the gentleman from Tennessee oruer against it : [Mr. MooNl has expired. AU time has expired. · At the end of line G, page 27, insert the following: Mr. SAUNDERS. Mr. Chairman, I desire to be heard on the " That no rural free deliYery route shall be discontinueu or changed point .of order. without the written approval o! the Member of Congress who represents the district in which the route or routes are located." · The CHAI_RMAN. The Chair is not going to pass upon all [Applause.] these points of order at the present time. As to amendment A, [Mr. Thi~ is power and nuthorlty which ought to be gi\~en to the offered by the gentleman from Iowa TowNER]; amendment t1irect representatives of the people. They are supp~ed to know No. 3, offered by tlle gentleman from ~i"sissippi [Mr. CAND­ more about the requirements of the Rural Free Delivery Serv­ LER]; amendment No. 8, offered by the gentleman from Kansas iCe, the improvements that can be made by changing or discon­ [Mr. CAMPBELL]; amendment No. 9, ·offered by the gentleman t}nuing routes in their respective districts, than the bureau offi· from Ohio [Mr. KEARNS]; amendment No. 10, offered by· t11e cials located in 'Yashington, perhaps several hundred or thousantl gentleman from Georgia [Mr.· P~K]; arid amendment No. 11, miles away. offered by the gentleman from . Tennessee [Mr. AusrrN]-the Now, in my district we. have suffered from the attempt to Chair sustains points of order as to all of these amendments. ~conom ize , anu I want to say . to the present atlministration, The gentleman from Florida [1\fl·. CLAnK] offered amend­ although I lloubt whether I haYe very much influence with it, ments which are numbered 1 and 2, anll upon tho~ amendments but it is advice which I \vould suumit to my own party, namely, the Chair will hear from the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. that the last place to begin making a record for economy is at MooN] and from any other gentleman who \Yants to discuss the expense of an efficient Postal Sen-ice. [Applause.] The're them. are many other ways of saving money to tlle GoYernment with­ Mr. STAFFORD. Mr. Chairman, may we have those amend­ out taking from tl1e people whnt they have enjoyed for years, ments aJ!ain reported? namely, a daily mail service. If our Democratic friends want The CHAIRMAN. Without objection: the· Clerk will again to raise a sufficient amount of money to continue the efficient report amendment numbered 1, offered by too gentleman from and satisfactory Postal Service which they inherited from the Floridn. Republican allministration, let them increase the tariff and raise The Clerk read us follows: this revenue from the fioou of foreign-made goods coming in now Amendm(>nt numbered 1, otrered by lrlr. CLAnK of Florida: on the free list. [Applause on the Republican side.] "Page 27, line G. after the word 'stations,' insert the words '.A11d provided ftlrther, That no part of the money herein appropriated for A route was changed in my district recently, and the carrier Rural Delivery Sen•Ice shall be used to cover any expense on any motor was unable for a week to delh·er the mail on account of a floort vehicle route until a majorlty of the patrcnSJ to be served by such in a cree~ or river ; yet a man in gootl faith, in the department motor vehicle route shall by wrltten petition ask the Post Office De­ here, looking over a blue-print map, reached the conclusion that partment to establish such motor vehic.lc route.' " be could llo it. It was all a theory, like most other things that Mr. MOON. 1\fr. Chairman, I think that that amendment eman.ate from this administration; it. was not practical. [Ap­ clearly changes the law, and therefore is obnoxious to the rule. plause on the Republican side.] There hns never been a criti­ :M:r. SAUNDERS. Mr. Chainnan, I desire to call the atten­ cism of a Republican _or Democratic administi:ation, nnd the tion of the Chair to ·Certain precedents that are directly in point, charge of u pork barrel" has never been lodgeu, against an and· clearly show that this amendment is in ·order. extension nnu improvement of the Postal Service, wllich reaches There is a great holly of decisions on the question of whether every horne in thi~ country; anu this .administration has not amendments are in order as limitations, or out of order as be­ done a more un:P<>pular thing and one that will injure it more at ing legislation. Many of tllese decisions seem to be impossible the polls in November, and the Lord lmows they are going to b<> of reconciliation, so shadowy is the dividing Jine in many in­ injured enough on that occasion, than to curtail and cxipple the stances between limitation, and legislation." In other words a Postal Service in this country. renl twilight zone ex:istJ:; in this fielu. But I desire ·to call the Now, I want to say in closing my little speech that we have attention of the Chair to a precedent found on pnge 640 of Hinds' · one of the best and most efficient men at the head of this com­ Precedents. The Post Office appropriation hill being then un­ mittee, Judge :MooN. I usually follow him. He bas done more der consideration, the committee had reached the section pro­ to improve the Postal Service and give us needet~ legislation for viding for railway-postal s~rvice, $5,700,000. To this provision tlle -various postal officials tllan the chairman of any committee Mr. Tawney submitted the follo·wing amendment: in my knowledge in half a cetitury. I can not follow him in Provided, That no part of the amount now hereby approprio.tetl everything. I can not follow him on the r:lllway pay prop{,si­ shall be expended for the ufle of cars 1n the railway-posta1 service that ti->n, because I think tile railroad corporations in this country hl\ve been used in said service for a period of more than 15 yenrs. should have just as fair a deal as a private corporation or an A point of order was directeu against this amendment on the indivillual, and when there is a serious dispute it should be ground that it was legislation. This point was raised by the submitted to the Inte1~ state Commerce Commission to adjust chairman of the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads. . a-nd settle. But upon other propositions, where there are no Without undertaking to read all that is stated in the ruling, politics involved, I am willing to follO\V my colleague, who rep­ I desire to call the attention of the Chair to the fact that the resents the district next to mine, which I think perhaps hns a point of order was overruled. good influence uix>n him. [Applause.] . Permit me to call your attention to a precedent founu on The CHAIRMAN. The time of the gentleman from 'I'en­ page 679, section 3998, in which a proviso was offeretl to the nessee [Mr. AusTIN] has expired. Has tlie gentleman an nmend- effect that money for a· bridge should not be available until the ment? . . . - . . . . - . ·corporation \Ising It should fulfill certain conditions. Without Mr. AUSTIN. Yes; I hn,·e. the proYiso it was perfectly clear thnt the briuge would be re- 1916. -QONGltESSION 1\_L R.ECORD-HOUSE. 30~3 paired out of tl~e sum appropriated without condition, or limita­ I desire to make a few suggestions to the Chair. They apply not tion on thf.'_ expeQ.dittlre. only to this amendment but to others of that character. The effect of the proviso, treated as a limitation, was to re­ Of course the Chair understands, as do all gentlemen familiar quire certain things to be done by a rallway corporation be­ with our parliamentary law, that we are now interpreting Rule fore the appropriation would be available. This was in effect XXI, and it is the duty of the Chair to determine whethel' or a change of law secured however by a limitation upon the ap­ not these cases present such a· limitation on appropriations, or, plication of the appropriation. Permit me to ·call your atten­ rather, the statement of conditions upon which the appropi'ia­ tion to another precedent on the same page. tions shall be used, as really to bring them within the exceptions Tile CHAIRl\IAN. Page 679? tl1at are provided for under the terms of that rule. It will Mr. SAUNDERS. Yes; page G79, section 3999, "A proposi­ not be a sufficient objection, 1\Ir. Chairman, to say that they tion that no part of an appropriation should be paid until the com;titute new legislation, because in a sense every proviRion passing of a title," was held to be a limitation. The point of upon an appropriation bill constitutes new legislation. The only order to this amendment was made by the gentleman from question for the C11air to decide is as to whether or not it really Illinois [l\lr. GANNON]. The amendment was this: constitutes such a limitation upon the appropriations as ought That no part of this appropriation shall be a>ailable or be pahl to be considered and passed upon by the Committee of the Wllole to said bank until the title to the bank shall be completed and the Hou e, which is now considering this bill. title to the old customhuuse property passed under the laws of New York to the said bank. I desire to call the particular attention of the Chair to Hinds' Precedents, volume 4, page 621, section 3926. In this case the l\Ir. C.d.N~ON made the point of order that that nmemlment Post Office appropriation blll was under consideration, and the ,,:as legislation, but the Chair overruled the point. Clerk reall _the following provision of the bill: Let me call your attention to one further preccclcnt that is F01· compensation to 25 rural agents, at $1,600 each; 15 rural agents, so preci ely in point that I do not see bow the most subtle at $1,500 eacb; 15 rm·al agents, at $1,400 each; 19 rural agents, at consideration can possibly differentiate it from the proposition $1,300 each ; 65 rural agents, at $1,200 each ; anu 10 rural agents, at now before the committee. This precedent is on page 681, $1,000 each, $19G,200. and is found in section 4002. To n provision for the payment To this 1\Ir. ' Villiam \V. Kitchin, of North Carolina, offered of the expenses of certain judges, a provision that no part of the following as an amendment: the money should be expended, except on an itemized state­ Insert, in line 18, page 24, after the word "dollars," "Pt·ovidcd "­ ment, was held in order. · The gentleman fron1 Arkansas [1\Ir. And to this -language I ask the Chairman's careful atten­ ~lAcoN] offered the following amendment: Provided, That no part of said sum herein approprin.t£>d shall be tion- used for the payment of the expenses of said uistrlct judges, unless u Prov-ided, That no part of this appropriation shall be pn.iu to any said certHicateti contained an itemized statement of said expenses. rural agent who after the 1st day of July, 1904, shall make a recom­ mendation against the establishment of any route on account of the It is perfectly clear that without this proviso tbe judges condition of the road over which said route extends or is proposed to were not required to set out any items in their certificate.· of extend." . expenses. In otl1er wotds, the Government was empowered to A..fter debate, the ChaiJ.· held that that was a limitation and pay these expenses on a simple certificate of the amount. But in order. Certainly if that could be held as a limitation, the unller the terms of the proviso, the Government could not pay amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida mu. t cer- . a single one of the judges contemplated in the appropriation. tainly be within the rule. unless this judge filed a statement which contained an itemize(] I want now· to call the attention of the Chair to a clecision nccount of his expenses. The usual point of order was made found on page G3G, of volume 4 of Hinds' Precedents, section that the proviso was legislation, and not a limit:1tion. But the 3942. In that case the Agricultural appropriation bill was point of orller was overruled. under consideration in Committee of the Whole House on t11e Under existing law the ge i · the authority of the department can he set in motion. · engaged m the practice of polygamy or polygamous relations. It seems to me that it is perfectly clear under these precedents, Some debate having taken place, and Mr. William H. Kin~. of without regard to ·a gJ.'eH.t body of additional precedents that Utah, having suggestetl a point of order, the Chairman said: might be cited, that this amendment is a limitation, ancl there­ There are two reasons why the Chair would be inclined to overrule the point. In the first place, it comes rather late, and in the secontl fore is in order. place, the amendment seems to be a limitation upon this appropria· Further I would like to call the attention of the Chair to one tion. or two other precedents that are not in Hinds' Precedents, but The amendment having been agreed to, 1\Ir. King offered the were marle recently and are available. One of them was made following amendment: by the gentleman from Illinois [:Mr. FosTER] presiding over the And that no person shall be appointed a teacher or trustee of ·aid Committee of the Whole during the consi

Now l\lt·. Chainman1 there might be· many case · cite(} along 'nhe Cffi:\..ffil\f.·h "· The gentl man fr m. Inloriua [:l\!r. CLARK] this line. anr only calling• attention to the ·e: for the. pu ·pose asks unanimous consent to . withdraw amendment No. 2: Is of showing· oo the Chair. that· these cases whielt• li~ve cited there· objection 7 · me much stronger upon the• objectionable features that the· There wa · no objection. chairman of the committee calls attention to tl.ian the present The• CHAffil\L\.N. The que tlon now is on the amendment one. It can· be aienses. be in strict conformity with a number~ of other amendments to That is found on page 681 of Hinds~ Precedent . I call utten which points of order had been o:verruled, and that this merely tion another, on page 678, paragraph 3907. Tlie gentleman placed a limitation on the use· of money. appropriated ilL that to: act, and overruled the point. of order. from New York [1\Ir. FITZGERALll] offered an amendment as· The Chair has listened to the reading of these numerous foll.ows:: Provided, That no part of the money herein. appropriated for drell~­ other authorities to which attentiOn has been called, and it­ ing, improving, n:nd building retaining: walls in and about the r~ crYI) seems to the Chair that the authorities are in perfect harmony ba.sln. shall be expended until ther has been prepared read for sub. on thi question. The amendment offered by the· gentleman mission to Congres at its next session an estimate of the complett'd from Florida [1\Ir. CLABK] · is a limitation. It· prevents the cost oi' such reset:ve basin. expenditure of the moneys appropi:iated f01: Rux:al Delivecy And on page 680, section 4000 : Service upon motor-vehicle routes which have not been estah­ Prot'id.ecl, That none of the above amounts approprinte, last year, enough money I do not remember just exactly when that law was passell, to make up a certain amount that they did not recei\e. That but it was some 12 ot· 15 years ago. Now, you can not go back, amounts to a reappropriation of an unexpended balance for the in ru:r judgment, by this limitation and bring forwartl an ap­ year ending June 30, 1915, the last fiscal year. propriation that was made for a year past. If any funds re­ l\Ir. CA.1"\'DLER of Mississippi. No, sir; it pro,iChicle to carry tbe mail over any route the major portion of which is O\' Cl' dirt roa(ls. if tbc total length of sucb roule exceeds 2G mlles.". :l\Ir. 1\IOON. It is not a limitation at all. If that sort of a holding could be made, there would be no use in having a rule l\lr. OOOD. l\lt·. Chairman, a parliamentary inquiry. on the subject. It is utter nonsense; in my opinion. The CHA.IR~IA.1~. Tl1e gt>ntlemnn will state it. l\.Ir. C.A.l~DLER of Mississippi. It may be nonsense to the l\fr. GOOD. T understand the amendment of the gentleman distinguished gentleman from Tennessee, but it is goou, honest, Irom Florida [~Ir. CLAJm:] was adopted, and that amendment is common sense to us who belieye these letter carriers should be Interposed at the f':ame point where I haye introduced this 11aid what is justly due them. amendment. 'l'hat being the case, my amentlment ought to be The CHAIRMAN. Does the gentleman from Iowa want to be modified so as to fo1low the amendment offered by the gentle­ heard? man from Florhla. Mr. TOWNER. l\11·. Chairman. I desire only to call attention The CHA.IR:\Llli. TJ1e Cle1·k will insert before the amend­ to the impression that I think exists with regard to the re­ ment of tl1e gentleman from Io\\·a the 'Yorus "A.1ul tJrOt'icletl appropriation proposition. The adoption of this amendment tm·thcr," without ohjection. Is there ohjedion to so modifying would not mean a reappropriation of the amounts affected. It the amendment? fA.fter a pause.] Tlle 'hair hears none. should be remembered that this money was appropriated for the 'l'be Ch.air wm hear ft·om the gentleman from Iowa [l\[r. particular purpose of paying the carriers. It should be remem­ Goon] on the point of order. bered that it was not used. It shonltl be remembered that it is ~Ir. GOOD. ~r. Chairman, I can not conceiYe hO\Y this now in the Treasury for that purpose. It should be remem­ amendment i ' snbjeet to a point of· oruet·. . In specific terms bered that it is subject to the order of the Postmaster General it proYidcs that no part of th mouey hereby nppropriate

