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Congress Enacts

WASHINGTON, D. C., June, 1920 No. 6

On motion of Representative Lehlbach, the previous question was ordered and the conference report agreed to.

The conference report on Senate Bill 1699 was taken up in the Senate on May 11, 1920. Senators Thomas, of Colorado, and Smoot, of Utah, strenuously objected to the compromise effected by the conferees whereby the retiring age for railway mail clerks was fixed at 62 and that of city and rural letter carriers, postoffice clerks and mechanics, was placed at 65 years. Considerable controversy arose Senator against the conference report and King, of Utah, having signified his intention of speaking on the report, it seemed as if the obstructionists were fully determined that the conference report should not be approved. Senator Lodge, therefore, being assured that further debate on the conference report would be indulged in, moved to take up House Joint Resolution 327, to provide for the termination of war with Germany, and thus the peace resolution replaced the conference report as the business before the Senate.

After a vote had been taken on the peace resolution on the afternoon of May 15, 1920, Senator Sterling moved to proceed to consideration of the conference report on Senate Bill 1699. Senator Thomas, of Colorado, at once moved that the Senate adjourn, but his motion was defeated by a vote of 41 to 26. The motion of Senator Sterling for consideration of the conference report was then adopted after a point of no quorum had been raised by Senator Thomas and a roll call had disclosed the fact that a quorum was present. Senator Thomas, then securing the floor, proceeded to speak on a subject matter entirely foreign to the retirement bill, but was interrupted by Senator Sterling, who inOn quired as to the status of the retirement bill in the Senate. being informed by the Vice President that it would be the unfinished business before the Senate in case adjournment was taken at that point, Senator Sterling moved that the Senate adjourn until Monday, May 17, which motion was agreed to.

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On May 17 Senator Sterling succeeded in getting the Senate Under the terms of a unanimous consent agreement proto proceed to further consideration of the conference report on Senate Bill Pomerene 1699. Senator raised posed on April 28 by Majority Leader Mondell and agreed to by of the point the House of Representatives, Senate Bill 1699, providing for the quorum. On a roll call it was found that there was a quorum retirement of civil service employees, was in attendance, as 62 Senators had answered to their names. The taken up for consideration on April 29, Vice President then put the question of agreeing to the confer1920. ence The acceptance of Representative report and this motion being adopted, the report Mondell's motion for a unanimous consent agreed to. agreement made it unnecessary to bring in The enrolled bill was signed by Speaker Gillett on May 18, a special rule for consideration of the 1920, and forwarded to the Senate. In the absence of Vice Presilegislation, although Representative Lehldent Marshall, Senator Sterling was designated to preside and bach had on April 23 offered a resoluwhen the bill reached the Senate Senator Sterling had the honor tion (H. Res. 534) asking for a special rule for consideration of and pleasure of affixing his signature as President of the Senate the retirement measure and the Committee on Rules, we have pro tempore to Senate Bill 1699, known as the Sterling-Lehlbach been informed, was prepared to act on the resolution should the Bill. The bill was forwarded to the President on May 20, and necessity arise. was signed by him on May 24, 1920.

a Retirement Law

General debate on the Retirement Bill S. 1699 was limited to three hours, one-half of which was controlled by Chairman Lehlbach of the Committee and the other half by Representative Godwin, of North Carolina. The debate was limited to discussion of the provisions of the bill. In the time allotted for debate many Representatives took occasion to express their approval of the measure and to submit in substantiation of their observations numerous facts and statistics. Opposition to the legislation was likewise in evidence.

At the conclusion of general debate committee amendments were in order for consideration. Various minor amendments perfecting the language of the bill were read and accepted. Considerable controversy developed on two amendments proposed by the Committee having the combined effect of reducing the retirement age from 70 years, as contained in the bill as it passed the Senate, to 60 years for railway mail clerks, 62 years for mechanics, city and rural letter carriers and postoffice clerks, and 65 years for other classes of Government employees. Both amendments were finally agreed to.

On April 30, the House as in Committee of the Whole resumed consideration of Senate Bill 1699. An amendment by Representative Begg, of Ohio, to extend the benefits of the legislation to employees of the railway mail service who have been removed from the classified service without prejudice, was rejected. An amendment to extend the provisions of the legislation to postmasters of the second, third and fourth classes was also rejected. In conformity with the notice served on the House the day previous Representative Black, of Texas, offered an amendment to substitute 6 per cent in lieu of the 2% per cent proposed in the bill to be deducted from the salaries of the employees for maintaining the retirement fund. This amendment was rejected by a vote of 80 to 40. When all amendments had been acted upon and the bill read the third time, Representative Blanton, of Texas, moved to recommit the bill to the Committee with instructions to report the same back to the House with an amendment denying the benefits of the legislation to any person who is a member of any association, society, organization or union of Government employees affiliated with any higher or superior body or institution of organized labor. By a vote of 318 to 6, the motion to recommit the bill was defeated. The next motion was on the passage of Senate Bill 1699 as amended and on a roll call the measure was passed by a vote of 273 yeas to 53 nays.

