SENATOR MOSES. The next speaker is Mr. S. W. Ankenbrandt, of Detroit, Michigan.

MR. S. W. ANKENBRANDT (Detroit). I represent the letter carriers of Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Chairman and members of the Commission: Before I take up the case of the city letter carriers I wish to invite your attention to the fact that in the Detroit postal service we have what is known as marine letter carriers who serve the freighters passing up and down the river front. Several years ago Congress recognized the hazardous nature of the employment surrounding the letter carriers in the marine service of the Detroit postoffice and granted them an increase in pay of $300 per annum in excess of the maximum amount allowed foot delivery carriers in the city delivery service. We trust that this Commission will fit to recommend the continuation of this practice and recognize the importance of the service. A great many of the larger ship lines mail their checks to the men employed on the vessels. There are six men connected with this service and they are on the job twenty-four hours a day, and in the spring and late fall, when the ice is on the river, you can imagine it is not a pleasant job to run out in the river to meet these passing steamers which do not their speed to slacken receive the mails.

see

The Visiting Housekeepers' Association of Detroit have figured that every married man should have a salary of $1,702.98, which is $202.98 more than the maximum postal wage scale. In the budget worked out by this organization they allow an item of $27.50 a month for rent, while a letter in our brief from the secretary of the Detroit Real Estate Board states that a conservative estimate on the rent of four and five room places in good neighborhoods is from $50 to $65 per month. A purchase of a home for a postal service employee is out of the question entirely, because they run all the way from $6,500 to $7,500, and if you cannot pay more than a thousand dollars down the real estate man laughs at you.

Mr. Kellogg, our Superintendent of Mails, was kind enough to bring to your attention this morning the enormous number of resignations occurring in the postal service, but he did not call attention to the fact that in 1913 the area in square miles of the postal district was 41.10, while today it is 80.86. The population has increased from 550,000 to 1,000,000. Another item I wish to call your attention to is the statement made before the Post Office Committee in December, 1916, that Detroit was the only city in the country where there was difficulty in securing sufficient help, and in regard to that I will say right here that the last examination held in Detroit, whereby the established eligible list lasted the entire year, was in October, 1914. The list established by the examination held in October, 1915, was exhausted in March, 1916, and from that time on they have conducted special examinations, running all the way from three and four a year, to one each week as they do now. And lately improvised help-wanted signs have been placed in every postoffice window.

We have twenty-six women carriers on the force, introduced as a war measure, but still retained because the Department cannot get the men. In one case two women served on a district where one man formerly served, and they received $52 apiece. One hundred and four dollars for carrying one route two weeks. I understand that they are furnished street car transportation in addition to that.

In regard to the calibre of help we are getting, I may say that not long ago one of the drivers was sentenced to seven and a half years on a charge of manslaughter for killing a young lady standing in the safety zone, and the trial brought out the fact that he already had a jail record.

Another case is where the Highland Park Police Department was notified of the discovery by some boys of a large amount of undeliverable mail matter in the woods,

MR ANKENBRANDT. Undeliverable mail. So on investigation they discovered that she was storing this mail in one of the package boxes in her district. Of course, they fired the young lady and her father came down and indignantly wanted to know the reason why. They explained the situation to him, and when they finished, he said, with a worried sigh; "Well, I don't know what we're going to do with her. If that's the case, I guess we'll have to send her back to the asylum." (Laughter.)

Last spring we sent out a questionnaire to the carriers of the city of Detroit, and we received seventy-one replies. The information was turned over to the Research Bureau of the City of Detroit and they made the following discoveries: That the men were depending on outside income of from $100 to $750 a year. Another matter they dwelt on the number of children in the families of these employees, as being indicative of family limitation. MR. MADDEN. On account of being underfed, or what?

was

MR. ANKENBRANDT. Possibly. Overworked. (Laughter.)

The average family spends $369 more I have in this brief than salary received.

a letter from Edsel Ford, stating that they have 35,000 men employed by their company

MR. MADDEN

(interposing). Is that the young man who was exempted from military service?

MR. ANKENBRANDT. I think so. In addition to the 35,000 men drawing the minimum wage of $6 a day, they have 4,000 men who draw from $6 to $8 a day, and at that time they had approximately 6,000 men who were drawing the probationary rate of 60 cents an hour. And the Ford Motor Company doesn't pay the highest wages, by any means, in the city of Detroit. We have letters to the effect that skilled piece workers make $8 or $9 a day.

MR MADDEN. What is your suggestion as to what they ought to be paid?

MR. ANKENBRANDT. I am very much like Mr. Duffy, but I would be willing, in case the cost of living does not increase any more, that the Commission recommend a scale of $1,800 to $2,100 and $2,400 a year. I might state, too, that I believe the people of the city of Detroit are willing to pay a higher rate of postage in order to compensate the employees well.

MR. MADDEN. You couldn't charge the people of Detroit more postage than you do the other people.

MR. ANKENBRANDT. No, but that is the attitude of the people of Detroit, and we think they would have a lot of followers. In fact, a letter was written to Congressman Steenerson, of which we have a copy, by the Hammond-Standish Company, stating that they would be willing to pay three cents indefinitely, provided it would give adequate compensation to the postal employees.

MR. STEENERSON. I would like to say I remember receiving a large number of letters to the same effect-about three cent postage; having three-cent postage.

MR. ANKENBRANDT. All of them did not take the precaution of sending us a copy.

On motion of Mr. Madden, the hearings were thereupon adjourned at 5:10 p. m., to meet the following day at 10 a. m.

A clean house with plenty of fresh air and sunshine is a long step in the direction of health, says the United States Public Health Service.

Know Your Stuff Before You Talk

In the December issue of the Postal Record there appears in the Branch Items of Interest an article from Monett, Mo., telling us that our Association is not "properly conducted."