Mr. COX. I think there is a clear distinction between the to hear argument upon the que tion a to ·wllether or not thi · gentleman's amendment and the amendment offered by the was a limitation. gentleman fr·om Florida. I think the gentleman's amendment Mr. COX. A1r. Chairman, I want to make just one suggestion. . br·ings in another• element here which does change existing law, I undertake to say that it can not be found anywhere in the because it seems to bring in and designate a particular kind of organic act establishing rural routes where the law undettak'"eS road over which mall is to be carried, while there is no law to define the kind and character of the road over- which the up to this time hich designates the kind of a road, route should pass. Mr. GOOD. My amendment does nothing of the kind. The Now, the Chair judicially knows tha: in this country thm:e are amendment simply provides that if the mail is carried over a all kinds of roads, some dirt l'oads, some rock roads, and some route the n;tajor portion of which is of dirt roads, then nothing gravel roads. There being no law requiring a certain standard shall be paid for rural .carrier service over that route if the road over which the route mu t pass before it can be established,. length of the route is more than 26 miles. my point is, if I can make myself plai~ that the gentleman's Mr. STEENERSON. Now, under exiSting law the department amendment seeks to make a particular kind and character of has established a standard route of 24 miles? road, to wit, that of a dirt road, and bring it in here as n law,. Mr. GOOD. Yes. and make it a part of this appropriation bill, which is in viola­ 1\Ir. STEENERSON. And they have established in my dis­ tion of the rules of this Bouse. You can not incorporate general trict, for instance, more than half the routes-- legislation upon an appropriation bill except under certain con­ 1\Ir. GOOD. There are some in my district of 32 miles. ditions, which, of course, the gentleman's amendment does not Mr. STEENERSON. And they have been running for years. come under. Now, if you adopt this amendment it would deprive the people To tnake myself a little plainer, it is a violation o·f the rules of my district on ol'er half of the routes of any service what­ of this House, because it seeks to place upon this appropriation ever. bill general le.gislation-- that of establishing the kind and char­ Mr. GOOD. Where is there any law establishing these routes? acter of the road over whiCh the route must pa s before the 1\Ir. STEEl\'ERSON. The executive department has estab­ salaries carried under this appropriation can be paid. It is li hed routes of 26 or 28 or 30 miles. Most of them in my dis­ clearly subject to a point of order. trict are more than 26 miles. By this .so-called limitation are The CHAIRl\IAN. The Chair thinks tl1e amendment i.s not you going to deprive those people of any service whatever? subject to a point of order. It does not limit the route to 26 1\Ir. GOOD. Unquestionably if this is adopted it will change llliles, but it limits the expenditures provided for in this para­ department law, but it will not change the statutes of the graph to roads the major portion of which ate over dirt roads United States in a single particular. and which al'e 26 miles or under, and makes permis ible e:x­ Mr. FINLEY. Will the gentleman yield? penditures on routes that are over 26 miles. The Chair thinks The CHAIRl\lAN. Will the gentleman from Iowa yield to that the point of order should be overruled. The question is the gentleman from South Carolina? on agreeing to amendment No. 5, offered by the gentleman from Mr. GOOD. Yes. Iowa [Mr. Goon]. Mr. FINLEY. Is the gentleman aware that the longest routes Mr. RICKETTS. Mr. Ohalrman, may we bal'e the amend­ in the country, generally speaking, are those west of the MissiS­ ment again reported? sippi River, and particularly in the State of Kansas and other The CHAIRMAN. ·without Objection, the Clerk will again States that are arid to some extent nnd have not the amount of report the amendment. rainfall we have east of the rivel\ and a great many of those The Clerk read as follows : routes are 30 miles long, and some 32, some 33, and some 35 On pag~ 27, at the end of line 6, change the period to a colon ahd miles'? Now, what would the gentleman do? Would he de­ add: "And twovided further, That ho part of the sum hereby appro­ prive those people of Rural Delivery Service? priated shall be used to pay the salary of any rural carrier using a horse-drawn vehicle to carry the. mail over any route the major portion 1\Ir. GOOD. No. of which is over dirt roads if the total length of such route exceeds 1\It. FINLEY. At present they al'e served by horse-drawn 26 miles." vehicles, and the gentleman's amendment would cut out each and every route in all that section-routes more than 26 miles Mr. STEENERSON. Mr. Cho.ittnan, I would like to have in length. unanimous consent to debate this amendment for five minutes. Mr. GOOD. I will answer the gentleman's question. If I The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Minnesota asks unan· bad my way about it, I would draw a provision which would imous consent :for five minutes in which to discuss the ameild· be more workable than this. I would draw a provision that ment on the merits. Is there objection? would ~rmit the Postmaster General in such cases to extend Mr. GOOD. Mt. Chairman, reserving the right to object, I that rural service. But if I write in this amendment, giving understand the gentleman i against this amendment, and if he authority to establish rural routes of more than 26 miles where is to discuss it I want a similar length of time. the major portion of the route is over dirt roads, say\ 30 miles, Mr. FOSTER. I object, Mr. Chairman. then I will do just what the department is doing, and thereby The CBAIRMAN. Objection is heard. The que tion is on destroy the rural service. I think the gentleman has seen to­ agreeing to the amendlnent offered by the gentleman from Iowa. day, by the evidence displayed in this House, that the depart­ Mr. AUSTIN. Mr. Chairman, I ask that the amendment be ment shall not be allowed to make a law in regard to the rural again reported. service in violation of the express \\'ish of Congress. The CHAIRMAN. The amendment has just been reported, Mr. FINLEY. I have seen all that, and I appreciate it fully. but if there is no objection the amendment will be again re­ Now, I will ay this to the gentleman, that if his amendment ported. prevails nine-tenths of all the rural routes of the United States There was no objection. t11at exceed 26 miles in length will be deprived of rural service. The amendment was again tead. Mr. GOOD. The gentleman knows that that is a small pal't The CHAIRMAN. The que tion is on agreeing to the amend- of the service. If the gentleman will read his own ~ommittee's ment offered by the gentleman from Iowa [l\Ir. Goon]. · hearing , he will find that on these long routes the major por­ The question w·as taken, and the Chairman announce

•\gainst my protest last fall this department motOTized one of appeal unless -he can convince the ·Civil Service Commission route in my c01mty ·Of Muscatine. They thereby took two men that he is being discriminated against for religious or political who were under the civil service and put them out of a job. I reasons. This is an amendment in tbe interest of fair dealing asked ·for an inspection, and the department inspected the to the employees. They want ·the right to see the evidence, and rante-- t11ey ought to have the right to see the evidence that is intro­ · ~rr. MOON. Mr. Chairman, is this on the point of order or duced to substantiate the charges. They ought to have the right on the merits? to an oral hearing. They ought to have the right to a court The CHAIRMAN. The Chair wishes to hear the gentleman of appeals, and the .proper court of appeals would be the Civil on ~e point of order. The Chair does not care to hear a discus­ Service Commission, which woul'iven censideration either in this appropri­ The CHAIRMAN. Does the gentleman from Iowa desire to :ation bill or in a ·separate bill reported to this House. be heard on the point of order? The fo11owing letter from Thomas F. Flaherty, secretary­ Mr. HULL of Iowa. I will submit it without debate. treasurer of the 'National Federation of Post Office Clerk , ex­ The CHAIRMAN. The point of order is sustained. This dis­ :plains the need of the rigbt of appeal and the Tight .to a hear­ poses of all amendments offered to this section. The Clerk will ring for _postal ·employees: read. Ni!TIONAL FEDERA:TION OF POST ()lrFrCE CLEUKS The Clerk read as follows: Wasllitlgtrm, D. 0., Pcbrtta1"Y 18: 1916. l\Ir. JOHN :I. NOLAN, That if the revenues of the .Post Office Department shall be insuf­ licient to meet the appropriations .made by this act, a sum equal to such Hot18e of Representative.<~, Wasllin.oton., D. 0. deficiency of the rev<'nue of said department is hereby appropriated, to . MY DEAR 'M~. NoLa· :-~: I am .addressing you upan a matter of vita! be paid out of any mon~y in -the !l'r asury not otherwise appropriated, Importance to .the postal employee-s of the country-the granting to to supply said deficiencies m the revenues for the Post Office Depart­ them of the right 'Of appeal and the -right to a Jleariug upon charges ment for the year end tug June 30, 1917, and the sum needed may be aft'ecting their salaries and ::positions-and ·1 ask your support of the advanc<'d to the Post Office Department upon requisition of the Post­ proposed amendment to the civ:il-serviee laws whi<'h will accomplish master General. this result. • . . As you are aware, there is a bill now pending before :the Committee Mr. NOLAN. Mr. Chairman, I ·offer an amendment. on Reform in the Civil Service, E. R. 9921, introduced by Representa­ The CHAilll\IAN. The gentleman .from California offers an tive KEATING, of Colorado, -which .seeks to give all classi1ied civil­ service employees ·the right to appeal to the United states Board of amendment, which .the Clerk will report. Mediation and Conciliation, an unhiased, detached tribunal, in ca.ses The Clerk read as follows : of demotion or dismissal. This is a ·meritarious measure, and I trust Beginning with line 12, on page 27, add a new paragraph, as follows: Congress will give it the consideration it deserves; but pending action ·'"That section 6 of the act of August 24, 1912 (ch. 389, 37 Stat., p. on this bill, and l;lS a mattm: -of legislative expedienr,v, ask .that you 555), be amended to read as foJlows: endeavor to amplify the legislation enacted by the Sixty-second Con­ "'No postal employee in the classified service of the United States ,gress, August .24, 1.912, known as the .antigag law, which providerl that shall be removed or reduced in rank and compensation except for such the employee whose removal -or demotion was sought moRt be notified in cause as will promote the efficiency of the service and for reasons given writing; but it further provided that no hearing was io be given except in writing, and i:he ·person whose removal or reduction is sought shall at the discretion of the officer making the removal .or demotion. have notice of the same and of any charges preferred against hjm, and Posta1 employees have .found the present law inadequate, a~ it be furnished with a copy, including evidence, and also be allowed a rea­ permits no appeal from the arbitrary juclgment of -the department sonable time·for _personally answering the same in -writing and to submit offiaial. He is complainant, judge, jury, prosecutin"' attorney. and evidence or affidavits to the Civil Service Commission, with opportunity hi~h chief executioner. The hapless .employee has only the do-ubtful for an i>ral hearing, at whirh the employee may be represeni'ed by Privilege of seeing the written charges against him. Should he see fit counsel, and witnesses shall be sworn and the testimony recorded ; and to make reply. the department ..need give it no seriou consid<'ration. the Civil Service Commission shall ·have the ·power to issue and enforct> Its decision in the case is final : the employee .Jlas no :rppeal. It is process to secure the attendance of witnesses, administer oaths, to re­ this weakn<.'.ss in the Jaw that operates _to the Oisadvantage and fre­ quire any Government official or employees to produce books or papers quently to the great inJustice of -efficient employe<.'s. This amend­ relating to the charges under investigation, to issue commissions to its ment merely strengthens the law by granting the employees the right district commissioners for the taking of testimony, which shall be of an ornl hearing before .the Civil Service Commi sion or its a"U­ taken in the county where the witness resides when tht> same can be thorized representative, at ·which the employee may be represented by conveniently done: Pravided, That the Civil Service Commission may counsel and the testimony .recorded. remand the case with such orders as may seem to it proper in the At prPsent the commission refuses to review or to assume jm·lsdic­ premises, and its judgment and decrees shall be final.'" tion to lnvestigate a case unless it ·is . alle~ed, with offer of proof. that the removal wRs made for political or religious reason. . In all other Mr. MOON. I make a point of order _against that amendment. cases the employees must submit to .the arbitrary judgment of their The CHAIRMAN. Does the gentlemanftom California desire department heads. It is not the purpose of this legislation to interfere with the proper to be beard on the point of order? administrative functions of the depar.tment. Thet·e should IJc no Mr. NOLAN. l will ask the _gentleman from Tennessee to obstacles in the way of the removal of inefficient or undesirable em­ reserve his point of order. I Should like to be heard on the ployees. Bnt the mere charge of inefficiency by the l1ead of nn office, wben the real cause is prt>judice, vindictiveness, or personal or political merits. reasons, should at l<'ast be subject to review. An employee entering Mr. MOON. In order that the gentleman may have five min­ the service must prove >his fit.lless in .a competitive examination. His utes, I will reserve the point of order for five .minutes. character and references are tl!croughly investigated. He is not ap­ l\lr. tbe pointed pe-rmanently ·until be bas provPd his adaptability for t11e work l\Ir. NOLAN. Chairman, purpose of thiR ·amendment dnring a six months;' probationary period. Therefore, if there is -such is to amplify the antigag law :passed in the Sixty-second Congress. a severe test as to .a man's ability to obtllio the "Piuce, why . hould It is to give the postal employees of this country a fair trial there not be some test as to his fitness to hold the position? The Ctvil Service Commission is very zealous iu ~uardin~ the fmnt door and the right of appeal. .It provides that they shall have the of the civil service. but ·heretofore the ba:c.k door has been Jeft \\ide right to a ·copy of the charges, including the evidence, and also open. The commission will not permit -the political bead of a depart­ to be allowed a reasonable time for personally answering the ment to -select his subordinates, .and yet it bas heretofore tak<>n the position tlmt he could bave 1J)rac.tic.ally "free rein in ~etting Tid of same in writing, and to submit evidence or affidavits to the Civ.il subordinates by "Use of tbe very clastic terms " inefficiency ·· and Service Commission, which is the appellate tribunal, with oppor­ "insubordination." tunity for an oral hearing, at which the employee may be repre­ Perhaps to the postal worker moTe than any othet· Government sented by counsel and witnesses be sworn and the testimony employee should this right to an appeal be given. A postal worker's job is everything to him. .Men who baxe only a post-office training, recorded. only a knowledge of the details of -post-office work. must sell their Under the present system a departmental official can prefer servic<'S to the only bidder-tlle Government. '.rhey can not start a charges against any postal em_ployee in this country, and ·he has rival business; they cnn not offer to -work for a competitor. Tin like · the <'raftsman or the stenographer or any otbet· worke'l" with expert only the opportunity to see the ~itten charges. He has no ,k.nowleqge, the :postal expe1·t can not ca-pitalize his training. T1lere right to -see the testimony Introduced .against him, and no dght. 1s but -one :maDket .for his wares...... the .post office. His job, :his lif(>, !Us 3098 CO~GRESSION 1\_L REOOI1.D-HOUSE. FEBUUARY 24,