Under date of May 1, 1920, the Senate, on motion of Senator Sterling, referred Senate Bill 1699 to a conference committee composed of Senators Sterling, Cummins, and McKellar, as conferees on the part of the Senate. The House of Representatives on May 3, appointed a like committee composed of Representatives Lehlbach, Fairfield and Godwin. Meetings of the Conference Committee were promptly held and on May 6 an agreement was effected on the amendments in dispute. The compromise arranged relating to the retirement ages of employees resulted in recommending that the retiring age for railway mail clerks be fixed at 62 years, for mechanics, city and rural letter carriers and post office clerks at 65 years and for other classes of Government employees 70 years.

The conference report, together with a statement of explanation on the part of the House conferees, was reported in the House of Representatives on May 7. On May 8 Representative Lehlbach moved that the House proceed to consideration of the conference report. This motion was agreed to and Representative Lehlbach took occasion to explain that "the only serious point of disagreement between the two Houses was with respect to the retiring age fixed in the Bill."

Civil Service retirement legislation has been before Congress for the past twenty years. The 66th Congress, numbering among its membership many true and loyal friends of the postal em

It Was Worth

Fighting For

ployees, has by its favorable action on the Sterling-Lehlbach Retirement Bill, added conspicuously to its record of efficiency and constructive enactments and will pass into history having to its credit a measure materially adding to the stability, efficiency and economy of the public service as well as relieving the deserving and faithful employees of the classified civil service from the haunting fear of a penniless and destitute old age.

While it cannot be charged that under the provisions of Senate Bill 1699 there is opportunity for undue liberality in the shape of service annuities ranging from $180 to $720 a year according to period of service performed, yet the principle for which we have been striving for a score of years to have established has at last materialized. Nothing but the actual operation of the law will bring out definitely its defects and point to necessary corrections. This we may reasonably rely upon future legislation to accomplish. It is estimated that the retirement law, when it becomes operative, will permit of the immediate retirement of about 7,000 aged men and women in the Government service, some of them so feeble that it has been necessary to assist them to and from their places of duty. Among this vast army of worthy and aged veterans will be found an amazingly large percentage included in the postal service, and from this class of public servants city letter carriers with impaired vitality and inclined to early superannuation, due to the arduous and exacting nature of their duties and the exposure incident to varying climatic conditions, will be observed in an astonishing number. It has been the general sentiment of department heads to retain on the rolls of the Government the superannuated employees coming under their jurisdiction, thereby causing it to be truthfully said that the Government has been sanctioning the most costly and unsatisfactory pension system in the world. The character of work, however, required of the letter carriers in the city delivery service, in such that a man must be in prime physical condition to perform the same in the manner called for and for this reason it has been the sad lot of hundreds within our craft to be unceremoniously dumped on the human scrap heap when they became incapacitated through age and its resultant infirmities. Before it was repealed by an act of Congress, the well remembered edict of the Post Office Department, known as the "150 day order," was the cause of untold suffering and hardship to the veterans in the postal service, who through age or sickness were incapacitated for service beyond a period of 150 days. By this weapon the aged and sick were dealt with summarily by being dropped from the rolls..

With the passage of the Sterling-Lehlbach Retirement Bill, however, the future is brighter for the men and women who have been waiting and desperately holding on for this day to come. They will benefit by the provisions of this meritorious law and it will be likewise noted that the public service will vastly improve, becoming more attractive and efficient.

The letter carriers in the city delivery service are to be congratulated upon being a part of the movement that has been striving for the past twenty years to secure the enactment of a retirement law. We feel justly proud of our organization for the assistance it has been able to render in this victorious struggle. We feel proud of the fact that we number among our good friends

many of the most influential and distinguished men in Congress and in other walks of public life. We have always felt grateful and endeavored to show our feeling of appreciation for interest shown in our welfare and we can assuredly say that the letter carriers of this country will never overlook nor fail to take advantage of any opportunity to show in the smallest degree their sense of gratefulness toward those who took part in the work which ultimately brought success to their hopes and ambitions for the enactment of retirement legislation.

The Able Champions of Retirement

For more than twenty years it has been the constant endeavor of the National Association of Letter Carriers to secure the enactment of a civil service retirement law. While engaged in this humane work we have met with obstacles that at times seemed almost insurmountable and caused dismal hope of ever attaining success. Persistency and a firm belief in the justice of the cause have at last been rewarded, and the realization of our hopes has been attained. A few months hence and the Sterling-Lehlbach Retirement Law will be in actual operation. The successful culmination in the 66th Congress of the efforts to obtain retirement legislation can be ascribed to the painstaking, persistent and properly directed efforts of Senator Thomas Sterling, of South Dakota, Chairman of the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment of the U. S. Senate, and Representative Frederick R. Lehlbach, of New Jersey,

desperately hanging to their positions permitted to spend the few remaining years of their lives in rest and comfort. While this is perceived we will then know just what a wonderful piece of legislation the retirement law really is. To those who actively assisted in its enactment we have no words sufficiently commendatory, nor can we express to the fullest extent our feeling of gratitude.

Senator Sterling was first elected to the United States Senate January 22, 1913, to succeed Robert J. Gamble. He was re-elected to that high office for the term beginning March 4, 1919, and is now serving his second term with credit to himself and benefit to the American people.