In these days of knocking and industrial unrest, when it seems that everybody is out to knock every organization, with no evidence to back up their groundless charges, and with about 75 per cent of the people believing these knockers, it appeared to our local Branch that we should do our utmost to prevent any false impressions and unrest from creeping into our Association.

Therefore at our regular monthly meeting I was instructed to answer our brothers in Monett, Mo., and show them that our officers are earning every cent that we pay them.

In their first paragraph they say that our Association is not "properly conducted." If our brothers in Monett have information in their possession to substantiate their claim it is their duty to the Association to publish their evidence and call for a hearing. They at least owe the rest of us that much. To quote PresiTo dent Wilson, "Put up or shut up." show our confidence and respect in our national officers our Branch expressed their every confidence in them by a rising vote.

In regard to the requests from "Eddie” to petition our Representatives in Congress to enact legislation favorable to our interests, I would like to say right here that I don't believe the postal employees are fully alive to benefits derived from constant petitioning of Congress. "Eddie" is right there on the ground and knows when we should bombard Congress with petitions; hence his Suppose requests. that none of us ever let Congress know Our wants, then your Representatives would say: "My constituents are not complaining. They seem to be satisfied with conditions. They have got to show me. 'I'M FROM MISSOURI.'"

You claim that the officers of the Association have not done anything to bring about better conditions. I dispute you am too again. While I in young the service to know what Congress did for us before our Association got to working in good order, I would say that our officers have been instrumental in helping us all to better conditions now as in the past. While I am not sure of it, it is almost a safe bet to say that of the many bills introduced into Congress, our "Eddie" is the man who drafted 75 per cent of them. "What is 'Eddie' entitled to for his increase of $1,000 per?"

Perhaps you and a good many others are not aware of the fact that our "Eddie" has a speaking acquaintance with nearly every Senator and Congressman in Washington. That alone is worth a great amount to us. There is no doubt but what there are other higher paid men in Washington who would consider it cheap at $4,000 per year if they, too, could say as much. Think it over!

I have it on good authority that a great industrial concern was willing to pay our "Eddie" a larger salary than he is now getting because they had seen and recognized his great executive ability. "Eddie” turned this generous offer down because he has been one of us and knows our wants. He was willing to stay with us if we were willing to have him, and we are sure glad to have him! "Eddie" has our grateful thanks and appreciation for his good work.

You can see no reason for special assessments! Don't you realize that if our Association is to keep up the good work that it must have money? Everything, without exception, is higher in price now than formerly. It costs a lot of money to print the Postal Record every month. Paper, ink, labor, rents and everything else are prohibitive in price. I can't see that the officers have laid a very heavy burden on our shoulders by asking for this special assessment. What have you thought of the Congressmen and Senators that have opposed our salary increase, or rather bonuses, on the grounds that the Government should go easy in raising salaries? If you and the rest of us need more money to live, then it is logical to reason that the Association also must have more money if it is to continue to exist. I hope that I have given you a few facts to "show you that you are wrong." Let's have more cooperation!

Burlington, Vt.

LEO C. FLYNN.

NATIONAL LADIES' AUXILIARY

From the National President

Not having a letter in the Postal Record since the convention, you will begin to think you have no president. My reason for long delay was that I did not want to ask for space in the Postal Record while there was so much important N. A. L. C. news that we all like to read.

A new year now lies before us in all its glory. How different from that of one year ago! We are to a great extent in the midst of a new world and we must take up the work which was laid aside to help our brave boys overseas. We must now concentrate our thoughts to helping our boys in gray. Our organization has brought together women who are courageous and willing to undertake any and all work assigned to them.

Locally we have brought about many improvements in the postoffice such as better light systems, sanitary conditions and more modern swing rooms. This was accomplished through the postmaster and superintendent of carriers. Those officials meet us very cordially and always ask us to call again. They are pleased to hear our timely suggestions.

Two great problems are facing us todaythe high cost of living and our old carriers. There was a time when if a man's wages did not cover all household expense, the woman was called a poor manager; but that day is past and we have ample proof it is very poor management on the part of the Government. The letter carrier's salary is inadequate for even the mere necessities of life and he is surely human and loves sunshine, music and all that goes to make life worth living. Why should he not have them in return for the loyalty with which he has always discharged public trusts? Living has increased 131 per cent, therefore we want the carrier's salary increased to $2,800 at least. Can it be done? Surely if we say "I will" and then do it.

Woman's

a

I am pleased to say we have a splendid staff of officers. I am proud of every one and through our united efforts I am sure a plan can be adopted by which every man and woman in the United States may be enlightened as to the treatment of their faithful carriers by the Government. efficiency is axiomatic. Today the very fact that she has to manage the home on meager salary has awakened her to adventure, with the cool calculation of winning. There are still women and men who try to make themselves believe home is their only goal and will sit in easy chairs, letting their brothers and sisters of the N. A. L. C. and N. L. A. do all the electioneering, but we are leveling this opposition.

At

President Gainor and Secretary Cantwell cannot be given too much credit for showing those people that woman's activity in the political field is a success and has come to stay. We well understand the tremendous amount of work for the Senators and Congressmen to handle, but there is not a bill on the calendar of more importance or more humane than the ones regarding salary and retirement for the letter carrier. the present time the Sterling-Lehlbach Bill for the retirement of all civil service employees has attained a better position on the calendar of both Houses of Congress than any bill of similar nature heretofore. It would be well for all our members to write and have their friends write to their Congressmen for a copy of this bill and urge them to study its merits.

Sisters, when the officers of the N. A. L. C. give us the word "Get busy," I ask each and all to follow the instructions given to you. Work as you never did before for enactment of bills chosen. You will surely be rewarded. I invite every reader to write to me. Let us get acquainted, have but one thought and that one for mutual good of N. A. L. C. and N. L. A. You reelected me as your President; help me all you can and I promise never to fail in my duties. I thank you all for past support. That peace, love and happiness may be in every home is the New Year's wish of

ALICE MCCONNELL.