all. should not be d<'p('ndt'nt upon the whim of a supervisory official, haye been great to drive the ordinarily docile postal worker to stwh a biased inspector ot· an inefficient department bead. : dra tic action. And it was. There is nothing rHoJutionary in this proposal to clothe tile Federal "We are printing the signe. And the men \1:ere about unanimous in pronouncing -Po. tal employees' organization . . arc a unit in their desire to get civil-senke hw inadequate in ·o fa1· as affonling protection agains't some legislafu·e r elief to curb the tyrannical power now vested in the official incompetency i<> concerned. department heads. The various clas e. of employees, the clerks, the "The. e 24 resignations are that many in1Uctments again t the civil city and the rural carriers, and the railway mail clerl;:s have adopted service as an institution and tbl' present postal aclministrntlon. Reven­ re. olutions in their respectivt: convention asking for COI'recti,·e legis­ teen of the men expres ed th('ir bclplef:sne:;;s to prot<'. t against the alleged lation. Some prefer a trial board selected from the employees whenever incompetency of the postmaster. Ile was the political appointee of the disciplinary action is contemplated by the officials ; personally I prefer present a1lminis h·ation anti the men fl:'lt the futility of appealing over the right to appeal to a tribunal. nonpolitical in its character, such as his h<'acl to Washington for relief. Eighteen of the men quit as a pro­ the United States Board of Mediation and Conciliation, but as a matter te. t against the 11ismissa.l of three fel1ow employee . 1.'he.r knew what of legislative expediency I think this enlargement of the powers of the every po-tal employee knows-the departmPnt "an "g-et" you, nnu .ron Civil Service Commission wiJJ bring the relief sought. have no appt'al, no chance for a hearing. They feared the d partmental No department head shonlu fear a review of his judgment H he is wrath anu forestalled it by re. igning. Fifteen of the men recorded th fair and just and desires to . ee juStiC'e done to his most Jowly sub­ view that the civil-service laws afford no protection to employe s against ordinate. As a mattCI· of fact, he sboulu wt>Jcome such a hearing, for unjust attacks of political officials. This is a self-eviclent truth. Five then the charge can never be made by the di missed employee that be of the men expre . ed the thought that the in!'lpector. the l'YC of th~ was not accorded a fair hearing. department, as be is known to be, wa!" unfair in his attitude anu biased The unanimity of opinion among postal employees as to the need in his judi"'ment. Anyone famillllr with the farcical investigations con­ of legislation such as Is here proposed indicates only too plainly that ducted by nspectors will readily bcllcYc thlR complaint well grounded. workers in the service have suffered from unjust, despotic actions of "The same thought runR tbrongll all the resignation. . The same · departmental officials. In my report to the San Francisco Convention idea that notWng would lle done to remecly the wrong inflicteu-if wrong of the National Federation of Post Office Clerks, September, 1915, I bad been int:l.lcted-P,ermeatl's each letter. The men lost fait11 in the said on this subject : adf.'qnacy of the clv1l-service laws, they lost hope in securing justice "One of the most glaring defects in the Fclleral civil service is the from the postal administration. And there was no appeal from the inae rP.signatlons. llfark the important sections country-it is necessary that a detached tribunal, separate from the. 'and mall the article to your Congressman, telling him to make such an department concerned, be authorized to I'eview charges, hear testimony, occurrence impossible in his district by voting for the Keating bill, and investigate evidence the employee may have to submit. which gives employees the right. to appeal from the findln~s of a post­ "As stated, the CivH Service Commission now refuses to review cases office Inspector anci the hasty subsequent jud"'ment of a departmental of dismissals unless a religious or a political issue is raised. Either official." the commision's powers should be enlarged or a tribunal created to WHY TilEY llESIG~F.D. review cases and hear testimony. If a new tribunal beEstablishelatlon than the ca. es of the 2{) mv resignation, to take ('ffect this

Second. For the reason that the civil service affords no protection to been required to testify· against him. and' I I feel ' tt my duty to myself post-office clerks w-hatsoever. to han.d yon my resignation, to take effect at once. Thiru. I have been employed in the post office at Fairmont, W. Va., Very respectfully, since December 1, 1911. and during that time my services have been en­ SYLVESTER CLAYTON, tirely satisfactory to both our former postmaster, A. Howard Fleming, Sup-erinten.cle»t ot Mails. and the patrons of the office, and I do not wish to have unjust charges tiled against' me. Sm : I wlsh to resign my, position a-s city letter carrier at the Fair­ Very respectfully, mont, W. Va., post officet for the reason that I heliev~> some of my fel­ CHARLES L. BARTLETT~ azerk. low workmen have been lDlproperly removed from the service, and after Mr. A. J. Knight pretended to investigate the cl:Jarges, he evidently Sm: I have been employed in the Fairmont post. office fox the past gave out as a result of his investigation a Washington news article eight years, as both stamp clerk and general-delivery clerk, and sin<'t> casting a reflection upon the honesty of all the employees of the Fair­ Charles E. Manley bas beE>n postmaster things have been so unpleasant mont post office. Charles E. Manley has also been discourteous to one I feel that I can no lon. endure the embarrassing things I have to of my fellow employees in particular, Walter L Willey, and I also feel face at the windows, as It seems Charles E. Manley, postmaster, has that the· civil service offers little protection; this resignation to take told every patron that he intends to fire all the clerks in the office--sure effect to-day. there is some fire where there is so much smoke-so I hereby tender my Very respectfully, E. B. HARDEN. resignation, to take eft'ect at midnight November 16, 1915, with the kindest feelings toward the administration. SIR: Owing to the Unpleasant conditions existing in the Fairmont Very respectfully, post office, a.s a. result of charges falsely brought a~st my fellow em­ CHARLES A. ROBINSON~ Olerk. ployee, which eaused his dismissal from the sei'Vlce, ann the recom­ mendation of the inspector investigating the charges, caused a. Wash­ Sm : I herewith t('nder my resignation as mailing clerk in the Fair­ ington news article to be pnbli.shed throughout West Virginia, casting mont post office, to take effect at once. a certain reflection upon the honesty of all my fellow workmen, and 'l'he present postmaster, Charles E. Manley, is discourteous. As a also because I believe the eivil service · of the United States no longer representative of the Post Office Department at Washington, D. C., he protects me, I desire to resign my position as city letter carrier ; the is ignornnt, unfair to his employees and has made his threats to dis­ same to take efl'ect to-day; regard the civil-service rules, whi<'b have been carried out by your rep­ Very respectfully, WILL H. FISHER. resentative1 Mr. A. J. Knight, post-office inspector, who bas taken the postmasters advice rather than the testimony that was gi-ven him. SrR : This letter is to inform you that I have decided to leave the I feel that there is no longer any protection given employees, and I Postal Service, because of the dlsmis..~ of some of my fellow workmen, do not care to work under a man that is so unfair. which I believe was grossly unjust, and also because of the uncalled-for Very truly, ' and very discourteous treatment received 'by Walter Wi1ley, substitute J. A. COCHRAN~ OZerk. letter carrier, at the hands of Postmastt'r Charles E. Manley, and for the further reason that I believe the civil service of the United States SIR : I hereby tender my resignation as substitute clerk in the post offers no protection. This resignation effective to-day at the close of office at Fairmont, W. Va.. for the following reasons: business. - · · First. Because of the charges preferred and acted upon against W. H. Very respectfully, JAS. W. PHILLIPS. Brand, Perry Burton. and George P. Cochran, which, in my opinion, are grossly unjust. Sm : I desire to resign my- position as city letter carrier in the Fair­ Seeond. I have always been a man of truth and veracity, and Charles mont W. Va., post office, effective at the close of business to-aay, since E. Manley, on a previous date asked me to tell a falsehood for him, and I feei that injustice bas been done to my fellow employees in their re­ owing to the position which I was holding then, I was either compelled moval from the service, and I feel that the civil service no longer pro­ to comply with the same or receive a reprimand from Charles E. tects me. Manley, postmaster. Very respectfully. CHARLES 0. HAYHURST. Third.. I know that he is incompetent, for the reason that he is not informed in post-office work, and never will be, as be is not competent Sm: I wish to inform you that conditions in the Fairmont post office of being' instructed. Effective at midnight, November 16, 19~5. have not been very pleasant since Charles E. lfanley took charge of the Very respectfully, office; since be has gone to tht> department and tiled trumped-up charges JOHN F. SHAFFER, Substitute azerk. against some of my fellow employees, resulting in their removal from the service. Because Mr. Manley is permitted to remove employees un­ Srn: I hereby tender my resignation as clerk in the Fairmont, W. Va., justly, I feel that it would be honorable for me to tender my resigna­ pos! office, to take effect at midnight, November 16, 1915, for the fol­ tion as city letter carrier at the Fairmont post office, to take effect lowmg reasons : to-day. As a result of the very unpleasant conditions in the post office since Very respectfully, J. T. KRA¥ER. the present postmaste1:, Charles E. Manley, has taken charge, and owing to his inability to conduct the post office, and his discourtesy to the Sm : I desire to resign my position as city letter carrier in the Fair­ clerks. mont post office, effective at the close of business to-day since I f.eel .And in view of the fact that the civil service is being ignored in the that injustice bas been done to my fellow employees in their removal dlsml. sal of employees. I feel that it would do me honor to resign my from the service. a:nd I feel that the civil s.er:vice n.o longer protects me. position before I am forced out of the service through charges which Very respectfully, may be preferred against me unjustly, as has been done heretofore with HA.ImY c. PITZEn. my fellow employees. Very respectfully, HARVEY A. PITZER, Okrk. SIR : I desire to give up my position as city letter cal'rier in the Fair­ mont, W. Va., post office, for the reason that I believe great injustice Sm: Yon will please accept my resignation as clerk in the Fairmont bas been done by Charles E. Manley, postmaster, in removing some of 0 6 my fell{)w emplo;yees from the service on trumped-up charges, and. as ~g~t &~iet ~~ ~~{ ~:r~\~tw~~n~~~~~b~ df:~ffoJ ol~}!r~ ~~eJ:! a; result of their mvestigation by Mr. A. J. Knight, post-office inspector, ley, postmaster at Fairmont, W. Va. the Washington news article or November 1.3, HH5, cast reflection upon He is uncouth and ignorant, a:rul_ unfit to occupy the position he is the honesty of every employee in· the Fairmont post office, this article trying to fill; therefore I consider it beneath my dignity to work under being published broadcast in. West Virginia:. This resignation to take him and recognize him as my superior. effect to-day. Yours, b:uly, FRANK R. BARKES, Olerk. Very respectfully. W. G. SATTERFIELD. Sm: I hereby tender my resignation_ as clerk in the Fairmont, W. Va., post office, to take effeet at midnight November 16, 1915, for the follow­ Sm : I am tendering my resignation as city letter carrier in the Fair­ ing reasons: mont post office, the same to. take effect to-day. The reason· why r do First. Tha.t after eight years' service, without a spot or blemish this is that I believe some of my fellow employees have: been unjustl.v against my efficiency as a._ clerk, I feel that I am unable any longer to removed from the Postal Service, by· the use of trumped-up charges, and work rmder the direction of the present p.ostmaster~ Charles E. Manley. when a postmaster is perm:ttt:ed to overstep the bounds of justice in re· He is· ignorant, uncouth, illiterate, discourteous to employees, and in moving employees in this manner, there is certainly no use for the e-very particular absolutely incompetent to fill the positi{)D be now civil service. occupies. • Very respectfully, H. S. KoPP. Second. Tha:t he has repeatedly made the assertion in public that he proposed to clean house and remove all Republicans from the service Sm : I desire to resign my position as city letter curler at the Fair­ and replace them with Democrats, without regard to their character or mont, W. Va., post office, the same efl.'e.etive this e-vening. The reason ability. . r wish to leave: the service is because of the seeming unjust and unfair Tbir.d. In view of the action taken by the said postmaster, resulting treatment received at the o! Charles E. Manley by some of my in the removal of Wilbur H. Brand, Perry D. Burton, and George P. fellow employ-ees, he· filing- unjust charges against them resulting in Cochran, under the civil service, and supposed to have the same protec­ their dismissal from the service,. and also for the reason that the civil tion thereunder as I have, I feel that it is only a matter of time until service of the Un4ted States affol'ds no protection. the aid postmaster and the Democratic administration would succeed V.ery respectfully, in depriving me of the position I now and have occupied under ci-vil EDWARD El. HALE. service. Feeling that the civil-service_ rules anrl regn1ations are no longe-r a protection to employees thereunder and that all positions will Srn : I am not p-leased with the manner in which some of my a -soci­ be given to Demoerat~, I can no longer serve in the position I now oc­ ates in the post offiee have been. removed from the service by false cupy witb the same degree of enthusiasm and efficiency, therefore I feel charges preferred against them by our postmaster, which bas caused that it would be right that I tender my resignation, which I now do, many of the employees to lose confidenee in the civil service, and Mr. to take effect to-day. Manley, the postmaster, has tried to even. evade the postal law in Very respectfully, RAYMOND HALLER, Ole1·k. appointing eity carriers. This is my resignation, elfective to-day. Very respectfully, Sm : During the administration of forme-r Postmaster A. Howard HYSON CHRIST-JE. Fleming, my association in the Fairmont po t office was very pleasant, but since the present postmaster, Charles E. Manley, took charge of the Srn: It is not my desire t(} remain anx longer as substitute city let­ office, there bas never been the pleasant, genial feeling among the em­ ter carrier in the Fairmont post office, because I am convincNl that ployees that formerly existed. some of my closest friends and fellow workmen have been unfairly re­ It has been my understanding that post-office clerks were protected moved from the Postal Service; and as long. as these conuitions <' Xlst hy the civil service. until I recently- witn~ssed the dismissal of my fel­ and the postmaster is {lermitted to dismiss employees on tJ:·umpPd-up low employees, Wilbur H . Brand, Perry D. Burton. and George P. charges, I fall to understand the pm·pose of the civil service of the Cochran, after they bad exonerated themselves. United States. I have the knowledge that very seriom; charges will be filed with YO'ID' This resignation effecti-ve. to-day. department against' Charles E. Manley, postmaster-,. in which I have Very respectfully, JosEPH F. BE~mEn. 3100 CONGRESSIONAL- RECORD-· IIOUSE. FEBRU.ARY 2-!,