Representative Frederick R. Lehlbach, of New Jersey, Chairman of the Committee on Reform in the Civil Service, was in charge of the Retirement Bill, S. 1699, when it was being considered in the House of Representatives on April 29 and 30, 1920. Mr. Lehlbach has been deeply interested in the question of retirement legislation during his entire service in Congress, and due to his constant study and sincere belief in the justice of the provisions of his measure, he is exceptionally well versed in the subject matter and was therefore able to explain and defend the bill on the floor of the House in a most able and successful manner. Although one of the younger members of Congress, Representative Lehlbach so admirably handled the retirement bill, both in the Committee and on the floor of the House, that he was highly complimented and congratulated by several of the distinguished veterans of the House.

Congressman Martin B. Madden, of Illinois, a member of the

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Chairman of the Committee on Reform in the Civil Service of the House of Representatives.

During the entire time that Senate Bill 1699 was pending in the Senate as the unfinished business, Senator Sterling was to be observed in his seat in the Senate Chamber ready and fully prepared to take advantage of any opportunity presenting itself to bring his retirement measure up for consideration and a vote. Opposition to the retirement bill in the Senate developed into a filibuster against it, and made it necessary for Senator Sterling to be constantly on guard and ready at all times to prevent the bill from being side-tracked through the parliamentary tactics of those who desired to have it defeated. The able manner in which Senator Sterling waged his fight against the odds ranged against him is conclusive proof that he knew not only every detail of the provisions of the measure, but is fully and proficiently versed in parliamentary procedure. Senator Sterling was at times assisted by other friends of the retirement cause who had both the interest of the public service and the welfare of the workers at heart. The determined and seemingly organized opposition to the measure would have been sufficient cause for a less determined man to give up the fight. To Senator Sterling, however, the stronger the opposition the more determined he became to fight to a finish for the cause he believed to be just.

The great mass of civil service employees of the country are under everlasting obligations to Senator Thomas Sterling. His successful efforts in getting the retirement bill passed by the Senate is an achievement of which he can feel justly proud and is thoroughly appreciated by all good citizens who are interested in an efficient administration of the public business. The benefits of a retirement law cannot be fully appreciated until we see it in actual operation. We cannot conceive of its far reaching benefits until we see the old men and the old women who are

HON. FREDERICK R. LEHLBACH, of NEW JERSEY Chairman of the Committee on Reform in the Civil Service, House of Representatives

Steering Committee of the House, in a speech made on April 29, favoring the retirement measure, spoke most highly of the capabilities of Chairman Lehlbach and of the good fortune of the employees in having their cause assigned to his charge. Mr. Madden said in part:

"I am glad to have this opportunity to say in a general way that I am proud that the time has come, under the leadership of my distinguished friend from New Jersey, Mr. Lehlbach, to present this meritorious measure to the consideration of the House. Mr. Lehlbach has given more consideration and study to the question than any one that I know of. His heart and soul are embodied in the legislation. He will be able in more detail than yet has been presented to tell you the merits of the measure. I congratulate him as a young Member of the House upon his success in bringing this bill before the body for consideration, and I congratulate the men and women who are to be permitted to come under the provisions of the bill upon the fact that they have had such an able, earnest young champion of their cause. He has never hesitated night or day to urge and plead with his fellows in this House to give early consideration to this measure and if he never does anything else during his membership in the Congress than to be sponsor of this beneficial legislation, he is entitled to the hearty thanks and the earnest and enduring gratitude of those who are to come under its provisions."

Majority Leader Mondell, while speaking for favorable action on the retirement measure on April 30, took occasion also to laud Representative Lehlbach for his tireless efforts for the passage of the bill and for his understanding of its many provisions. Mr. Mondell remarked as follows:

"The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Lehlbach) has long been devoted to the cause and to the purposes of this legislation. He understands thoroughly the principles underlying the legisla

tion. He has worked faithfully to promote legislation of this character. His committee, working faithfully with him, reported a bill as long ago as May 26, 1919. I have on several occasions raised questions with the gentleman from New Jersey relative to certain features of his bill, only to discover that so well grounded was he in the principles upon which the bill is based, so well informed was he in the arguments for the provisions of the bill as they stand, that he convinced me in every case that the bill was sound in detail as well as in principle."

The commendable remarks of these two leaders in the House of Representatives explain more fully and significantly the position Representative Lehlbach holds in the respect and esteem of his colleagues in Congress than we could possibly attempt to portray.

Representative Lehlbach has gained the profound gratitude of the membership of the National Association of Letter Carriers for his tireless, persistent and effective efforts to have retirement legislation placed on the statutes.

The veterans of our craft who will shortly benefit by the legislation will revere his name and thank divine Providence that so earnest and able a man took their plight to heart and was finally victorious in the lower House of Congress.

The public career of a man like Representative Frederick R. Lehlbach, so well grounded, is sure to broaden and gain in strength as time advances and he strives to improve the condition of his fellow men. It is the sincere hope and prayer of the members of the National Association of Letter Carriers that this young champion of their cause will prosper and triumph in all his undertakings and that his every ambition will be crowned with a deserved and fitting success.

Representative Lehlbach is now serving his third successive term in the House of Representatives, having previously been a member of the 64th and 65th Congresses.