From the National Secretary

How I wish it were possible for me to take every member of our National Auxiliary and of the N. A. L. C. by the hand and wish you a Happy New Year. I want to wish for us all that we have a year of health and prosperity.

We mothers who last year had a part of our very selves over in France, were feeling the lonesomeness of the usual holiday time, and worrying because of the dread influenza, have so much to rejoice over this year that we feel we would like to reach out and help cheer those mothers and wives who are sorrowing for ones lost.

Our National Auxiliary progressed very nicely in the year 1919, but we feel sure we are going to show a better progress in 1920, for we are just getting awake to the realization of what such an organization as ours can accomplish if we work together with one accord.

Now, at the beginning of the New Year our President, Mrs. Alice McConnell, wishes me to announce to our eleven District Organizers that she offers a prize of $10 to the one who shall have succeeded in organizing the largest number of Auxiliaries in her district by the time of our convention in St. Louis, and I want to offer a personal gift of $10 to the Auxiliary which shall excel in "General Activity."

I have sent the calls for per capita, which is due December 31, and also sent report blanks to be filled out; and while I have requested it before, I want to make another request that per capita and one copy of the report be sent to me together, by the secretary of your Auxiliary, and be sure and see that the report and per capita reach me by January 30.

You will doubtless remember that William E. Kelly, in addressing our convention, suggested that we take some action relative to the high cost of living and stated that the small increase in salary given to the letter carriers would not be of much benefit if all was used up by further increase in living costs. The convention approved and left the matter to the officers for further action.

Early in October your Secretary formulated an appeal to the Attorney General of the United States and had same signed by our Council of Administration. On October 19 this was forwarded, with a personal letter, to Hon. A. Mitchell Palmer. I am sending with this a copy of the appeal and the reply received from Mr. Palmer:

An Appeal

To the Honorable Attorney General of the United States.

We, the undersigned officers of the National Ladies Auxiliary to the National Association of Letter Carriers, do most respectfully appeal to you, as representing the Department of Justice of the United States, to use every means at your command to suppress profiteering and to reduce the cost of the necessities of life.

While in convention recently in Philadelphia, the word came of the possibility of a slight raise in compensation for postal employees, and the idea was expressed that such increase would do little good if the landlord raised the rent or the price of necessity inwas correspondingly

some

creased.

Therefore we as officers of our organization were instructed to appeal to the Attorney General of the United States to use, to the fullest extent, all the great forces of the Department of Justice to check and decrease the cost of living generally.

Assuring you that these matters constitute desperate problems in the lives of a very faithful and loyal, but poorly paid class of public servants, we most respectfully subscribe ourselves.

ALICE MCCONNELL,

President. Vice President. ELIZABETH JOHNSTON, Secretary. Treasurer.

MARY MCCORMICK,

ANNA CALLAGHER,
MARY J. NUTT.
MARGARET KNIGHT,
ANNIE E. HOWARD,
Executive Board.

Copy of Letter from Attorney General

Washington, D. C., October 21, 1919. Mrs. Elizabeth Johnston, Secretary. National

Ladies Auxiliary to National Association of Letter Carriers, Columbus, Ohio.

Dear Madam: I beg to acknowledge your very kind letter of October 19, and note with considerable interest the suggestions offered.

I wish to assure you of my personal appreciation of your splendid offer of cooperation. Yours very truly. A. MITCHELL PALMER, Attorney General.

I feel that the matter should not be allowed to rest and suggest that each Auxiliary throughout the country put themselves in active cooperation with every organization which is working to lower the price of the necessities of life. It is not necessary for me to counsel economy or frugality, because necessity, for three years past, has forced the strictest economy in the homes of postal employees, yet each of us should carefully guard the expenditures as a first step in doing our part in this momentous question.

Again wishing all members of the various Auxiliaries and Branches a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

ELIZABETH JOHNSTON.

Columbus, Ohio.

New York, N. Y.

Ladies Auxiliary 37 held its annual euchre on December 1 and had a large gathering and the affair was a great success. Over one hundred and fifty prizes were donated by members and several friends outside the organization gave. One member, Sister Foley, secured twenty-eight prizes as donations. All members worked to make it a success both socially and financially. Sister Robinson and her committee, Sisters Foley, Madden, Donohue, Herget, Brocker, Burnhauser, White, Smith and Comer, handled the big propositions of the evening and all attending members helped wherever possible. Dancing was enjoyed by the non-players, who also shared in the prizes.

At our regular meeting, December 10, we had our annual election of officers as follows: President, Margaret V. Walters; vice president, Emma Herget; recording secretary, Joan F. Schaefer; financial secretary, Lila Mawson; treasurer, Frances Davidson; mistress-at-arms, C. P. Kelly; trustees-Mrs. O. Jackson, A. Kraft, A. Boylan. We had a large meeting and all were pleased with results of euchre and the new Executive Board is ready to keep on with the good work done in 1919.

Auxiliary 37 will hold its installation of officers in conjunction with Branch 36 on January 4 in Yorkville Casino, 86th Street near Third Avenue.

JOAN F. SCHAEFER.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Auxiliary 3, of Philadelphia, Pa., is still on the map, and just as anxious to increase its membership as it was before convention. We will not be satisfied till we again double our numbers. We are still working out a membership campaign. We had a very profitable meeting and elected nearly all our old officers, finding Our official them very efficient workers. family for the present year will be, Mary J. Nutt, president; Elmira Harvey, vice president; Annie E. Duckworth, recording secretary; Mary E. Preston, financial secretary; Amanda Morris, treasurer: Frances O'Niel, mistress-at-arms; Stewards, Mary Martin, Margaret Maguire; Trustees, Mabel Brister, Kathryn Larkin and Mary McCarren.