Sm: I ,hereby tenuer my re.signation as substitnte city letter carrier As Thomas F. Flaherty, secr·etaey-trensurer of the National Federa­ at the Fairmont, W.-va., post office, the same to take effect now. tion of Post Office Clerks. put it. "A postal clerk might as well have My reason for leaving the service is that I have bee.n most discourte­ his hands cut off as be dismissed from the service." Such a clerk is· ously treated by the present postmaster, he having cursed me in his practically debarred forever from working at the only trade be knows. private office, and demanding my resignation at once, in the presence This blacklisting is done at the whim of a bunch of politically ap­ of Assistant Postmaster Wilhur H. Brand. pointed inspectors, who peep through slits cut into the walls where The unfair and unjust dismissal of some of my fellow employees the clerks arc working. The word of these inspectors holds against from the Postal Service 1s also a r·eason for my resignation. anything the clerks may say. Very respectfuJJy, The only protection against this vicious autocratic autocracy is au WALTER S. WILLEY. organization of the postal employees strong enough to procure a share in the management of the industry for the employees. This every NAYES AXD RECORDS OF !liEN WHO QUIT. little would-be tyrant in the post office will fight. W. II. Braud: As ·istant postmaster; appointed May 1, 1898; re­ moved November 16, 1915. [From the New York Chief.] Perry D. Burton: Clerk, in charge Monongah branch; appointed July IS THE GOVER::\i\lJllNT "O:Y THE SQUARE " ? 1, 1908; removed November 16, 1915. With the introduction in Congress of a bill providing a " coul't hear­ Raymontl Haller: Distributor; appointed May 20, 1906; resigned ing" for employees who have a grievance the question arises, Is the NovemlJcr 16, 1915. GovernmenT on the square? The workings of the Government are so F. A. Cirmo : General-delivery clerk; appointed July 1, 1914 ; re­ varied and complex that heads of departments. of bureaus and divi­ signed November 16, 1915. sions, or others in authority can not be laid down by rule, nor can Sylvester Clayton : Superintendent of . mails; appointed July 22, their uoings be recorded and gauged according to results obtained, as 1903; resigned November 16, 1915. . · in commercial work. Personal dislikes, jealousies, political and re­ J. A. Cochran: Chief dispatcher; appointed October 4, 1902; resigned ligious dlft'('rences, and other reasons offer those in power temptations Novembei· 16, 1915. • to oust otherwise efficient and faithful employees, and the unfortunate Ru 'i"Cll Clayton : Stamp clerk; appointed December 1, 1912 ; resigned employee has no redress. November 16, 1915. . Uncle Sam requires an applicant for a position in his service to be c. A. Robinson: General-delivery clerk; appointed December 1, 1906; entirely efficient and well qualified. Many appointees study and makll resigned November 16, 1915. l'mcrifices for months and years in order to qualify for appointment. H. A. Pitzer: Chief clerk; appointed October 1, 1908; resigned No­ When appofnted, be represents the best worker in his line. What a vembeL' 16, 1915. pity he is at the mercy of a petty officer who may for some reason A. L. B. Dudley : Assll::tant superintendent of mails; appointed Sep­ take a dislike to him. tember 26, 1899 ; resigned November 16, 1915. Skilletl employees working for any of the great industrial concerns Flosse Montgomery : Stamp clerk ; appointed June 12, 1914 ; resigned: not only receive ~ood pay for their services, but they are protecte1l November 16, 1915. against any discrlDlination by the boss. They stand together. The C. L. Bartlett: Money-order clerk; appointed December 4, 1911 ; re- employer knows that he must give a fair deal. signed November 16, 1915. • Must the· Government be forced to give .its employees a fa.ir· deal as Frank ·n. Barnes: Dispatcher; appointed June 16, 1913; resigned the skilled workmen force the manufacturer to give them a squarl' November 16, 1915. shake? The employees of the Government are of n class that would W. L. Satterfield : Night dispatcher; appointed October 1, 1902 ; re- make no unreasonable demands, nor should it be necessary for them to signed November 16, 1915. · place their needs before the Government in the form of demands. It John F. Shaffer: Substitute clerk; appointed July 1, 1914; resigned is only necessary that they make their needs plain, so that they will be November 16, 1915. understood and appreciated, and the Government will do the rest. C.lRJliERS. The law provides courts that the people may have justice. If a man Jl}mes ·w. Phillips: Appointed DecemlJer 1, 1898; resigned November interferes with or takes away the rights of another he is invited to 16, 191~. . talk to th~ judge. When an employee is reduced in salary for no W. II. Fisher: Appointed December 1, 1898; resigned Koveml>er 16, reason other than the personal whims of a man in authority, tbat·cm· 1915. ployee is deprived of his constitntional rights, and he should at least II. S. Kopp: Appointed December 1, 1907: resigneu November 1G, have an opportunity to state his case before an impartial judge or 1915. - boal'd. Charles 0. Hayhurst: Appointed October 1, 1902; resigned· November 16, 1915. . [From the Rural Free Delivei'Y News, official organ of the Rural Letter Walter I. Willey : Appointed July 1, 1914; resigned November 16, Carriers' Association.] 1915. Harry C. Pitzer : Appointed February 13, 1912; resigned Noyember A CIVIL-SERVICE COURT OF ArPE..iLS. 16, 1915. The case of the assistant postmaster at Winnetka, Ill., whose <"Old­ E. E. Hale: Appointed March 1. 1912; resigned November 16, 1915. blooded, arbitrary dismissal from the Postal Service and reinstatement W. G. l::>attel'1ield: Appointed May 1, 1903; resigned November 16, by a peremptorl order of the President, has laiu emphasis upon the 1915. growing neeu o a civil-service tribunal to which appeals of dismiRsed IIyson Christie: Appointed April 1, 1913; resigned November 16, employees may be made. The Winnetka case is the only instance that 1915. . has come to our attention wherein the Chief Executive ·Of the Nation· J. F. Bender: Appointed December 1, 1914; resigned November 16, has intervened to save a postal employee from the autocratic powe1· of 1915. departmental officials. . E. n. lla1·den: Appointed May 1, 1905; resigned November 16, 1915. While the allegro offense of the assistant postmaster was trivial, it P. R. IIeru·y: Appointed July 1, 1907i· resigned November 16, 1915. was perhaps more serious than the charges which in many instances J. T. Kramer: Appointed December , 1914; rP.SiJ,?"netl November 16, have been preferred against rural carriers. At all events the charges in the Winnetka case were direct and covered a specific allegetl offense, 1915. while in many cases of dismissed l'Ul'al carriers the charges were vague, NEWSPAPER COliMENTS. general, and indirect, and covered no specific violation of the postal Jaws That the public generally is aware of the need of curbing and reriUlations. the arbitrary power of departmental officials by granting the A case in point is that of Carrier Marion Enyeart, of Warren, Ind., the record of which wili be found on another page in this issue of the employees the right of a hearing and appeal is shown in the fol­ Rmo.al l•'rec Delivery News. The charges against Enyeart were so lowing news items gathered at random from the press of the vague and indefinite that proper answer could not be made. Par­ counn·y: ticulars were demanded by the accused, but the request was ignored, [From the Washington (D. C.) Star.] and in due com·se the carrier was dismissed without knowledge of a specific charge or opportunity to face his accusers. Such procedure A DEPAR'UIFJNTAL APPEALS COURT. smacks too strongly of despotism to be long tolerated in .a free country Representative KEATING's bill to give the classifietl ci\il-service em­ in this enlightened age. r~oyees a right of appeal to the Federal Board of Mediation and Con­ 'l'he remedy is a civil-sen-ice court of appeals to which all charges clliation in cases of demotion or dismissal is inspired by certain in­ against civil-service employees should be referred for investigation and stances of alleged i11justice in the Post Office Department. The sug­ action. Charges should be as specific as in any other court, and tho aestor of the bill, an officer of the Natlonal Federation of Post Office aecused should be glve.n opportunity to face his accusers, present wit­ Clerks, declares that there has been a loss of confidence in the efficacy nesses, and do everything possible in his own defense, and the decision of the civil-service Jaws for the protection of the worker. It is un­ of the court should be based upon the law and the evidence in the c.-'lse. deniable that civil-service employees are subject to dismissal virtually Civil service to-day is a joke ancl a farce. Examinations are held to without citation of cause if the head of the department so wills. And it determine the relative fitness of applicants• . but under the present can not be denied that the exercise of this power tends to demoralize system there is no assurance that the candidate making the best grade the service. No business establishment t:an succeed on the basis of will be appointed, and after appointment and perhaps years of faithful, causeless dismissals. The United States should be conducted on the efficient service there is no guaranty of permanent employment. The same principle. The essential spirit of the civil-service law is one simple charge " for the good of the service," by an official of a few of guaranty of tenure during good behavior and efficiency. Theoreti­ months or even a few weeks' experience in office, is sufficient to cause cally political considerations are eliminated. Actually, in practice, the dismisea.l of a faithful employee with a clean record. unfortunately they have not been, and tenure is uncertain in some de­ The civil-service laws s.bould either be repealed altogether or amended partments. and strengthened so as to give assurance of permanent employment as Whether the medium proposed by the Keating bill, the Board of a reward for efficient service. Arbitrary power of dismissal by officials 1\Iediation and Conciliation, is the most effective possible as a check upon flimsy and vague charges, without full opportunity for defense, against baseless, unwarranted demotions and dismissals is to be con­ should be withdrawn. The substance of reward for faithful ser..vice sidered. Theoretically the Civil Service Commission itself has juris­ should be made mol·e substantial antl the shadow of fear of unjust diction ovH' this question, but actually the clerks have no appeal under dismissal more shadowy. tile pr~.>sent system from any arbitrary action. By means of manipu­ lated efficiency records, it may be, a showing of incapacity can be made [From the Civil Service News, Chicago, lll.] against a clerk whose position is wanted. _ Only through the operation of some sort of appeals board or com·t of review can devices of this FOR RIGHT OF HEARIXG IN THE 1\JllDERAL SERVICE. kind be checked to give the civil employee that degree of protection Several bills to provldo for the right of hearing for merit emploreei': from partisan action and injustice that the civil-service law in its in the United Stares service in cases relating to dismissal are penuln~ essence theoretically provides. in Congress. TPnure during good behavior and efficiency in service i~ one of the foundation principles of every civil-service act. But the Federal law, lacb.-ing the so-called trial clause of the best municipal an11 [From the Milwaukee Leader.] State civil-service statutes, bas been found wanting as to the appro>e1\ A NATIO~.A.L LIST. nieans for putting that principle into e.trect. The 1tu·gest industry in America, if not in the world, is the United ' To the objection that the Federal service is scaUered over a vast States l'ostal Service. In this service there prevails a most vicious area, ·rendering the holding of trials difficult, there is a complete answer system of blacklisting. in _the district system: followed bl:. the United States Ci>il Scrvic~; Com- f91G. CON GRESSION L ll.ECORD-HOl]SE: 3101 ruis. ion as to examinations. If district ('Xamining officers <'an conduct remorselessly pursued while there has bN'n no rci.>UkC' of signe1·s ot' impartial examinations, district h·ial officers could conduct impartial articiC's in the. newspapers gi>lng the postmastel' credit for achieve­ trials. ments whicil tbe record proves belonged to his predecessor, tends to Let Congress provide a b·Ial clause for the Federal civil-service law shake public con1idence in the lofty disinterestedness of the postmaster':i and taus remedy one of its greatest defects. policy of repression. . While we are not prepared to judge of all tl!e questions discusscd in the comprehensive article by Thomas F. I•'laherty, secretary-treasurer of [From the Union Po tal Clerk, official magazine ·ational Federation of the National Federation of Post Office Clerks, published yesterday, hi.· P(lst Office Clerks.] ex pat·te statement is very persuasive. Some of his findings are SUll­ APPE~L ltiOHTS FOR l'OSTAL WORKERS ASiiED. ported by nn independent inYesti~ation. lie raises some points which The Keating bill, sponsored by Congressman EDWARD KEATING, of silould challenge the attention of Congress, since the good of the ser>ice Colorado, chairman of the ~abor group in the House, seeks to gra.nt to and tlte human rights of the postal employees are botll involved. employees in the classified ch·H sernce the right to appeal from the­ judgment of their respective department beads in cases affecting their The CHAIRMAN. The Chair thinks the amendment is snl>­ wa~es, rights, and positions. ject to the !)Oint of order, and sustains the point of order. Tlle Keating bill enables the worker who feels that llis dismissal or Mr. STEENERSON. 1\lr. Chairman, I move to strike out the demotion bas been unjustified to appeal to the United States Board of Mediation ancl Conciliation by filing a written statement setting forth lust word. A great deal has been said here to-day in refere1icc~ the cau ·c for the appeal and specifying the relief sought and submit­ to the adrnlnistration of the postal laws, especially with rt'lntion ting any evidence germane to the case. The board shall have power to appoint investigators, to subprena witnesses, to take testimony, admin­ to the rural service. Reference has been made to the desire ister oaths, and to rC<)uire any Government official or employee to pro­ of the department to economize in that service. It has been once books or papers relating to any appeal under im•estlgatlon. Testi­ pointed out, I think, that this attempt to economize has been mony shall be taken in the county where the witness reside·, when the same can be conveniently done. . disastrous to the efficiency of the service, and it has affected the The big principle, for which this federation bas led the fight-the country generally without regard to political complexion. It 1·igbt ot' appeal-is embodied in the Keating bill. It will strip from bas affected the Democratic districts us well as the Republican the political heads of departments their arbitrary power to demote, dcgrude, and dismiss. With the Board of Mediation empowered to di tricts, so that partisanship in that regard can not be chargeu, re>iew decisions and examine records the deparbnental bureaucrats, but the fault, it ·eems to me, lies in the theory of the Post Oftice whose shameful mi u.