That the business and commercial interests of the country are thoroughly aroused over prevailing postal conditions is shown by the remarkable response they are giving everywhere to the de

Save the Postal Service

mands for improved postal service. "Save the Postal Service" is the cry coming in sweeping volume from all classes of people and from every section of the country. Sentiment seems practically unanimous on the subject, and where anyone has risen to challenge the charge of service deterioration, as has happened in one or two instances, he has been submerged with such an array of specific facts as to sink suddenly into silence. There is only one side to this case.

Due to the prevailing low wages thousands of the most efficient and highly trained postal employees have been compelled to resign their positions and seek other employment in order to provide for their families. Men and women possessing the necessary ability and qualifications can not be obtained to fill the vacancies. On this account the postal service has suffered an almost irreparable injury and the demand for its immediate rehabilitation is so widespread and genuine as to attain almost the proportions of a national issue.

"The people are entitled to efficient service," said Senator Calder, in addressing the United States Senate on May 19. "The postal employees are entitled to a living wage. We can not have one without granting the other. * The workers are the chief sufferers now; but if present conditions are permitted to continue it will be the people and the service that will be the greatest losers in the end."

Here is the crux of the issue. The business world recognizes it. They are calling for relief. Similar expressions have been voiced by a great number of Congressmen and Senators, and during the present month scarcely a day has passed without the subject of postal salaries finding its way into Congressional debate. Few are the newspapers and magazines that have not treated the matter editorially or in special articles. An almost unprecedented volume of mail in behalf of postal employees has flooded Congressmen and Senators and individual friends of the postal workers have visited Washington, often traveling a long distance to press their case.

Under the appealing caption "Are Postal Employees Human Beings?" the Literary Digest, in nation-wide newspaper advertising and in its own columns, calls upon all citizens, as well as its two million readers, to join in petitioning Congress to give postal employees a square deal. Rarely, if ever, has a more convincing statement on any subject been presented to the country than the appeal of the Literary Digest in behalf of postal employees, and after, as the article reads, "The Literary Digest has made a thorough investigation of the facts." This appeal concludes with the following dramatic plea: "Rescue these postal toilers from penury and narrow lives and set them on their feet as American citizens who need not suffer nor be ashamed in their service of us all."

Mayor Hylan, of New York, in a public proclamation, wherein he graphically portrays the present plight of the postal service, called upon "all the business.interests of this city and all associations of business men * to urge Congress to take prompt action on this matter."

On April 29, Mr. Mathew Woll, Vice President of the American Federation of Labor, in addressing the Eighth Annual Convention of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, forcibly drew the attention of that great audience of some 5,000 business men from all sections of the country to the present plight of postal employees. Pointing out that postal workers could not invoke the strike as a means to redress grievances, but must rest their case on just petition, Mr. Woll said in part:

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"I am not advocating the exercise of the right to strike. merely want to indicate that if there was a need to hasten future consciousness toward a dormant Congress to give heed to the appeal of these men, then I say to you the postal employees would have that right (applause); and, believe me, it seems to me that appears to be about the only way in which to open the eyes and ears of our Congressmen and Senators at Washington. "(Applause.) The Chicago Tribune, which has made a consistent fight for the postal employees, handled First Assistant Postmaster General Koons without gloves because of a letter directed to the general manager of a large food products company, defending the Post Office Department from charges of inefficiency. Mr. Koons writes:

"The statements made in the editorial (from The Tribune) quoted by you, are without foundation in fact, and are the result of propaganda being conducted by postal employees in order to enable them to bring as much pressure to bear as possible on the Joint Congressional Commission to investigate salaries in the postal service, so that their salaries might be still further increased."

In reply the Tribune cites five bits of evidence culled from the mails in Chicago on April 13th showing delays in delivery of from two days to two weeks.

In a similar communication, dated May 13, this time in reply to a letter from Senator Townsend, the McCord Manufacturing Co., Inc., of Detroit, Mich., denies that their appeal for fair play to postal employees was inspired by propaganda, but in turn cites one specific instance after another of delayed mails and poor service. We quote from this communication:

"The delay has not only occurred to second class but to first class mail as well, and in the residential districts the situation is, to say the least, scandalous. In the most populous districts, only a few miles from the city hall, it is not unusual for only one delivery of mail to be made each day, and never more than two, the earliest frequently being after noon."

The following resolution, also from Detroit, is self-explanatory and is further answer to the charge that the cry of "Save the Postal Service" is propaganda work:

"Resolved, by the Directors of the Detroit Board of Commerce, That we recognize the situation to be that the postal service is in great danger of a complete break-down; that it is of vital importance to the business of the country and its continued prosperity that Congress with all possible dispatch take the necessary steps to remedy the postal service by the adoption of an adequate scale of wages and salaries for postal employees."

Similar evidence could be presented from practically every city in the country. Did space permit, this phase of the question could be pursued at length and approving mention could be made of many institutions and men who have come to the front for the postal service and postal employees in this crisis. The business interests of the country are aroused. They are demanding service and they are not getting it. Moreover, they are a unit in urging fair play for postal employees. So overwheming is this evidence and so completely has the case of the letter carrier been fixed as right in public opinion, that we refuse to believe that Congress will fail to grant substantial relief and that at an early date.