January 13 will be installation night. We are desirous of a full turnout as we are anxious to enroll a lot of the sisters for M. B. A. certificates.

Sister, does your loved one belong to the M. B. A.? If not, why not? It is the greatest insurance any one can get. Just think! It's hard enough to exist now; what will it be when the bread winner is taken away and no preparation for his loved ones? Oh, boys, that I could impress upon you all the great need of this membership in the M. B. A., also the Sick and Accident. It's only a trifle each month, and then when sickness and death knock at the door, the passing away will be soothed by knowing you have cared for her who has labored with you side by side for years.

We are exceedingly proud of the $10 for the greatest gain in membership, and we will try to keep up our standard and hope our sister Auxiliaries will work hard and give us an impetus to strive to keep ahead. Let us all try to increase our membership, so at the next convention we shall have double, nay, triple, membership in our beloved N. L. A.

Wishing the greatest of success to our sister Auxiliaries and to our national officers.

Don't forget installation night is always social night. ANNIE E. DUCKWORTH.

Lester Kilser was just a common looking postman, and like thousands of others, just appeared to be one of the uniformed cogs in the sprocket wheel of Uncle Sam's old P. O. D. bicycle. But appearances are ofttimes deceitful, and so it proved to be the case in the aforementioned personage. This boy owned a piece of ground, or, to be more correct, a hot bed of salmon-colored bristles located due north of a big Roman nose and directly south of a dollar and a quarter slouch hat. He never used this fertile soil all the time; if he had, he would never have remained a letter carrier, but only at times would be call upon the resources hidden there to aid him in some temporary emergency.

It was 5 o'clock in the afternoon of the 1st of July when he came home and entered his room with a perplexed look upon his otherwise jovial face, and flopping down in a chair remarked to his room-mate, Tom Baxter, that he was going to take a two day vacation commencing the next day.

"Now what can you do with two days, boy; are you sick or are you just behind in your sleep?" exclaimed Tom.

"No," replied Lester, "I've got some work to do. It's like this: You know I have never paid for my last winter's uniform, and the firm I owe have actually become impudent and saucy over the matter, and I figure that by putting this concrete mixing brain of mine to work I can raise the wherewith to meet this obligation and now I am ready to turn on the juice."

"But how in the Sam Hill are you going to get that much money in two days?" said Tom, looking incredulous.

"Well, it is not customary for financiers to let novices like you in on the ground floor, so just watch my smoke, Thomas, for the next couple of days," Lester retorted, as he slammed the outside door and departed into the deepening twilight.

The next morning the following ad appeared in the Chronicle :

"Wanted-Old leather belts; liberal prices paid; bring them to my office, number z Bilson Street, L. Kilser."

As Tom read the advertisement over his room-mate's shoulder, he laughingly exclaimed: "Now what in thunder are you up to now?"

"Why, it's that business I was talking to you about last night," explained Lester. "You know these Liberty Bonds and war taxes and the landlady combined have greatly depleted the Kilser treasury and these outward forces are calling my resourceful brain to effect an ingenious manipulation of high finance to throw off this bacteria called creditors, and if I would explain my scheme to you and unfold my plan it would be like Greek to your undersized intellect, as you haven't the gray matter in those empty rooms upstairs to conceive of so gigantic an undertaking. However, I will endeavor to enlighten you by giving you a few broken doses in simplified form. Here is a brief outline:

"I am going to manufacture and place on the market an article that has long been needed by the human family and their bovine friends. Its mission and purpose, my kind sir, will be to make the cows come home, saving time and labor for the busy farmer, and

"Hold on there; one of your cylinders is missing," interrupted Tom. "and there's something gone wrong under your hood. Try your starter again and get out of the rut."

"I've told you all you need to know about this patent that is applied for," said Lester. "But tomorrow," he continued, "you will behold me in my traveling rags, with my traveling bags, ready to launch my new idea upon the unsuspecting public. Why. man, the farmers will climb over each other to obtain these little persuaders of mine."

Just then the door bell rang and a boy was admitted with four belts, which Kilser bought at 10 cents each. Another boy was soon cranking the old fashioned door bell and was relieved of his merchandise the same as the other had been. It wasn't long before the belt peddlers had the bell ringing like the Westminster Chimes, and Tom in desperation retreated in disorder through the back door.

By supper time Kilser had closed the buy

ing end of his business and with a satisfied smile he surveyed the pile of old belts numbering about two hundred. It was 11 that night when he emerged from the little back room he used as a workshop, his manufacturing done and everything ready for selling. He then proceeded to retire. And pleasant dreams haunted his slumbers throughout the night, of horned and muly bossies with leather belts for tails doing the shimmy around a couple of suit cases. In the morning early he roused Tom from his much needed rest by noisily greeting him with, "Get up, old scout, and wish me luck."

Sleepily Tom arose on one elbow and curiously eyed the glib inventor, manufacturer and salesman standing in the middle of the room with a grip in each hand and an inscription on each grip which read: "I make the cows come home."

"Well, by gad! I believe you can do it if anyone can," laughed Tom. "I know you made me leave home last night." The door slammed with a bang and Lester was gone.