-e of supreme power has cowed the ·ervlce workers Departm nt as to what their uuties are. I tried to point that into pitiful subjection, will proceed more cautiously in future in Yisiting their political or personal vengeance against the lowly subordinate. out in my opening remarks, but I will repeat it. Two year · The mere fa<'t that their official actions will bP. subject to scrutiny by ago, on account of the failure of the Underwood law to produce an outside tribunal will cause the zealous head-hunters to be less free sufficient revenue for the Government, there being a large gen­ in swinging the ax. By endeavoring to extend the powers of a boaru alrcady in exi·tence eral deficit in the Treasury, the Post Office Department proposed rather than create a new court the Keating bill overcomes two obstacles to save $20,000,000 by putting the rural service on the contract at tlle start. It will cost but little, if anything, and it will not meet l>asis, anll they brought in that proposition to the committee, with the opposition existing in Congress to the creation of additional courts or commissions. and in other ways they wanted to economize-not because the TlH' Uoard of Mediation all·eady p-erforms a function closely akin to Postal Service was not then self-sustaining, but because they the duties the Keating legislation requires of it. The board has sal­ said they wanted to make up the general deficit. I criticized ~ll'ied officials, trained investigators, offices. and office help; all the ma­ chinery is at hand to bring relief, hope, and a greater degree of freedom it at that time. This year they have a new reason, as I believe, to the workers of the Postal Service. and that is that they are wrestling with a white elephant in the The Keating bill Is No. 9921. lla>e your local labor bodies indorse person of the parcel post. They claim in their statements that it. Write your Congr·essman and tell Ilim why you want the bill to 11ass. It is your bill of rights. It is worth a gt·cat deal to you. It safe­ they. are making SlO,OOO,OOO on the parcel post, but I think their guards your job. Act at once! own figures will convince any unbiased man of the fact that they are losing from $16,000,000 to $30,000,000 on that item, [From the Scranton (Pn.) Republican.] and, for that reason, there is now a postal deficit. They are FAIR PL..l.Y IX THE CIVIL SERVICE. h·ying to make good for mistakes they have made in that Recently there was introduced in the National IIouse of Representa­ branch by curtailing the rural senice, and that is the cause of th·es by Congressman Enw.illD KEaTING, of Colorado, a bill which pro­ videR a m~asure of fair treatment for Government employees in the all their trouble. clasf>lliied civil service. If these gentlemen who belong to the majority party would go The bill merely ex.tends to the man who is working under civil-service regulations the privilege enjoyed by every American citizen, namely, the to the President of the United States or to the Postmaster Gen­ right to an )mpartinl hParing by an unbiased tribunal whenever 'be is eral and convince him that the rural service should not be the vic­ accu.-ed or disruisseu or penalized for some alleged infraction of the tim of their mistakes in other directions, I think the policy could re~ulations under which he is employed. While all must a"'rce that proper· discipline is essential to honest and would be corrected. The fault is in the policy of the depart­ service, there have been numerous instances of injustice toward sub­ ment in cm·rying on this service. To obtain efficient service there ordinatcs by persons in "a little brief autilority," and it is to remedy must be a large discretion vested in the administrative officers, this that the Keating bill was introduced in Congress. A<> a general proposition the <'h-il service is beneficial to those who and the more we hamper the discretion of the department the are ~mployed under it as well as to the public. It makes for that degree more trouble we are going to get into. I believe that the dis­ of efficiency which ev~ry con<>cientious worker attains when his position cretion lodged in the Post Office Department, when ·wisely exer­ is fairly secure again ·t unfair dlscrimina tion. and is, therefore, a valuable adjunct of thf' public sen·ice, for which reason it deserves to cised, will restore the rural service to its former efficiency. I be protected in its integrity against the antics of those who may be will undertake to say that if you will give me, or any other good inclined to violate its principles for personal or political reasons. Republican who has a sound theory of the purposes of the serv­ Tile proposed Keating bill aims to correct a great evil. It gi>cs the worker the right to appeal against the exercise of arbitrary authority ice, the authority as Postmaster General for 60 days it woulll lmjustly exercised anll to obtain from the United States Board of be restored to its former efficiency in every branch and every Meuiation and Conciliation a full hearing of all the facts in his case section of the country. I speak of this because this clause pro­ whenever he may be demoted or dismissed. The details are fully set forth in the bill. Its passagl' will have the vides for taking out of the Treasury the sum required to mnl~e effect of causing officials in authority to act justly toward subordinates. up for the deficit. ~'lle measure ered sections. Will they be considered by the entire his own admissions in hls service publication. discharged two employees, nl.Imbered section or by paragraphs? whom he suspected falsely. as we lmow, of being responsible for tile 1\Ir. FTh"LEY. They will be considered by sections. appearance of certain matters in the Globe-Democrat, is an evidence of the danger of the unrestricted p.ower now exercised. The right of ap­ l\lr. BENNET. Each numbered section is diYided into para­ {><.'31 f1·om the decision of a judge who is also prosecuting attorney-, graphs, and my inquiry is whethet· they are to be consi(lerl:'tl witness. and jury, should be conceded. The whole future of an em­ by paragraphs or by sections. ployee. should not be at the mercy of the whim of one man, moved by mixed motives and o.(ten strongly prejudiced. The f:ict that persons l\Ir. MOON. They are by sections. suspected of breathing intimations retlecting on the postmaster are l\Ir. BENNET. Each numbered by itself? CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE. 3102 FEBRUARY 241 . ' Mr. 1\IOON. Yes. " If any person shall' hereafter perform · .any service for any co~ Mr. . BENNET. Will the whole section be read before it is in tractor or subcontractor In carrying the- ma:U, ·be shall, upon filing :til • the departm.ent his contract for such service and satisfactory evidence order to make the point of order? of tts performance, thereafter have a Hen on any money due such con.. Mr. MOON. Yes. tractor or subcontractor for such service to the amount of same· a.nd Mr. STAFFORD. The railway mail proposition is one entire if such contractor or subcontractor shall fail to pay the party or parties who have performed servke as aforesaid the am-ount due for such serv~ section. ice within two months after the expiration nt rates of bonds now 1n In the event that that bill is passed there and the House concurs forcE>, from each officer and P.mployee of the Postal Service wlth the in those amendments it will only be necessary to strike ont United States of America tlrrough the Post Office Department who are those matters from this bill. . now, or hereafter may be, required by law to give bond, and to create and establish with the money or moneys derived from such assesc;ments Mr. MANN. My recollection is tll1lt the bill the other day and collt>Mions a guaranty fund to indemnify the United StatE's of in the Senate was sought to· be taken up, and there was some America for losses incurred because. ofr or by reason of, the failure· of likelihood of its being taken up. any of the said officers or employees to faithfully perform and discharge, or for improperly p-erforming and discharging, the duties and obliga­ Mr. MOON. l think it is likely, and ii it is taken up und tions imposed on the said officers or employees by reason of their a.C'cept­ passed and comes over here and is concurred in it will be unnec­ a.nce of . ucb offiec or employment, a.nd a sum of money or fee not 1n essary to further consider this section, but we thought it best excess of the rn.tes of bonds now in force from each contractor with the United States of America through the Post Office Department who are to leave all on until some aetion was taken over there. I will now, or hereafter may be, required by law to give bond by reason of ask the Clerk to read. their acceptance. or executlo.n of such contract. The CHAIRMAN. The pro forma amendment will be con­ .And the Postmaster Gt>neral is further authorized and empowered to prescribe such re-gulations as may bP necessary to- create and maintain sidered as withdrawn-- a guaranty fund a.nd to pay in full from such guaranty fund anv person Mr. MANN. Mr. Chairman, this is the first time I have been or persons who have incurred or sutl'ered loss or losses for which th~ taken off the floor. United States- is liable: PrO'Vided, That any officer or employee ma-y give Mr. MOON. I thought the gentleman had finished. bond, with surety or sureties approved by the Postmaster General~ in lieu of arut ln thE' place of, an assessment for or contribution to the saul Mr. MANN. I was going to ask why this-language was put in guaranty fund: Provid-ed further. That the PoRtmaster General m1f'V, ln here. his discrt>tion, require and secure a bond for the faithful a.nd pro. per performance and discharge of the dntles and obligations of any office or Mr. MOON. I can tell the gentleman in a moment. Doe. the employment in addition to the assessment for and contribution to the gentleman desire to go back to that section? said guaranty fund: Ana vro1>ided furtl~~er, That the premium of such The CHAIRMAN. The Chair understood that the gentleman bond shall be charged against and paid from the said guaranty fund~ had yielded the floor. And provided further, That the establishment and operation of said sys­ tem shall be without additional cost to the Government. Mr. MOON. I d1d also, otbe1·wise I W{)uld not have asked the Mr. BENNET.. Mr. Chairman, I make the point of order on Clerk to proceed. the sectiDn. Mr. :MANN. What is the purpose of this provision? Mr. MOON. I can best state it in the words of the depart­ Mr. MOON. Mr. Chairman, I think the point of order is well ment: taken and ought to be sustained. Under existing law when a contractor on a mail route fails to com­ The CHAIRMAN. The Chair sustains the point of order. . pensate a carrier for service. perlormed for such contractor within two Mr. T..JNTIDCUM. Mr. Chairman,. I ask unanimous consent months after the expiration: of the quarter in which such sel'vice !>hall to extend my remarks in the RECORD upon this section. have been performed, the Postmaster General may cause the amount due Is to be paid to the carrier and charged to the contractor; and to watt The CHAffiMAN. there objection? two months after the expiration of the quarter in such cases imposes Mr. MOON. Mr. Chairman, no remarks have b~en made upon undue hardship upon the carrier, to whom it would be a great help the section. How is the gentleman going to extend remarks that if the Postma-ster General wet'e authorized to act as indicated when have not been made upon the section? two months. had elapsed after the expiration of the month rather than the quarter in which th~ service w-as performed. Mr. MADDEN. I suggest to the gentleman that it will be up for debate later on, and he will have an opportunity to speak Mr. MANN. Of course, I have read the provision in the bill upon it. and know that part of' it ; and let me nsk the gentleman : This Mr. LINTffiCUM. Mr. Chairman, I withdraw my request. bill is in the interest of the Slibcontractors? 1\Ir. MOORE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, may I ask the Mr. MOON. I thtnk so. gentleman in what way it wJll come up later on? Mr. MANN. What object has the Government in inviting Mr. MADDEN. Under a rule. men to take contracts for the: carrying of mail and then Rub­ Mr. MOORE of Pennsylvania. Has that been decided upon? letting them? At times in the past that was the greatest evil Mr. MOON. Mr. Chairman, I will state to the House that my with the star-route service that ever cm:ne before Congress in information is that the Committee on Rules will bring in a rule connection with any service. that has· been agreed upon which will make in order all of this Mr. MOON. I think the purpose of the Government is an matter which we strike out of the bill. equitable one, in view of the fact that the men who do the work Mr. STAFFORD. Does that include those small items that should get the pay, and that the time-- in which they should have previously been stricken out? get it should be as short as possible under existing condition.~. Mr. MOON. It includes every single item in this bill which Mr. MANN. It is an invitation in the screen-wagon service was subject to the point of order. for a man to get a contract with no intention whatever of doing Mr. STAFFORD. It may meet the same fate that it did two the work, but with the intention of subletting the contract to years ago. somebody else who will really do the work. I am inclined to Mr. BENNET. Of course, the gentleman understands that think-- there is a possibility that the House will vote down the rule. Mr. MOON. We can not say what is in the minds of meu Mr. MOON. Of course. This is a matter under the control about these things. of the House, and if the House wants to vote down the rule, I Mr. MANN. Wh.at did the gentleman say? certainly would be the last man to object to it. Mr. MOON. We can not tell what the minds of men may be Mr. BENNET. Therefore the gentleman from Maryland about a matter of that sort. might not get another opportunity to extend his remarks. Mr. MANN. But we can tell whether that will be in the Mr. MADDEN. The gentleman will liave an opportunity to interest of subcontractors whereas l should rather see legisla­ talk on the rule. tion in favor of seeing the contractor who makes the contract 1\-Ir. FINLEY. 1\fr. Chairman, I demand the regular o.rder. carry it (}Ut. The CHAIRMAN. The regular order is demanded, and the Mr. MOON. Wen, that is all right; but the gentleman Clerk will read the next section. · realizes that the men who actually do the work aTe the men The Clerk read as follows : who ought to be paid. SEC. 3. That the tb.i.J:d proviso ot the act of May 4, 18.82 (22 Stat. Mr. MANN. O.h, r realize the- ~t that always under ordi­ L., chap. 116, p. 54), be amended' as fo'lrows : nary- conditions the subcontr.a:eto.z ought to have a llen for his 1gl6. CONGRESSIONAL l{ECORD-HOUSE. 3103 work. but this is a er he bas reason to believe that a combination of bidders has Mr. STAFFORD. Well, there are other provisions of this h<'en entered lmo to fi.· the rate for star-route service, the Postmaster bill where you authorize the Postmaster General to go into a Geuerul l>c, and he is hereby, authorized, out of the appropriation for Government owned and operated sen·ice so far as screen inlaud tmn:portation by star route;:;, to employ and use such means. or mt'tllOilS to PI'O\inveyances, matelials, or supplies. l\fr. STAFFORD. But I want to know whether it was con­ 1\fr. STAFFORD. 1\lr. Cllairman, I re erve a point of order templated, so far as the hearings show, that he purposed to lnrgelJ· for the purpo. e of obtaining information from some extentl the same policy on star routes where the bids were memher of the committee. I wish to inquire as to what char­ exorbitant? acter of menus it is contemplated the Postmaster General would l\Ir. FINLEY. I think the gentleman is unduly alarmed U.'e wh n he fin