Postal Salaries Commission

In its efforts to secure adequate compensation for letter carriers the National Association of Letter Carriers has consistently pursued a well-defined policy, and neither time nor energy has been spared to give that policy direction and effect. We know our cause is just. We have been content to rest our case solely on its merits, knowing full well that in pleading for justice for the letter carrier we were at the same time striving for the welfare of the postal service. We have been animated by a deep conviction that once the American people and the American Congress had a fair understanding of the facts in the case, substantial justice would be done. We do not doubt now.

Ready to Report

When the Joint Congressional Commission on Postal Salaries were appointed we accepted their instructions in good faith, and in and out of Washington, in the numerous hearings, the reasons supporting the plea of the letter carrier for a living wage, or at least a restoration of his pre-war salary, have been presented to this same Commission with frank and convincing directness. The case of the letter carrier has been fully established. Were any confirmation needed, it would be found in the unprecedented response that the press, the business and industrial interests and the people in general have made in a mighty plea to Congress that the service be saved and postal employees be decently treated and justly compensated.

With our membership at large we have shared the same impatience because of the slow progress being made by the Postal Salaries Commission. As the date of the prospective adjournment of Congress grew nearer our anxiety has waxed in proportion, but we have been reassured and have accepted at their face value the statements of one Congressman and Senator after another, who, rising in their places, have pledged their support to adequate postal salary legislation to be enacted just as soon as the early expected report of the Postal Salaries Commission was presented to Congress.

As we go to press the assurance is given by Senator McKellar, of Tennessee, in a statement to the United States Senate on May 22, that on that day, "the Joint Postal Commission had completed its labors;" that "the report is unanimous," and that "work has begun in the preparation of a report and a bill." Senator McKellar said: "Mr. President, today the Joint Postal Commission completed its labors, and work has now begun in the preparation of a report and a bill. So many inquiries have come to me in the last few days about this report, and so many demands for immediate action, that I feel I ought to say that the Commission this morning agreed to recommend that whenever this bill shall pass, whether before July 1, 1920, or after, the new schedule of salaries shall go into effect as of date July 1, 1920. Of course, Mr. President, I agreed to that resolution of the committee,_and at the same time I insisted that the recommendations of the Commission should be reported out immediately and that they should be considered before any recess or adjournment."

In the colloquy following, which was participated in by Senators Smoot, Wadsworth, Spencer and McKellar, it was brought out that the report of the Commission was ready, so that its early submission may naturally be expected and, as Senator McKellar said, "There is no reason in the world why it should not be acted upon." In this debate, as in others of a similar character, no opposition was disclosed to the proposed consideration of this legislation prior to Congressional adjournment, but rather was the contrary purpose well indicated. We refuse to believe, in the light of the assurances given and the sweeping volume of public sentiment supporting the plea of the postal employees, that Congress will adjourn without enacting legislation ordering a substantial increase in their present salaries.

The One Cent Letter Postage Association

Strikes Back

By National President EDWARD J. GAINOR

The recent action of the United States Senate in rejecting an amendment to the Post Office Appropriation Bill intended to reduce the rate of "drop letter" postage to a one-cent basis, seems to have left the officials of the National One-Cent Letter Postage Association in a very unhappy frame of mind, if a circular letter bearing the name of Secretary-Treasurer George F. McIntosh, issuing from the headquarters of this organization at Cleveland, Ohio, and addressed To our members," is any indication.

Evidently this letter was given wide distribution as the stock professions of these cheap postage promoters are again voiced, this time in angry protest, and a painful effort is made to explain away the failure of the recent one-cent letter postage drive. We are assured by this communication however that the fight has just begun; that "the Congressman who introduced our bills for one-cent drop letter postage, will continue to press action on the measure with the hope of securing legislation in the present (66th) Congress," and that "we shall not leave a stone unturned to secure the desired results with as little delay as possible."

In the meantime however the wrath of Secretary McIntosh and his associates seem chiefly directed against the four affiliated postage organizations or whom the circular is otherwise pleased to term "Employees Unions." On them is hung the burden of blame for the recent defeat of one-cent postage legislation. Likewise they are charged with undue friendliness to cheap postage for second class mail matter, an attitude this remarkable communication intimates, is because each of the said postal organizations conducts a publication of its own. Included in this same letter is a comparative table, showing the annual salaries paid several groups of postal employees as of June 30, 1913, and again as of March 12, 1920, with the per cent of salary increase granted each group during the intervening time. Strangely too, this table is submitted without comment, although some motive must have inspired its submission. From this communication I quote in part as follows:

"Reasons for this Reduction"

"As you probably know, our arguments for this eminently fair and just legislation, are based on two facts.

"FIRST. Cost of handling locally delivered 'drop' letters averages only onequarter cent each and when the Government charges you one cent for delivery of same, it makes 300 per cent profit. Does not that seem quite enough?

"SECOND. Revenue from the reduced rate will within the first twelve months be greater than from the present one, as enormous quantities of such letters, now privately delivered by public utility corporations, large private firms, etc., will at a one-cent rate, be given to the postoffice.

"This is also indicated by the fact that letter revenue since removal of the war tax, has shown actual increase.

"Demands of Employees' Unions"

"On the eve of consideration of our bill, four different postal employees' associations jointly directed a letter to every Senator demanding that such legislation be not enacted.

"In this connection it is interesting to note that these same organizations have steadily opposed increases in second-class rates.