Two hours later the drummer alighted on the almost deserted platform of the depot at Beech Grove, a small suburban place about ten miles from the city. One lonely individual besides the agent was standing in the door of the station waiting for the next train into the city. He was the town marshal of Beech Grove. As soon as Lester espied him he hastily approached with extended hand, introducing himself all the while, then carefully withdrawing a sample of his wonderful invention from his pocket, he began thusly to extol its many virtues:

"I have here, my friend, a simple little contrivance, a miniature belt, known as a cow shin-guard, eight inches long by three wide, very simple in its construction, but very effective in its purpose. It is designed to make the truant bossies wend their respective ways homeward. In plain words, old boy, it makes the cows come home to roost. When you turn your old brindle out of the barnyard at the dawn of a perfect day to graze on the verdant hillsides you must first buckle this little leather band around her right knee. Then you can bid her good bye till nightfall, and then, my friend, when the lengthening shadows begin to creep over the landscape it is natural for old Sukey to want to lie down and drop off to slumperland. But you know she is compelled to bend her knees before she can accomplish that feat, and then and there this little contrivance begins to get in its work and commences to persuade her to go home. The consequential consequence is that she is soon bawling at your gate for someone to come out and remove the belt, and after a few days she will learn to hold up her bandaged leg and nicker to be undressed. Now, I am only asking $5 apiece for these valuable articles, and

"I'll take one," said the marshal, "and will pay you now, as my train is coming. Just take it along up to my house there on the hill and deliver it to my wife;" and handing Lester a five-dollar bill he boarded the train for the city.

Quickly pocketing his first $5 Kilser picked up his grips after placing the officer's purchase in his coat pocket and then he made a bee line for the house on the hill. The wife answered his knock and listened to his brief description of said cowbands and was in the act of banging the door on his foot when he informed her that her husband told him to leave one there (and collect) which he did, the second $5 for the same band. Then he proceeded on his way to finish working the town.

It was close to 5 o'clock that same afternoon when the marshal returned from the city. Reaching home, and while in the act of taking off his shoes, he remarked to his wife about buying the cow-band that morning at the depot. She admitted receiving it and added that she paid him $5 out of her egg money for the old thing, too.

"What do you mean to tell me that the scoundrel collected twice? I paid him at the station. I just wish I could lay hands on that rascal," angrily exclaimed the marshal.

"Oh, there he goes now," said his wife, as she caught a fleeting glimpse of Kilser passing the house on his way to catch the 5.33. Running to the door barefooted the officer

called to a neighbor passing in an automobile to overtake that man with the grips. Obligingly the neighbor consented and overhauled Kilser as he was in the act of boarding the train.

"Hey, there!" called the chauffeur, "Marshal Jones want to see you."

"Why, bless my soul," replied Kilser. "I clear forgot the marshal; he wants one of my cow-bands. Here is the last one I have. I'll make him this one for $5."

The good neighbor produced the coin, the cow belt changed hands as the train rolled out of the station.

Transfers and Reinstatements

Washington, December 12, 1919. The attention of postmasters of first and second class postoffices is directed to paragraph 4, section 301, Postal Laws and Regulations, and they are particularly instructed not to effect transfers and reinstatements of clerks and city letter carriers until they have received specific and direct authorization from this bureau. The practice of filling vacancies occurring in the regular clerk or carrier forces by taking a former employee whom it is desired to reinstate, or a rural carrier or other employee whom it is desired to transfer, and immediately putting him to work, forwarding to the Department at that time, or later, recommendation for his reinstatement or transfer must be discontinued. Whenever these vacancies occur and it is desired to fill such vacancy by the reinstatement of a former employee, or by the transfer of an employee from some other branch of the service, recommendation for such reinstatement or transfer should be immediately forwarded to the Department and, pending receipt of specific instruction from the Department to reinstate or transfer the employee recommended, service should be maintained by the employment of substitutes. If sufficient regular substitutes are not available and you have no eligible register, temporary substitutes should be appointed under civil-service rule 8 and nomination forwarded on Form 1531, in triplicate, through the district civil service secretary for his endorsement and transmission to the Department. In no case will the Department approve the employment in any capacity of the person whom it is desired to reinstate or transfer until specific authorization has been forwarded from this bureau. Postmasters employing such persons in advance of such specific authority will be required to pay for the service performed out of their own personal funds. The appointment of temporary substitutes without examination in accordance with civil service rule 8 is provided for the specific purpose of taking care of emergencies, and the statement that other persons were not available will not be accepted as justifying disregard of these instructions; they must be strictly complied with.

Postmasters must not confuse these instructions with those relating to the reassignment of former employees returning from the Army, as such employees upon preseffting certificate of honorable discharge must be immediately reassigned. J. C. KOONS, First Asst. P. M. Gen.

Hours of Service

Washington, November 26, 1919.

All regular postoffice employees shall be required to render eight hours' service within a period of 10 consecutive hours and schedules will be arranged accordingly, a suitable swing for luncheon to be provided in each case. (See sections 311 and 700, P. L. & R.) This applies with equal force to every section and department of the office, and no exceptions are permissible. Employees detailed on civil service or other extraneous duty requiring less than eight hours' service on any day will complete the full eight-hour schedule on regular postal work.

Holidays may be observed only as specified in section 284, P. L. & R., as amended by order No. 3321 dated July 15, 1919, insert 484. (See Postal Bulletin of November 15, 1919.) Postmasters may not grant Saturday half holidays in any section or department of the office, nor observe as a holiday any day other than those specified in section 284. J. C. KOONS, First Assistant.

Beauty is more than skin deep. Natural beauty is usually a sign of health that comes from keeping the body clean and getting plenty of outdoor exercise.

Newark, N. J., Letter Carriers Band

The Newark Letter Carriers Band has been in existence about twenty-two years, its first public appearance being when it led Branch 38, of Newark, N. J., at the national convention held in Scranton, Pa., about twenty years ago. Since this time the band has made a reputation for itself by playing for different charitable and patriotic organizations, and being strictly amateur, has kept in complete harmony with the musical union of our city.

From the time President Wilson declared this country to be at war with Germany, until the signing of the armistice, the band has been continually on the go, the members having volunteered their services to the different organizations of our city. They also placed themselves in the hands of Mr. Uzal H. McCarter (Chairman of the Liberty Loan Committee), to be called upon when needed. Believe me, if the work done was any criterion, we sure were needed. For instance, during one particular week we were out every night, laid off two afternoons to participate in parades (at our own expense) and finished up the week by playing at a flag raising at one of our local churches on Sunday afternoon.