ought J.;o have authority, in order to j)revent the Government .1\fr. MANN. Mr. -Chairman, if it were not for the faet that from being held up by collusion among bidders, and therefore I ~s is a serious subject it woulc1 seem like opera bou:ffe. A few withdraw the point of order. mu;mtes ago the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. STAFFORD] Mr. 1\IANN. I reserve the _point ·of order. intimated that this section would authorize the Postmaster The CHAIRMAN. The gentlern~ from Illinois reserves the General to utilize automobiles in the star-route service and the point of order. distinguished gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. 'FINLEY] Mr. MANN. I judged, when I read this paragraph, that pro}). stated that that was not the intention of the committee. He ably one of the purposes, undisclosed to the committee, was the said they had no such thought. When I suggested that the sec­ introduction of aeroplanes in the Postal Service. The Post­ tion would .authorize the use of aeroplanes, the gentleman from master General now has the authority to reject exorbitant bids South Carolina read a letter from the Postmaster General stat­ and to .reject bids where there is a combination among bidders. ing that the very purpose of the section is to permit the ~ e of This confers no new authority upon him there. But this para­ automobiles and not aeroplanes. [Laughter to the Republican graph provides that the Postmaster. General may employ such side.] means or methods to provide the desired. service as he may deem Mr. FINLEY. If the gentleman will permit-­ expedient, without reference to the existing law with reference Mr. :MANN. Certainly. to the employ.ll)ent of personal services or conveyances or mate­ Mr. FINLEY. It is simply to change the law, so that con­ rials or supplies. tractors for carrying star-route mail may use automobile . The Post Office Department for several years has sought the l\1r. l\1ANN. That ic; not a change of the law at all. The fact privilege of carrying the mail over some of these star routes by is that the gentleman -from South Carolina has not looked at aeroplanes. Perhaps that privilege ought to be given them, but this bill since it was reported on January 31. up to date Congz:ess has not directly done it. Now, it is the Mr. FINLEY. Oh, the gentleman is mistaken. . easiest thing in the world to say that a bid is exorbitant or l\1r. MANN. Well, then, the gentleman has looked at it since. that there is a combination among bidders. If there is more [Laughter.] So much the worse. The argument in the Jetter than one bidder, it is easy to say that there is a combination of from the Postmaster General relates to the next section of the bidders, in the opinion of the Postmaster General, and his .deci­ bill and not to this ·section at all. [Laughter on the Republican sion is not subject to .review; and thereupon he can put into side.] The gentleman probably forgot. I was charitable to him. service an aeroplane service, no matter how much it may cost~ He probably did not know that the next section was in the bill. There is absolutely no limitation in the bill at all. That next section relates to star-route contracts. That was the 1\Iy friend from Wisconsin [Mr. STAFFO.RD] is afraid the Post­ section of the law that the Postmaster General refers to in his master General will put in an automobile service. I have no letter. doubt he will, because th~ House this afternoon, having ex­ The CHAIRMAN. If the1·e be no objection, the pro forma pressed a decided opinion against the introduction of the auto­ amendment will be considered as withdrawn. mobile service in the Post Offic-e Department, the Postmaster l\1r. 1\IANN. I reserved the point of order. General and the officials under him, following the usual course Mr. BENNET. I reserve a point of order. riefly upon which i out of order . on the bill, but in the interest of the the tendency to which I ha'\"e refen-ed. Government and tbe people of tbe United States; I will say A short time ago we passed by, subject to a point of order, possibly not in the interest of a few individuals who might be the paragraph proposing to create what in effect will be a new specially benefited if this legislation were not adopted, now the Government bureau, to organize and give surety bonrls on be- gentleman finds fault with the Democratic majority for bring­ half of the Gov~rnment to its employees. This is a departure ing ·in a rule which is in the interest of the people of the in the way of governmental control that ought not to be country. tolerated at this timE; yet we are told when objeetion is made Mr. MA~X. Will the gentleman yield? to the paragt~aph that it is to be adopted in another way by a Mr. FOSTER. .Tu t a moment. The great trouble with the rule. The ordinary citizen of the United States does not un- gentleman's party when it was in power '\va in bringing in der tand this practice of legislation by rule, and since I may rule that 'n~re not in the interest of the people. I yield to my not have an opportunity to refer to it under the provisions of colleague. the rule when it .comes in, I should like to say now that gov- Mr. MAl\TN. Ha a rule been agreed upon? ernment by 111le is an obnoxious form of go\l'ernment. Gentle- 1\:Lr. FOSTER. A rule has been agreed upon. men in this House have the privilege of introducing bills to Mr. MANN. A week or two ago? cr~ate any kind of legislation. They have the right to suggest Mr. FOSTER. ·week befor~ last. that there shall be a law creating a surety department in the l\lr. l\IAl~N. Why did not the committee report it to the Government. They do not bring it in in that way so that Hou e a tw() other rules were reported to the House, so that there may be debate upon the floor, so that it may go before a the Members of the House migbt know what was in the rule? committee as an other matters of legislation have to go to be l\Ir. FOSTER. I will say to my colleague this rule was re­ con idered in the committee with hearings upon either side, ported from the Committee on Rules with the distinct under­ but they put it into an appropriation bill which comes out of a standing thnt these paragraphs should be read and whatever powerful committee, and then, when a point of order is made was left of them in the bill wer-e then not to be included in the upon the ground that it is new legislation and can not be con- rule, so that is the rea on-- • sidered on an appropriation bill, they blandly tell the House Mr. l\IANN. Tben the rule has not been agreed upon? that they propo e to do by indirection what they can not do by l\Ir. FOSTER. Oh, yes; the rule has been agreed upon, with direction, and force this legislation upon the Rou e and down the distinct understanding with every member of the· commit­ the throats of the people of the country by what is known as tee--this procedure agreed upon by eYery member of the com­ a rule. That rule is going to cover a multitude of sins when Inittee--but I do not mean to be understood that all members it comes in. I am surpri ·ed that it should have been agreed agreed to the rule. . to . o readily as it was. It