"Each of these associations has its own magazine mailed under second class rates which may, in part, account for the support they have given the publishers in their efforts to prevent any advance in the almost free second class rates.

"Increase Second Class Rates and Thus Safely Provide for Salary Increases" "These associations have failed to appreciate the fact that at the very beginning of our work we started a movement for better compensation for postal employees, and since that time have distributed millions of leaflets advocating their cause.

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"We have tried to make the officers of these unions understand that so long as more than 60 per cent of the tonnage of the mail (second class matter), is carried at practically a franking privilege, revenue created could not possibly provide satisfactory compensation to postal employees.

"If these employees will aid us in compelling publishers to pay cost of delivering their periodicals, there will be ample funds to compensate adequately all employees and give universal once-cent letter postage as well."

A careful perusal of the foregoing leaves one in doubt as to whether the writer was trying to fool others or simply fooling himself. In any event, the communication abounds with glaring absurdities and reveals a surprising ignorance of postage rates and postal finances. The argument that revenues can be increased by reducing the rates for service is refreshing in its innocence. We commend it to the prayerful consideration of the railroad, street car, telephone and other public utility corporations who have repeatedly increased their tariffs and are still clamoring for more. It would be interesting too to learn by what method of computation the estimate showing a 300 per cent profit on drop letters was reached.

It is quite true that the four affiliated postal organizations, among whom is numbered the National Association of Letter Carriers, are opposed to one-cent letter postage. We make no bones about the matter. We can conceive of nothing under present conditions that would be more certain to further cheapen and cripple the service and if our joint efforts contributed something to the defeat of this ill advised proposal, we rejoice and are exceedingly glad. Its fate was well merited.

On the other hand untrue and far fetched is the indictment "that these same organizations have steadily opposed increases in second class rates." So absurd is this charge that notice would not be taken of it save for the larger issue of postal finance involved. The attitude of the N. A. L. C. on postal revenues has been clearly defined time and again and its deeds squares with its words. And at its most recent National Convention held in Philadelphia, Pa., the following recommendation in the president's report was unanimously adopted:

"I therefore recommend that this convention not only record its disapproval of one-cent letter postage as being calculated to irreparably injure the service, but that we favor the maintenance of postage rates at a standard sufficiently adequate to cover equitable operating expense."

A trifle more idiotic, if possible, is the insinuation regarding the ownership of craft publications influencing the attitude of these postal organizations on the question of postage rates. This is the limit. Take the Postal Record for instance, the official journal of the N. A. L. C. Entered as second class matter, within the classification covering similar periodicals, such as educational, fraternal, labor and the 11 it is now admitted into the mails at the rate of one and one-fourth cents per pound. According to the act of October, 1917, effective July 1, 1918, the zone classification does not apply to trade journals of this character nor in fact does it apply to any publication where the space devoted advertising does not exceed five per cent of the total space.

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The item of postage for mailing the Postal Record now approximates $80 per month. Formerly, the same item of expense on a one-cent per pound rate approximated $65 per month. No legislation is pending to increase the above quoted rates, nor has any recommendation to this effect come from the Post Office Department. Therefore the alleged hostility of the N. A. L. C. to an increase in second class postage must be retroactive in its impulse and due to item of added expense of some $15 per month. This is the limit of absurdity.

But when, may we inquire, did the One Cent Letter Postage Association become so interested in second class mail rates? What

legislation does it now propose or favor to increase such rates? Does its title say anything about second class mail? Its efforts, from all indications, are chiefly confined to forcing a reduction in letter postage with an occasional critical and altogether harmless observation on the inequity of second class mailing privileges. Its interest in the former has been something concrete and definite; in the latter more or less abstract and academic. If this is not its attitude, a bill of particulars should be forthcoming setting forth just what specific increases in second class mail rates this One Cent Letter Postage Association favors and just how much additional revenue may be expected from such increase. Reduce letter postage now and perhaps later on take up the question of second class mailthis seems to be the program. Certainly,

no mention of second class rates occurs in the following quoted amendment whose rejection Secretary McIntosh so loudly laments.

"That the rate of postage on all mail matter of the first class deposited in any postoffice for delivery within the delivery district of such postoffice shall be one cent for each ounce or fraction thereof."

Among fair minded men there should be no great difference of opinion as to the right way to run the postal service. A proper financial policy may well be embraced within a few simple rules.

In so far as practicable the postal service should be administered on a self sustaining basis.

In keeping with this policy postage rates should be adequate to pay the operating expense of an efficient and dependable service.

In establishing rates of postage so that adequate revenue be forthcoming, each class of mail should be assessed a proper charge and the proposition dealt with as a whole.

When the National One Cent Letter Postage Association approaches the problem in this frame of mind instead of trying to reduce the present inadequate postal revenues without replacement, then their views will be more worthy of consideration. The money to pay postal expenses must come from somewhere either from postal revenue, or the United States Treasury or out of the pockets, or off the backs of postal employees, and one-cent postage would hang it on the latter.