Altogether, the band took part in about 150 different affairs, such as "Liberty Loan Drives," "War Savings Stamps," "Red Cross," "Knights of Columbus," "Y. M. C. A.," and "Block Dances."

The band

was also represented "Over There" by eight members, who were lucky enough to get into the fight and return home safely.

Judging from the above, you will see that the Newark Letter Carriers Band did its bit.

After the signing of the armistice, Mr. Uzal H. McCarter showed his appreciation by giving the members of the band a banquet at the Robert Treat Hotel, and presented each man with a medal in recognition of his patriotic work.

We then decided to have rehearsals twice a week to prepare for the Philadelphia convention. We went so far as to have an ex-army officer come occasionally to teach us the rudiments of marching, in order that we might make a good showing.

Well, when the business men of our city heard of our plans, and that we intended to parade in our service uniforms, they got together and decided that we should have band uniforms, to which they donated fifteen hundred dollars and told the men to go to it, and show the people that Jersey's largest city lives up to its famous slogan, "Newark Knows How." We did go to it.

The band accompanied our delegation from Branch 38 to the convention, led by our able and popular instructor, Frank E. Houts, who is known by carriers all over the country as a creator of first-class amateur bands. After the parade was over

we were con

gratulated on all sides, and one of Philadelphia's music critics remarked that the Newark band marched best, played best and made the neatest appearance of any of the 26 bands in the parade. Some boost.

At the Academy of Music that evening when the chairman announced that the Newark Band would play an overture, the ovation we received led a member from one of the other bands to remark: "What's the matter, Newark? Have you the hall packed." When we finished the overture the applause we received was deafening, and all present were seemingly of the opinion that little old Newark had made quite an impression. We had worked hard, but this ovation had well paid us for our persever

ance.

On our arrival in Newark on Saturday morning, we were honored by our Director of Public Safety, Mr. Wm. J. Brennan, who had a squad of mounted police waiting to escort us to the postoffice, where our postmaster and his staff complimented us for our good work. The officers of our Branch also showed their appreciation by taking us to one of our leading restaurants where we enjoyed a fine repast.

Now for the sad part. Everybody connected with the office and some outside the office were waiting for the convention number of the Postal Record. We thought our band would surely get a boost, or at least be honorably mentioned. Was it? It was not, although all the other bands were. sonally thought the omission would have

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been commented on in the November issue of the Record. Nothing doing. Instead of putting Newark on the map, it looked as though we had entirely wiped it off. We might just as well have stayed in Newark and played the Swan Song to ourselves.

It was my intention to send a copy of the Convention Number of the Record to the committee of business men who had SO readily sacrificed their time in order to raise the sum of money as before mentioned, but of course I could not send them a Record in which the Newark Letter Carriers Band was not even noticed.

The carriers of little old Newark wish to thank their brothers of DesMoines, Iowa, for their complimentary article regarding the neat appearance of the Newark carriers in the November issue of the Postal Record. JOHN J. FLAHERTY, Manager,

Newark Letter Carriers Band.

My Faith is in the Rank and File The year 1920-what will it bring? I hope it will be a prosperous one for every letter carrier in the service. One thing is sure, that if every carrier will stand and work for the rights which are his, the sooner will he get his just dues. Justice can only be gotten by working for it; it is generally not handed out. Nature's laws are either growth or decay and the growth of an organization like the National Association of Letter Carriers means work or it will decay. Anything that is old and worthless and which has served its usefulness should be discarded and ideas full of life should take its place. This is progress, and let us practice it in the new year.

new

In my discussion of new ideas, I will use no personalities, nor shall I have any feelings against a brother who differs with me, as I always have advocated fearlessly, sometimes against my own interest, that which I believe is right and just for the best interest of the N. A. L. C. The principle of right makes might should govern our organization and no personal attacks on an individual should be tolerated against him who advocates it.

The year 1919 just passed has brought about great changes in the world. From everywhere, the nearest to the remotest part of it, unrest has been noted. We look upon this condition as an effect of the war, or as something unreal. There are those who have studied and kept up with the world's events, have reasoned them out according to economic laws and see the cause of the effect that underlies it. There is the ordinary person who believes that the old order of things which he is used to will continue on and will not pass away, and does not notice the coming of the new order, signs of which are seen by those who use their minds to reason. It is not to be expected that those who always looked to those in authority, who had their minds trained to follow others, who claimed or acted to be of superior minds, will save or deliver themselves. The popular old idea of a saviour from the clouds, or some great leader on horseback haunts people still and many have read the world's history unside down. Great men are not great at all; only, then, when we are on our knees, every man is God's noble man: it is the way he looks at himself that counts. The people of the world are beginning to look at themselves; it is the new order that is coming, the old order is making its last stand and struggling hard in its death struggle, that is partly the unrest, and the other is the coming of the new order in its birth pains. All of the human race is affected by this change, more or less, and unconsciously all are taking part. We see conservatives arrayed against the radical. little realizing that the radical through some course of events changes to a very conservative, and vice versa, either for or against: there is no neutral ground in the spirit of progress.

suasion or force, they have been deprived of what is theirs. Society is so permeated with the idea of indirect government that any attempt for the people to direct their own affairs is met by suppression of holders of privilege.

It is not strange, then, to see the same tactics applied in our organization by suppression of the popular will of the membership through curtailment of the referendum law at the last convention. It is a stab at the very vitals of our Association. It is doing more to disrupt it, because it points out to the membership that the politicians of the big Branches, who through the controlling of a large delegation at the national convention of their own Branches, are able to create a favorable sentiment denied smaller Branches.