reported before the bill had been read through. Now, I tllink Hou e, antl so I . tate t bidder temlcrmg the solicitation of the minority. That is not my recollection. I sufficient guaranties for faithful performance in a ccordance with the shall not go further into details. - . terms of the advertisement: Provided, howc ,;c1·, That such contract. Mr. FOSTER. If the gentleman from New York wi~l permit, require due celerity, certainty, an1l security in the performance of the service· but the Postmaster Heneral J';hall not be bound to consialer the I realize I ought not to make a statement of things that occurred bill of nny pt>rson WhO laas 'Ti! l(nlly or negligently failed to JlN'I Ol'Til a in committee, but I felt this matter should be stated to the former contract." · 1916. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-R.OUSE: .. 3107.

~1r. BENNET. Mr. Chairman, ·I reserve a point. of order for 1\lr. FINLEY. The reason stated! by· the department for the purpose of asking. for an expla.nation. desiring the passage of this: section is as· follows: The CHAIRMAN. 'l'he gentleman from New York reserves · The weight limit of mail matter of the -first class. is no.w fixed. by la:w· af 4 pound.g. Persons" desiring to mail matter of this class· weigh­ ru point of order. in"' more than 4 pounds a:r:e· therefore ·g.rea:Uy inconvenienced, and there· · Mr. BENNET. Mr. Chairmap, I would like to know what is is "'consequently a demand for an increase of. the weigh-t limit ot such intended·to·be done by the amendment. matter. 1\fr~ STAFFORD. The gentleman from South Carolina [l\Ir. I will say to the gentleman that there will be no loss to.. the· FINLEY] explained this section when lle was attempting to Government. by the. adoption of th.Lo;; prGvi:slon. explain the- other sectioh. · Mr. STAFFORD. It proposes to increase the mailable weight 1\1r. FINLEY. What is it that the gentleman wisi'le.S to know'[ of fixst-cla_ss matter to 50 pounds? Mr. BENNET. What is the change of existing law that is Mr. FINLEY. L do not know. If it is so increased, the llillde by this amendment? revenues of the G~vernment will be increased accordingly. Mr. FINLEY. It enlarges the discretion of the Postmaste1· Mr. STAFFORD. I am sim-ply asking for the- pm-p:ose of as­ General to reject bids. of eyery persoa who has willfully or certaining the extent and pm·po.se of this seetion. Have the negligently failed to perform a former contract. committee had any hearings on this matter? Mr. ·BENNET. Is it the provtso that is new? lli. FINLEY. I think n{)t. Mr. ·FINLEY. Well, there is something preeeding the Mr. STAFFORD. No hea-rings! The committee just accepted proviso. . . the recommendation of the department? M1~. BENNET. This seems to be a change of regulation, of Mr. FINLEY. There were beaTings, before. These provisions section 3949 of the regulations, and it does seem as if the have been brought into· the, House befor.e, and there were h-ear- House should have some explanation. ings at that time. . Mr. FINLEY. I would say to the gentleman that the first Mr. STAFFORD. C:m the- gentleman Inform me when this five lines. there change the existing ·law very little, practically identical provision was offered in the House- and when hearings none. The proviso is what carries the chang~ were had upon. it? Mr. BENNET. In view of the explanation, I withclraw the 1\fr. FINLEY. I do not recall. I think it has been here po-int of order. · before. The CHAffil\IAN. The gentleman withdraws the point of Mr. STAFFORD. I think it is entirely new. order. . 1\-ir. FINLEY. The revenues of the Government are derived 1\ir. HUMPHREY or ·washington. l\f1·. Chairman, I reserve a point of order. · to a very large extent from first-cl.ass mail, and any increase ~ weight will be paid for according to the rate fixed by law, so 1t The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Washington reseryes can only make fo:tt the benefit of' the GoYernment. a point of order. · 1\fl•. . STAFFORD. I withdraw the resery-ation of th-e point of ~1r. HUMPHREY of Washington. 1\Ir: Chairman, I' wanted order. to inquire· whether, u· this change of law were made, it would ·Mr. MANN. I reserve. a point- of order. Although I think. it help in the movement of the mails. I will give an illustration: is quite hopeless, I am going to endeavor to obtrrin information: I have a brother who lives· in New York City, in one of the Here we have a proposition upon which there have been no hea.r­ suburbs and it takes from two to three' days for a letter that ing£, aboat which the g-entlemen in charge of the· bill appear~ to I mail here to reach him. I can get on a train and be- in his know but little,· if anything; :md if it should go out· on a pomt house in five hours and· a half, but if I get a letter from him of order, it is proposed to make it in order by re rule. :H. see~s or if he gets one of my letters and it reaches him in less than surprising that such a · course should be. pursued. Certamly if 48 hours we think it is doing. well. . you are going to violate the ordinary rtrles of the House and Mr. MOORE of Pennsylvania. Why does not the gen.tleman make things in order whieh, under the rules of the House, would take 'the lette-r with him when he goes over? [Laughter.] not be in order, gentlemen in charge or the measure· ought to Mr. HUMPHREY of Washington. The- reason that I do not have a full tmderstanding upon the propositions which are of­ take it with me is that rmail it and get there first. [Laughter.] fe-red. This proposition apparently increases the weight limit Mr. MOORE of Pennsylvania. Ahead of the letter? of first-class mail matterto 50 pounds. Clearly it does so. What Mr. HUMPHREY of Washington. Yes; ahead of the letteT a does this proviso in refere.nce to the penalty privilege amount couple of days. to? Does that cover franked matter.:.___mail franked by Members Now if there is anything in this change of law that will of Congress, for inst1l:llce? · Does it limit them 4 pounds? the I to hasten' delivery of mail between here a-nd New York, will Here- is: a new limitation: withdraw the point of order. I happen to have a communica­ - No article· or pack-age exceeding 4 pounds in weight shall be admitted tion here from the- Merchants' Association of New York, and to the mails under the penalty privilege- while I am on my f~t I want to call your attention to the fact that it seems to take 92· hours to deliver- a letter from one ppr­ Unless it comes within certain exceptions. Does that affect, tion of" the· city of· New York to-another. I do not suppose this for instance, the boxes that Members of Congress have the privi"­ provision will help that ·situation, but r- can give sp~ific in• leg~ of' sending home urrdm~ their franks-the box.es fm'llished stances if anybody is interested in hearing them and wants to te them by the Government? know of them. I have a letter· here ·which say.s that the report Mr. FINLEY. If the gentleman from Illinois will read it, it ot the Met·chants' Association shows that bulletins mailed out says·: by the Mereha-nts' Association before noon on Saturday did not Under the penalty privilege. reach the Borough of Richmond-- The penalty. privilege is not that which applies to the mail of . Mr. BENNET. That is on Staten Island-- Members of Gongress. · Mr. HUMPHREY of Washington. Until Wednesday at 9:15" M.l·: 1\lANN. Th.at is what. I want to know. o'clock, taking for a 6}:-mile journey the lei-surel;y- time O'f 93 Mr. FINL:IDY. I assumed that the gentleman knew that. I hours. [Laughter.] think be served on the Post Office Committee once, and is well Mr. MADDEN. Maybe there was not a boat running.. informed on postal matters. It reads here as plainly as can 1\Ir. HUMPHREY of Washington. Perhaps this paragraph be: may to some extent remedy that condition so that we can get a Under the penalty· pri"lilege. letter to New York in 24 hours. If so, I will wlthdl'aw my po-int Mr. MANN. Was it during my sel•vice on the committee that of order. The CHAIRMAN. The gentlemttn withdraws his point of these: hearings-were had· upon. this proposition? Mr. FINLEY. Mr~ Chairman, I will say that it was during wiTl order, and the Cle-rk read. the gentleman's service on the committee that the penalty privi­ The Clerk read as follows: lege wns the law of the land. SEC. 7. That th.e limit of weight of mail matter of the first ~lru!s M1·. MANN. I thought. it was dui'ing myr service on the com­ shall be the same as ls applicable to mall of the fourth class : P1·ovzliea, That no article or package exceeding 4 pounds in weight shall be ad­ mittee that these hearings were had, because the neaTest rever mitted to the mails under the penalty privilege unless it comes-within was to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads the exceptions named in th.e- .acts of June 8, 1896 ( ch. 370. 29• Sta.t. L., wa,s eithe~ to look into the room from the outside or to pay p. 262), an!l·June 26, 1906 (ch. 3546, 34 Stat. L., p. 477). a complimentary call upon its distinguished chairman. Mr. STAFFORD. 1\lr. Chairman, I i;eserve a point of order on Mr. MOON. Wh.at is that? [Laughter.] this section, for the purpGse of obtaining some information. Mr. MANN. I can assur.e the gentleman from Tennessee that Axe we to understand that by th~ adoption of this. am~ndment that was net a partisan remark. [Laughter.]. the weight limit of· first-class mail wlll be 4 pounds, Ol' will· it 1\fi·. MOON:. It is. about the first one· that m.y goad fl!iend, lic'\S be 50 pounds? no-t made. 3108 CONG-RE (SIO ·-r.L\_L RECORD_- . HOUSE. FEBRUARY 24,

Mr. l\f.ANN. Well, I am different from my good friend from Government was shipping iron safes through the mail to post Tennessee, becu.use he never made any, and I have made one. offices throughout the counh·y ; was shipping post-office equip­ - l\!r. l\lOON. Oh, I have made a few. ment, and so on ; and that officers at Army posts were mailing l\lr. MA.t.~. If you ai·e going to admit all first-class niatter under the penalty or franks billiard tables, furniture, and so up to 50 pount embraced in the first. second, or third class which is not in its ously done under the provisions of this act. and if it was I form or nature liable to destroy, deface, or otherwise damage the con­ tents of the mail bag or harm the person or anyone engaged in the wanted to enter my protest, because under the weight of the Postal Service. and is not above the weight provided by law, which is statement it did not seem to me it was fair to the railroal1 com- hereby declared to be not exceeding 4 pounds for each package thereof, panies to have this done. . except in ca e of single books weighing in e..~cess of that amount, and «-xcept for books and documents published or circulated by order of Mr. MANN. The gentleman has the \ .Tong }Jrovision. Congress, or printed or written official matter emanating from any of Mr. HILL. I am confident this is the provision, but I will the departments of the Government or from the Smithsonian Institution, ask the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. MooN] if this is not the or which is not declared nonmailable under the provi ions of section 3 93 of the Revised Statutes as amended by the act of July 12, 1870, provision about which I had the conversation with him? or matter appertaining to lotteries, gift concerts, or fraudulent schemes Mr. MOON. If it is so, I am not aware of it, but it may pos­ or devices. sibly be so; I have no information along that line. The Government does not send mail matter under the frank Mr. HILL. The gentleman very kindly consented to a hear­ that is usually in excess of 4 pounds for a single item, except ing in regard to that matter, but my attention is called by tl1e occa. ionally a book. gentleman from Illinois to the provision on the next page, Mr. MANN. The Government can not do it now because there which simply shows my unfamiliarity with this whole law, and i. law forbidding it, but frequently the Government desires to. I was quite confident it was the section about which I had the I ha-ve known cases repeatedly under the Government where, in­ conversation. There is somewhere here such a provision, which stead of . ending one package weighing o-ver 4 pounds, it was is unfair and unjust, anpartment for the fiscal y e~r · ~

1916. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE .. 3109

ending June 30, 1913, and for other purposes," approved August 24, ADJOURNJ>IENT. 1912, which provides that the Post Office Department shall not extend or enlarge its present policy of sending second-class matter by freight 1\lr. MOON. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now trains, is hereby repealed. adjourn. 1\fr. BENNET. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 5 o'clock and 25. the paragraph. minutes p. m.) the House adjourned until to-morrow, Friday• The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from New York [Mr. February 25, 1916, at 12 o'clock noon. BENNET] reserves a point of order on-the paragraph. ' 1\Ir. MOON. What paragraph is that? The CHAIRMAN. Paragraph 8. E."'{ECUTIVE COl\Il\fUNICATIONS, ETC. 1\Ir. MOON. Mr. Chairman, I move that the committee do Under clause 2 of Rule XXIV, a letter from the Secretary of now rise. the Treasury, transmitting copy of a communication from the The CHAIRMAN. The point of order will be pending. Secretary of the Interior, submitting an estimate of appropria­ The gentleman from Tennessee moves that the committee do tion in the sum of $16,344 for expenses in connection with the now rise. recently completed Columbia Hospital for Women and Lying-in The motion was agreed to; and Mr. FLOOD having taken the Asylum, Washington, D. C. (H. Doc. No. 786), was taken from chair as Speaker pro tempore, Mr. RAINEY, Chairman of the the Speaker's table, referred to the Committee on Appropria­ Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, re­ tions, and ordered to be printed. ported that the committee had had under consideration the bill H. R. 10484, the Post Office appropriation bill, and had come to no resolution thereon. REPORTS OF COl\IMITTEES ON PRIVATE BILLS AND MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. RESOLUTIONS. A message from the Senate, by 1\Ir. Waldorf, one of its clerks, Under clause 2 of Rule XUI, announced that the Senate had passed the following resolution: Mr. MURRAY, from the Committee on Pensions, to which R esolved, Thn.t the Secretary be directed to reqUest the House of was referred the bill (H. R. 12194) granting pensions and in­ Representatives to return to the Senate the bill (S. 788) permitting the crease of pensions to certain soldiers and sailors of the Regular Wolf Point Bridge & Development Co. to construct, maintain, and opera te a bridge across the Missouri River, in the State of l~ontana. Army and Navy and certain soldiers and sailors of wars other The message also announced that the President had, on Feb­ than the Civil War, and to widows of such soldiers and sailors, ruary 21, 1916, approved and signed joint resolution of the fol­ reported the same without amendment, accompanied by a report lowing title: (No. 255), which said bill and report were referred to the S. J. Res. 97. Joint resolution to appoint Alexander Graham Private Calendar. Bell n member of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. PUBLIC BILLS, RESOLUTIONS, AND :MEMORIALS. ENROLLED BILL SIGNED. Under clause 3 of Rule XXII, bills, resolutions, and memorials 1.\Ir. LAZARO, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, reported were introduced and severally referred as follows: that they had examined and found truly enrolled bill of the By l\!r. SPARKMAN: A bill (H. R. 12193) making appropria­ following title, when the Speaker signed the same : tions for the construction, repair, and preservation of certain H. R. 6854. An act permitting the Wolf Point Bridge & De­ public works on rivers and harbors, and for other purpose ; to velopment Co. to construct, maintain, and operate a bridge the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. aero s the Missouri River in the State of Montana. By Mr. DAl""&ORTH: A bill (H. R. 12195) to amend section 17 of the United States bankruptcy law of July 1, 1898, and El\""'ROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT FOR amendments thereto of February 5, 1903 ; to the Committee on HIS APPROVAL. the Judiciary. 1\lr. LAZARO, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, reported By 1\Ir. MORRISON: A bill (H. R. 12100) to extend tem­ that this day they had presented to the President of the United porarily the time for filing applications and fees and taking States, for his approval, the following joint resolution: action in the United States Patent Office· in favor of nations H. J. Res. 89. Joint resolution to amend an act entitled "An granting reciprocal rights to United States citizens; to the act granting pensions and increase of pensions to certain soldiers Committee on Patents. and sailors of the Civil War and certain widows and dependent By Mr. GOODWIN of Arkansas: A bill (H. R. 12197) author­ children of soldiers and sailors of said war," approved February izing Ashley County, Ark., to construct a bridge across Bayou 25, 1915. Bartholomew; to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign LEGISLATIVE, EXECUTIVE, AND JUDICIAL APPROPRIATION BILL. Commerce. 1\Ir BYRNS of Tennessee, from the Committee on Appropria­ By Mr. McARTHUR: A bill (H. R. 12198) to establish a tions, reported the bill (H. R. 12207) m.aking appropriations for board of maritime control of the United States and define its the legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Gov­ powers and duties; to the Committee on the Merchant Marine ernment for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1917, and for other and Fisheries. purposes, which was referred to the Committee of the Whole By 1.\Ir. BENNET: A bill (H. R. 12199) to authorize the House on the state of the Union and, with the accompanying re­ Postmaster General to grant sick leaves, and for other pur­ port (No. 256), ordered to be printed. poses ; to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads. 1\Ir. GOOD. Mr. Speaker, I reserve all points of order on the Also, a bill (H. R. 12200) to improve the efficiency of the - bill. postal system in New York City; to the Committee on the Post EXTENSION OF REMARKS. Office and Post Roads. 1\Ir. CHUHCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask .unanimous consent to By Mr. MURRAY: A bill (H. R. 12201) for the regulation extend my remarks in the RECORD. of the use of the mails by cattle, cotton, fruit, tobacco, grain, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Califor­ or stock exchanges, and their members, and to amend certain nia [Mr. CHuncH] asks unanimous consent to extend his re­ sections of the Criminal Code of the United States, Compiled marks in the RECORD. - Is there objection? Statutes, relating to lotteries, and for other purposes; to the There was no objection. COmmittee on the Post Office and Post Roads. By Mr. MONDELL: A bill (H. R. 12202) to prohibit the RETURN OF A BILL. issuance of passports for use on the armed vessels of a belliger­ The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the fol­ ent country ; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. lowing: By Mr. DUPRE: A bill (H. R. 12203) to construct and equip IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, a light vessel for the Passes at the entrances to the Mississippi February 21 (caletl-dar day, February 28), 1916. River, La. ; to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Com­ Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to request the House of Representatives to return to the Senate the bill (S. 788) permitting merce. the Wolf Point Bridge & Development Co. to construct, maintain, and By Mr. SIEGEL: A bill (H. R. 12204) to authorize the operate a bridge across the Missouri River in the State of Montana. Secretary of the Treasury to audit and adjust certain claims Attest: of the city of New York; to the Committee on Claims. J'AMES M. BAKER, Secretary. By Mr. SCOTT of Michigan: A bill (H. R. 12205) to amend By H. M. Ros1l, an act entitled "An act to reduce tariff duties and to provide Assistant Bect·etary. revenues for the Government, and for other purpoRes," . ap­ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, it is so proved October 3, 1913; to the Committee on Ways and Means. ordered. By Mr. WATSON of Pennsylvania: A bill (H. R. 12206) to There was no objection. provide for the purchase of a site and the erection of a public LIII--196 l ~·