The arguments of these cheaper postage advocates would lead the average layman to believe that if a substantial increase in second class postage was effected, then a one-cent letter postage rate would provide ample revenue to pay running expenses of the Post Office Department. This is a grievous mistake. In fact, under existing conditions, two-cent letter postage will fall far short of providing sufficient revenue. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1919, the total revenue of the Department from all sources amounted in round numbers to $436,000,000. Of this total $392,000,000 was derived from the sale of stamps, stamped envelopes, newspaper wrappers and postal cards. The receipts from second class postage amounted to $16,000,000, less than 4 per cent of total receipts. Let me emphasize this fact, the bulk of postal revenues comes from letter postage. Strike down that revenue and you strike down the service. A review of postal receipts covering a term of years indicates that from 80 to 90 per cent of postal revenues are derived from this source.

By the Act of October 3, 1917, a zone system and a graduated schedule of annual increases on second class mail reaching the maximum on July 1, 1921, was established. The larger publications have protested this rate as excessive and a concerted drive has been made on Congress to secure its repeal, but at this writing with small prospect of success. Comparatively speaking, the additional revenue derived from this source is slight, as the following estimate made by Congressman Black of Texas in an address in the House of Representatives on May 11, 1920, illuminatingly discloses:

at

"It is admitted that the weight of second class mail matter is more than a billion pounds a year, and that makes an annual cost to the postal service, conservatively estimated, of $55,000,000 exclusive of certain overhead expenses. The rates present in force produced only about $15.000,000 the first year, will produce about $22,000,000 the second year, $27,000,000 the third year and $32,000,000 the fourth year, when they reach the peak of cost and remain permanent at that figure. That will leave us a loss on the carriage and distributing cost of carrying every pound of second class matter."

In the fiscal year ended June 30, 1918, on a one cent a pound rate, the receipts from second class postage totaled in round numbers $11,000,000. According to the estimate of Congressman Black, $19,000,000 additional annual revenue may be eventually expected or an amount far short of enough to replace the annual loss of $25,000,000 entailed by the adoption of the onecent letter postage proposition. Certainly, second class mail should be compelled to pay a fair rate, but even were it assessed its full proportion, not even then would it provide sufficient revenue to cover the operating expenses of the Post Office Department. Let a special stress be laid on this fact-any considerable increase in postal revenues can only be effected by an increase in the rates of first class postage.

Facts are stubborn things as the advocates of cheaper postage must have discovered recently, according to the following excerpt from the May 6, issue of the "Detroiter," the official publication of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce:

"At the committee meeting held October 23, 1919, Charles W. Burrows, president, and H. P. McIntosh, secretary, of the National One Cent Letter Postage Association gave extended talks on the purpose and objects for which the association was formed. They said their fight was more particularly against the very low rate at which second class matter was carried by the Government. They hope to start a movement whereby the cost of transporting second class mail matter would be increased.

"The committee was not favorably impressed by the arguments. The members expressed themselves as being in favor of immediately increasing first class postage so that more revenue might be derived by the Post Office Department and the salaries of the postal employees in turn increased, thereby increasing the efficiency of the postal service of the country.

"The committee thought it was not proper at this time to support the policies of the National One Cent Letter Postage Association."

The advocates of cheaper postage have not a leg to stand on. Their arguments can be exploded in short order. Postage rates alone have stood still in a period of rapidly advancing prices. Had they experienced the same average price advance as other commodities the postal service would now be conducted on a four-cent letter postage basis. Due to fixed income amid jumping prices, postal revenues are now grossly inadequate, and to this fact can be traced much of the existing service demoralization. Postal employees are not responsible for this condition; they should not suffer on its account. Developments of the early future will show whether or not it is planned to pass on to the employees more of this burden of inadequate postal revenues. We are loath to believe that such a policy could find much favor, but the matter will bear watching nevertheless.

State Association Comment

Colorado

The boys of Pikes Peak Branch 204 are anticipating a jolly good time when the Colorado State Convention meets with us in July. As the convention will be a twoday affair, it is the plan of the entertainment committee to have a big feed and social session on the evening of the first day of the convention. There will be something doing every minute from the time. you enter the hall until "taps" is sounded at a late hour. The delegates will not need any handkerchiefs to wipe away their tears, because the committee plans to take care that no "sob" stuff shall be on tap, but will use every endeavor to see that everyone has the time of his life, offering for the approval of the guests a bountiful banquet, plenty of "jazz," and the highest grade of professional entertainers to be secured. There will sure be "a hot time in the old town" that night. The committee expect to have on the program as a surprise number, an A. E. F. overseas entertainer who won many laurels in France and made the boys in the trenches forget for the time being their hazardous tasks and perils, cooties included.

The convention date has not been definitely set as yet, owing to the fact that we expect to have President Gainor as our guest at the convention, and we are now awaiting a reply from him as to the date of his arrival. The presence of Brother Gainor should be inducement enough for every Branch in the State to have its full quota of delegates in attendance as well as many visitors, all of whom will be gladly welcomed and well cared for at this, the banner convention in the history of the State Association.

The entertainment, committee would suggest that the brothers from all nearby cities should make the trip by auto as far as possible in order that the pleasure of their stay with us may not be marred by the necessity of keeping watch on train schedules as to the hour of departure homeward. All arrangements as to rooms, etc., will be made for any delegates who SO desire upon application to the chairman of the entertainment committee, and they will be met at the depots by the committee, if due notification is received of the hour of their arrival. Come, taste and see, then return to the boys at home and tell them what an inspiration it was to you to attend this great convention and renew your enthusiasm and zeal for the work of the N. A. L. C. and the Colorado State Association in particular.