I pointed out in my last article in the August Postal Record in regard to the referendum, that three big Branches were able to defeat it. I say now they are able to carry or defeat anything their politicians want, as long as the membership of these Branches back them up. There is either going to be a rude awakening of the politicians of these big Branches through their own membership or the membership on the outside of these big Branches will take the bull by the horns and throw him overboard. It might be hard to get fifteen Branches, having a membership of three thousand members in three southwestern States, but, believe me, it will be fun to see the fur fly when we know we are battling for the right of every man in the old N. A. L. C. A stampede of Texas steers going through and over the fence will be a small comparison with the stampede that the rank and file of our grand organization will do when they realize the tight fence that has been built around them through the new referendum law.

Go it, boys! Tie down the safety valve on the boiler and steam her up and see it blow up in all directions.

How and why does all this affect the letter carrier, who as a Government employee has not the rights of other citizens, is governed by civil service rules and hampered by bureaucratic officialism? He

is like the rest of the people, a creature of his environment, and must help to work out the salvation of the whole race and through it help himself.

There is evidence which has been told in volumes of the difference in feeling and action of employee and official over the employee. It all points to that fundamental wrong in society of the use of power from above and denial of it from below. The people are the power, the rank and file, but through cunning and subtle per

sons.

Carrier $1,500 grade (now $1,650), in central Missouri wishes transfer with carrier in Colorado, New Mexico or Arizona. Good two-trip, foot route, part business, part residence. Want a transfer on account of wife's health. All communications answered; could arrange a transfer to R. F. D. Route here. Address Noel E. Edwards, Carrier No. 6, Columbia, Mo.

Carrier, $1,500, best office, New York City, will negotiate immediately for an early spring transfer to small first or second class city in Central or Middle Atlantic States. Address Columbia, care of Postal Record, Washington, D. C.

The kitchen is the most important room in the house from a health standpoint, says the United States Public Health Service. Keep everything about it and every one in it scrupulously clean.

Thousands of children are killed every year because parents say, "They will have it anyway," and permit the little ones to expose themselves to whooping cough, measles and scarlet fever, says the United States Public Health Service.

Boston, Mass.

The news of the death of the late David J. Gleason, of Branch 34, came as a shock to the letter carriers of the Boston District. Although his health had been failing for the past few years, he courageously remained at his post of duty until November 4, when his physical condition became such that he was obliged to quit work. He passed away on November 26, and his death was a distinct loss to Branch 34.

His friends and they were legion-had been aware for a long while that his health was failing and advised him to cease his activities in association work to go away for a while to rest and try to regain his health and strength.

His nature and disposition were such that he was never happier than when he could give his services to help in organization work or in the interests of his friends. He tireless worker and the nervous energy and the physical strain of his efforts sapped his weakened vitality to such an extent that when the collapse came the fight for life was hopeless.

was

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He was a past president of the Massachusetts State Association of Letter Carriers; he had been Vice President of Branch 34; was the delegate-at-large from Massachusetts to the national convention at Dalas, Texas, in 1917, and a delegate from Branch 34 to the convention at Philadelphia in September, 1919. Although suffering from the strain of the inroads and disease, on the occasion of his trips to these conventions, those who met him and made his acquaintance could not fail to be impressed with his energetic and honest advocacy of such measures as he believed to be for the best interests of the letter carriers. Probably but few outside of those who accompanied him from his home city realized what he was contending with on these occasions.

He was a man of high principle, loyal to his organization, true to his friends, always ready and willing to help those who were in need of assistance. He very rarely missed in his attendance at the meetings of the Branch and never hesitated to voice his opinions on any subject under discussion.

"Dave" Gleason, as he was best known, will be missed in the future meetings and gatherings of Branch 34. His friends will ever cherish his memory, and his loyalty and faith in the N. A. L. C. will serve as an example and incentive to all its members.

As we sorrowfully and reluctantly close the book of our departed brother, it will be a consolation to remember that we were fortunate to have known him, that he was our friend and associate, a good husband and father, a loyal and patriotic citizen, and a credit to the letter carrier service. Truly it can be said, "He was a man.'

WM. H. NAGLE.

Danville, Ill.

It seems like about a year since Danville appeared in this department of the Postal Record. I feel that the times are SO strenuous a fellow hardly has a breathing spell in which to gather up a few items to write about.

Ten years or so have flown by since the last route was added in Danville. I often wonder if other growing cities have the same proposition confronting them.

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We get a new factory ever so often, and the Chamber of Commerce tells the public how many more persons are being attracted to the city by them, while our routes keep on growing just like healthy babies till now they resemble baby elephants. course we get hopes every two or three years, when the Department sends inspectors here (that is, we think we're going to get relief) to see the amount of work we're doing. Now, the queer part of this inspection (which the inspectors tell us they hear everywhere) is that the time they come always strikes a light part of the month. What I contend is that every carrier knows that each month has possibly six decent days of work; the rest are generally not covered twice a day. Now, if we get an inspection at this time of the month we never will under God's blue sky get any

relief. We had an inspection last summer and thought we'd get an additional parcelpost truck, at least. We have only one truck now; city population 40,000. The Christmas rush is at hand and still no other truck.

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We held our election for coming year and Bro. J. E. Hiatt again steps into the limelight, this time as president. Brother Hiatt served Branch 311 faithfully recording secretary for many years; many, in fact, that he took a day off from Branch duties. We expect him to again put his shoulder to the wheel. Our great songster, Art Dare, will back up the president as vice president. L. I. White, the chronic kicker, will again serve as recording secretary. Who wouldn't kick when the average attendance is nine or ten out of twenty-seven members? The retiring president, S. N. Detweiler, who so successfully guided the Branch the past year, will serve as treasurer. Bro. A. L. Tharp will look after the affairs of the M. B. A., while Bro. C. A. Kaneen rounds up the slow ones in the N. S. B. A. Bro. O. L. O'Neal, the only husky guy in the Branch, will preserve order. Bro. H. W. Davis as trustee will keep an eye on the books for the next three years.