.· 31.10 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE. FEBRUARY 24,

.~uilding thereon at Doylestown, Pa. ; to the Committee on Pub~ Also, a bill (H: R. 12227) granting an increase of pension to He Buildings and Grounds. Greenberry Giltner; to the Committee on Invalid Pensions. By Mr. BYRNS of Tennessee: A bill (H. R. 12207) making Also, a bill {H. R. 12228) granti_ng an increase of pension to appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial ex­ John Pope; to the Committee on Invalid Pensions. penses of the Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, Also, a bill (H. R. 12229) granting an increase of pension to '1917, and for other purposes; to the Committee of the Whole Taylor Edwards; to the Committee on Invalid Pensions. House on the state of the Union and ordered to be printed. By Mr. EAGAN: A bill (H. R. 12230) granting an increase By Mr. l\IONDELL (by reque t) : A bill (H. R. 12208) add­ of pension to Anna M. Kahn; to the Committee on Invalid Pen­ Ing certain lands to the Teton National Forest, Wyo.; to the sions. Committee on the Public Lands. By Mr. FORDNEY: A bill (H. R. 12231) granting a pension By Mr. HILLIARD: Joint resolution (H. J. Res. 165) urging to Dell J. Harrington ; to the Committee on Pensions. American citizens to refrain from taking passage on armed. mer­ Also, a bill (H. R. 12232) granting a pension to Mary E. chantmen and for the adjustment of any loss sustained by rea­ Johnson; to the Committee on Pensions. r;on of the observance of the provisions of this resolution; to the Also, a bill (H. R. 12233) granting a pension to Polly R. \iommittee on Foreign Affairs. Pat:ker; to the Committee on Invalid Pensions. By 1\Ir. WICKERSHAM: Concurrent resolution (H. Con. By Mr. GODWIN of North Carolina: A bill (H. R. 12234) Res. 18) for the conservation and protection of food fish and granting a pension to Elizabeth l\1. Fortman ; to the Committee other marine animals and waterfowl outside the 3-mile or ter­ on Pensions. ritorial limits of the United States, Great Britain, Russia, and By Mr. HAMLIN: A bill (H. R. 12235) granting a pension to Jrapan; to the Committee on l•'oreign Affairs. · Lydia A. McKnight; to the Committee on In\alid Pen ions. By Mr. FARR: Concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 19) rec­ By Mr. HENSLEY: A bill (H. R. 12236) grantin~ an increase ognizing the fundamental right of distinct races of people to of pension to Benjamin F. Fry; to the Committee on Invalid establish and maintain their political autonomy and govern­ Pensions. ment; to the Committee on· Foreign Affairs. By Mr. HICKS: A bill (H. R. 12237) granting a pension to By .Mr. ROWE: .Memorial of the Legislature of the State of Anna L. Hancock., widow, Orrell Hancock, Eleanor I. Hancock, New York, protesting against a Federal inheritance tax; to the and George L. Hancock; to the Committee on Pensions. Committee on Ways and Means. By Mr. HINDS: A bill (H. R. 12238) for the relief of Jennie H. Anderson ; to the Committee on Claims. PRIVATE BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS. By l\fr. HUl\fPHREY of Washington: A bill (H. R. 12239) for the relief of George D. Root; to the Committee on Claims. Under clause 1 of Rule XXII, private bills and resolutions By 1\fr. KAHN: A bill (H. R. 12240) for the relief of John were introduced and severally referred as follows: Brodie; to the Committee on Claims. By Mr. MURRAY: A bill (H. R. 12194) granting pensions By l\Ir. LA F()LLETTE: A bill (H. R. 12241) to reimburse and increase of pensions to certain soldiers and sailors of the certain employees of Alaskan Naval Coal Expedition, 1912; to Regular Army and Navy, and certain soldiers and sailors of the Committee on Claims. wars other than the Civil War, and to widows of such soldiers By Mr. McGILLICUDDY: A bill (H. R. 12242) granting an and sailors; to the Committee of the Whole House. increase of pension to George F. Cooper ; to the Committee on By Mr. AUSTIN: A bill (H. R.. 12209) granting a pension to Invalid Pensions. Isaac N. Walker; to the Committee on Pensions. By 1\fr. McKENZIE: A bill (H. R. 12243) for the relief of By Mr. BARNHART: A bill (H. R. 12210) for the relief of Hany E. Cain ; to the Committee on Claims. Richard Hogan; to th~ Committee on Military Affairs. By l\Ir. l\lOORE of Pennsylvania: -A bill (H. R. 12244) for the By l\lr. BELL: A bill (H. R. 12211) granting an increase of relief of the D. B. l\lartin Co., of Philadelphia, Pa. ; to the Com­ pension to Mrs. Brinkley Jackson; to the Committee on Pen­ mittee on Claims. sions. By Mr. OVERMYER: A bill (H. R. 12245) granting an in­ By l\1r. BENNET: A bill (H. R. 12212) granting an increase crease of pension to Da vi

Also, a bill (H. R. 12263) granting a pension to Flora John­ By 1\fr. EAGAN: Petition of New Jersey Woman's Christian son; to the Committee on Invalid Pensions. Temperance Union, in favor of House joint resolutions 84 and Also, a bill (H. R. 12264) granting a pension to Nancy S. 85 and other legislation; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Jones ; to the Committee on Invalid Pensions. By l\lr. ESCH: Petition of Peter Hemmersbach and 28 others, J Also, a bill (H. R. 12265) granting an increase of pension to of Melvina, Wis., protesting against passage of bills relative to John W. Hudson; to the Committee on Invalid Pensions. prison-made goods; to the Committee on Labor. .Also, a bill (H. R. 12266) for the relief of the heirs of Duvall Also, papers in support of House bill 12059, granting an in­ Martin and Isabella Martin; to the Committee on War Claims. crease of pension to Edwin D. Hall; to the Committee on In­ By Mr. TRIBBLE: A bill (H. R. 12267) for the relief of Wal­ valid Pensions. lace L. Bell ; to the Committee on Claims. By Mr. FESS: Petitions of 17 citizens of Xenia and Central By Mr. WATSON of Pennsylvania: A bill (H. R. 12268) Methodist Episcopal Church Sunday School, of Springfield, Ohio, granting a pension to Melvin B. Krause; to the Committee on favoring national prohibition; to the Committee on the Judi· Pensions. ciary. ~

. - 3112 CQNGRESSIONA·L RECORD-HOUSEL FEBRUARY 24, 1916.

of Portsmouth, Ohio ; American Branch, Socialist Party; false statement of curative powers of medicine; to. the Commit­ Springfield, 1\Iuss.; Central Federated Union, New York City; tee on Agriculture. Socialist Party of Oil City, Pa.; Joint Board of and Also, petition of Gh.ristian Endeavor Union of Norwalk, Ohio £kirt MaJi"ers' Union, of Greate1· New York; Branch 351, Work­ favoring national prohibition; to the Committee on the Judi~ men's Circle, New York City; Branch 429, Workmen's Circle, ciary. Long Branch, N~ J.; Cigarmakers' Progressive International By Mr. PADGETT; Petitions of Nunnelly Methodist Epis­ Union, Branch 149, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; 3 citizens of Fremont, cop:. Church South, of Nunnelly, Tenn., and Shipps Bend Meth­ Oreg. ; 51 citizens of Itasca County, Minn. ; Fountain Square odist Episcopal Church South, of Centerville, Tenn., favoring Branch, Socialist Party, 1\!a.rion County, Ind.; Mothers' Club, national prohibition; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Henry Street Settlement, New York City; Socialist Consumers' By Mr. PRATT: Petition of Joseph Bimberg Sons Co ... packer League, New York City ; United Hebrew Trades of the State of of leaf tobacco, of Elmira, N. Y., opposing the passage of the New York; Loyal Alliance Club, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Young Amer­ Burnett immigration bill; to the Committee on Immigration and ica Branch, No. 227, Workmen's Circle, Chicago, Ill.; Local Tulsa, Naturalization. Socialist Party, Tulsa, Okla.; Branch 398, Workmen's Circle, Also, petition of Union No. 280 of the Cigarmakers· Interna­ Baltimore, Md.; Vest Makers' Union, Loca1No.l17, Amalgamated tional Union of America, of Owego, N. Y., E. 1\.L Reynolds, Clothing Workers of America, Baltimore, Md.; Branch 482, Work­ secretary, favoring the passage of the Burnett immigration bill; men s Circle, Baltimore, Md. ; Socialist Party of Berlin, N. H. ; to the Committee on Immigration and Naturalization. City Central Committee, Socin.Jist Party, Duluth, Minn. ; Inde­ Also, petition of Nordeus Enighet ·Lodge, No. 72, International p-€ntlent First Odesser Sick Benefit Association, New York City; Order of Good Templars, and 154 individual citizens of Corning, United Cloth Hat and 1\Ia..kers of America, New York City; N. Y., favoring t:le passage of House joint resolution 84, by Mr. Progressive Club, Branch 9, Workmen's Circle, Baltimore, Md. ; 'VEBB, of North Carolina, and House joint resolution 85, by l\fr. United Mine Workers of America, Local Union No. 1131, Coalton, SMITH of Idaho, proposing un amendment to the Constitution Okla.; Educational League, Branch 67, Workmen's Circle, of the United States for nation-\"\ide prohibition of the beverage Baltimore, 1\!d.; Hebrew Youths Educational Club, Waterbury, traffic in intoxicating liquors; to the Committee on the Judi­ Conn.; Workmen's c·rcle, Branch 176; Glenora Local, Socialist ciary. Party, Glenora, La.; Coat .Pressers' Union, Amalgamated Gar- . By Mr. RAKER: Petition of Los Angeles Chamber of Com­ ment Workers of America, New York City; City Central Com­ merce, urging appropriation of moneys for the building of roads mittee, Socialist Party, Racine, ·wis.; National Workmen's in the Yosemite National Park; to the Committee on Appropria­ Committee on Jewish Rights, Minneapolis, 1\finn.; Branch North tions. Wales, Socialist Party, Montgomery County, Pa.; Ukrainian By Mr. ROWE: Petition of W. P. Billings, of New York City, Federation, Socialist Party of the United States; Pants Markers' in favor of House bill 9814; to the Committee on the Public Union, Local 114, Baltimore, Md.; Poal.e Zion Society, San Lands. Antonio, Tex.; Basters' Union, Local 241, Baltimore, 1\Id.; Also, petition of Carl Diederich, of Brooklyn, N. Y., in favor American Brotherhood of 1\foghileff, of Chicago, Til. ; Progres~ of the Stevens bill; to the Committee on Interstate and Foreign sin~ Bobker Young Men's Benevolent Society, New York City; Comm€rce. Je"ish National Workers' Alliance, Branch 82, New Haven, Also, petition of Michael Raphael, of Brooklyn, N. Y., in favor Conn.; Poale Zion Society, Baltimore, Md.; Branch 232, Work­ of House bill 6915; to the Committee on Pensions. men· Circle, New Haven, Conn.; Pants Pressers' Union, Local Also, petition of F. C. Barton, of New York, favoring the 59, Baltimore, Md.; Cloak Makers' Union No. 4, Baltimore, Md.; establishment of a nonpartisan tariff commission; to the Com­ National Alli.ance, Branch 96, Chicago, Ill.; 50 citizens of Pres­ mittee on the Judiciary. cott. Mich.; Socialist Party of Rock Island, Ill.; joint meeting Also, memorial of A. Beller & Co., of New York, in favor of of Workmen's Circle Branches, Providence, R. I.; ·william enacting dye legislation; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Pier·ce, citizen, Canton, Ohio; and Aberdeen Local No. 2, Aber­ Also, memorial of International Association of Machinists of d€cn. Wash.; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Washington, in favor of the Burnett immigration bill; to the AJ~o, petition of George Stronberg, Akron, Colo. (minor), ask­ Committee on Immigration and Naturalization. in;::- the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs to "stop Also, petition of John P. Cahill, of New York City, in favor the war " ; to· the Committee on Foreign Affairs. of House bill 7625; to the Committee on Reform in the Civil By Mr. MEEKER: Petitions of United Brotherhood of Car­ Service. penters and Joiners of America, Local No. 257; Metal Trades Also, petition of Julius Wile, Sons & Co., of New York, p,ro­ Council, bQth of St. Louis, Mo.; the Iron City Central Trades testing against prohibition in the District of Columbia; to the Council of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Chicago Federation of Labor, Committee on the District of Columbia. of Chicago, ill., praying for the passage of the Burnett immi­ Also, memorial of International Union of United Brewery gration bilf; to the Committee on Immigration and Naturaliza- · Workmen of America, Local Union No. 24, of B1·ooklyn, N. Y., tion. protesting against national prohibition; to the Committee on the A1 ·o, petitions of the Comm::mdery of the State of Missouri of Judiciary. the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Also, petition of George I. Peerce, of Brooklyn, N. Y., in favor an, favoring amendment to pure food and drug law relative to hibition; to the Committee on the Judiciary.