WM. A. PATTERSON,
Chairman Entertainment Committee.
Colorado Springs, Colo.

Kansas

The Ninth Annual Convention of the Kansas State Association of Letter Carriers will be held in Topeka, Monday, July 5. Our former arrangements were to meet in Wichita, but as the Federated Post Office Clerks and Rural Carriers are to meet in Topeka, we thought best to change our plans and hold a joint social meeting together.

Topeka is an ideal place for a convention to my notion. We can all visit the capitol of the great State of Kansas, and also view the beauties of the city of Topeka. It is a beautiful and interesting city, and I intend to be on hand as early as possible Sunday, July 4, and I could spend several days enjoying the sights if we had only received the necessary dollars during the past year. But sad to say, those dollars we have received are gone never to return. Here is hoping to see a good live bunch and a rousing convention. C. H. JONES,

Kansas City, Kans.

Ohio

Secretary.

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Ohio

The twentieth convention of State Association of the National Association of Letter Carriers will be held in Akron, September 5 and 6. These dates fall on Sunday and Labor Day and should enable a large gathering of letter carriers to meet and discuss the many problems that now confront them as Government employees.

An organization such as ours exists not for its own sake, but as an instrument for the effective expression of the views of a large class of civil service men on vital matters affecting their welfare and the service. Any service or civic organization is most effective when no one has any excuse for saying that it is a "paper organization." A large attendance of delegates at a convention is one of the strongest demonstrations of a real existence and worth of an organization and the legislative demands which it may voice.

Owing to the extraordinary conditions which now exist both socially and in the industrial world, the details of which insofar as the letter carrier is concerned, need no explanation, for we are fully aware of the seriousness of existing conditions and that something should be done at once to bring that much needed relief to which are SO justly entitled. Legislative wheels turn so slowly that the postal service has reached a deplorable state. More publicity should be given the conditions and this can be done through the medium of the conventions.

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We desire to impress upon the membership the necessity of making all the noise we can this year as things nationally are in a turmoil and the whole question of postal employment is getting a thorough airing before the public. Now is the time to tell the public of the conditions that now confront us. The public are in a receptive, mood. If we all do our part the Akron

convention will be made to yield a large amount of publicity. "Let's Go."

We cannot expect others to take interest in our situation and thereby assist us in correcting and improving our conditions unless we show that we are interested ourselves. Apathy does not make for amelioration. It behooves each individual to show his interest in what the organization advances. How many have written their Senators and Congressman regarding legislation affecting their welfare? Have you? Do it now.

Join the Ohio State Association now. It is recognized as your organization. It is speaking for you. If what it says does not meet with your approval, join it and let your voice be heard. If you approve of what it stands for and as yet have not joined, do so that your approval may assist in making possible the success of its undertakings.

If you are a member, be active. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link. We should be mindful of our duties. We cannot rest our material welfare solely to the caprice of happy chance or to the thoughtful concern of benign authority. Things do not work out well that way. We must exercise eternal viligance and effective team work. These are the essentials of

success.

A virile, live State Association is an indispensable factor in our scheme of organization. To continue such an organization we must have well attended conventions. We should not shirk our responsibility but remain alert and remember the principles and purposes for which our organization stands and out of the present difficult situation rise to greater achievements. But we must each do our part.

The coming State Convention of Letter Carriers at Akron next September will be a very important one, as many grave and serious matters will be brought up for consideration. National officers will be there to apprize us of the situation in Washington and very likely some of our champions in Congress will be there to add to the dignity of the meeting. It therefore be hooves each Branch to see that they are represented either by one of their own members or by an instructed proxy. If at all possible send one of your own members.

The Akron Branch will leave no stone unturned in providing entertainment for the visiting carriers and a royal welcome awaits those who are so fortunate as to be chosen delegates. It is too early to outline a program for the big doings, but they desire to see a large gathering of delegates and visiting carriers from all parts of the State in order to get acquainted and learn what is transpiring in other offices. It's up to you to accept their invitation. Are you Your State officers desire as large attendance as possible to make the convention The membership should endeavor to have a representative present to hear the reports of both the national and state officers. If you are interested in your welfare you will not fail to be represented. Can we count on your cooperation?

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a success.

There is an inspiration from a flesh and blood and brain convention of men thinking along the same lines that comes from no other source. Those chosen to attend the convention of a service organization such as ours are favored. They have a great opportuntiy not only to benefit themselves, but to gather inspiration and ideas to take home to their fellow employees. Beyond estimate is the good derived from these gatherings.

We urge the early remittance of per capita tax that the secretary can have everything ready for the convention and we also urge that you elect your delegate not later than August 1 that there can be no question of him being entitled to a voice and vote in your convention. Let's all pull for the greatest and most progressive_convention in the history of the Ohio State Association of the National Association of Letter Carriers "Let's Go." EARL R. PRICE, State Secretary.

Middletown, Ohio.

North Carolina

Brother carriers, come! Come to our State meeting this year at Charlotte, N. C., July 5.

We have a right to expect you, and you should feel duty bound to lend your en couragement by your presence, even if you are not a member of any organized Branch. Come and get in line with what we are doing, and you will return home feeling

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