Branch 311 sent Senator Medill McCormick and Congressman Martin B. Madden a vote of thanks for their untiring efforts shown the carriers.

Our next meeting will be a smoker, also eats, installation of officers, etc. We expect a good crowd sure this time. LESLIE I. WHITE.

Clinton, Iowa

Iowa State Convention City for 1920. Branch 126 met in the swing room of postoffice, December 5, and after usual routine of business the following officers for 1920 were elected: President, Wm. H. Devine; vice president, Geo. Rehwoldt; financial secretary and treasurer, Leonard P. Skow; corresponding secretary, Frank M. Ordway; sergeant-at-arms, Hans Sorensen; trustees1920, Herbert A. Henningsen; 1920-21, Henning Henningsen, Jr.; 1920-21-22, Edward G. Grossman; delegate to State convention, Cornelius S. Petersen; alternate to State convention, Philip Burke. FRANK M. ORDWAY, Secretary.

Denver, Colo.

Because of the election of officers for 1920, the December meeting of Branch 47 might be likened to an "Annual Round Up." New and old members were present and the turnout was large. The anticipated hot contests for some of the high places did not materialize. Declinations were monotonous and as a result practically the "same good old gang" will continue to rule the roost as follows: President, J. C. Alderman; vice president. R. O. Buell; secretary, Fred P. Schafer; treasurer, George D. Dunham; financial secretary, Al Maage; collector M. B. A., F. A. Fisher; clerk N. S. B. A., Frank Bohlan: correspondent Postal Record, Frank M. Newman; trustees--George W. Reynolds, R. L. Ginn, and Henry J. Cokayne; sergeant-atarms, Walter Soule, and band trustee Al Graichen. Delegates to the Trades and Labor Assembly are Fred T. Williamson, John Rhinehart, J. C. Alderman, Frank Monroe, R. O. Buell and Harry H. Hegwer.

The local sick benefit association, composed of carriers and clerks, paid out in sick benefits in 1919 approximately $2,000. For the first time since the Association was formed in 1905 a period of a year (1919) elapsed without the payment of a single death claim. The mortuary assesment is $1, which provides a $300 fund or insurance for the beneficiary of a deceased member. The average number of deaths a year has been two. Exclusive of the mortuary assessment the members pay $1 a month to the sick benefit fund. At the end of the year any unexpended balance in the treasury is prorated to the individual members who have not drawn any benefits during that year. The refund to each member for 1919 was $7.

It is noticeable in Denver, as it must be elsewhere, that members of the local sick benefit organization also belong to the National Sick Benefit Association. As a consequence when they are ill they draw $10 a week from both Associations. Some members with are also affiliated other fraternal aid societies and many carry accident policies. One of the boys was recently heard to remark that he drew more money when he was sick than when he was well and on the job. Well, when one is ill he certainly needs the money. A dollar doesn't go very far nowadays, though it gets beyond calling distance. If we could all be sure that we would meet with unavoidable accidents and sickness while on duty, we could feel sure that we would come under the provisions of the Federal Compensation Law, and that our salaries would continue and that medical attention would be furnished to us. But life and events in life are uncertain. As a result of an automobile accident one old-time carrier received such an injury to his arm that he was obliged to resign from the service. As the accident occurred when he was off duty he had no recourse under the Federal law. Another old-time carrier here was instantly killed in a motorcycle collision, one Sunday afternoon, while coming from church.

To one unfortunate man in the service here, who lost his job, with no resources of any kind and no insurance, a substantial purse was raised by voluntary contributions for his wife and three small children, who were destitute. Our postmaster started the ball rolling and headed the subscription and the rest of us gladly followed suit.

This is, of course, commendable and but one instance of many occurring in many offices, and shows that our hearts are still in the right locality. But it is far more commendable for the man himself to provide, as far as he is able, for the unseen and not render himself a recipient of charity, which is never conducive to one's pride or character, and it must lower one even in one's own self-esteem.

These cooperative mutual aid associations are needed institutions for they give the members a lofty independence at little or no cost.

In looking out for the rainy day, whether it comes or not, there is always a feeling of satisfaction which the uninsured man never can feel. This is worth something

in itself. The insured man can tell "Old Man Worry" to go chase himself. The uninsured man is always chasing "Old Man Worry," and that in itself brings sickness and more worry. The safest way to ward

off both is to get rid of the worry at the start and join up. If you think that you can't afford it right now, think again, for right now is the time you can least afford not to afford it. "So, Barney McShane, come in out of the rain."

FRANK M. NEWMAN.

El Paso, Texas

Regular meeting of Branch 505 was held in the Civil Service room of the postoffice, December 9, 1919. A large and enthusiastic number of boys were in attendance. After the regular routine of business a lengthy discussion was had as to whether we should become a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, and it was decided to table the same until the next meeting.

The following were elected to preside over the destinies of Branch 505 for the following year: F. M. Lang, president; 0. K. Smith, vice president; R. B. Roscoe, recording secretary; A. F. Berner, financial secretary and collector of M. B. A.; F. F. Murphy, clerk of N. S. B. A.; Alfred Montestrue, sergeant-at-arms.

Wednesday night a banquet was given in honor of the returned soldiers and sailors of the El Paso postoffice at the Sheldon Hotel by the employees of the office and a few of the railway postal clerks.

Speeches were made by Postmaster Shelton, ex-Postmaster J. A. Smith, Majors R. F. Burges and T. J. McCamant, under whom most of the boys served.

Mayor Chas. Davis thanked the men on behalf of the citizens of El Paso for their services.

Bro. Hugh Royal reviewed the war, stressing the atrocities of the Germans. He declared the dearest shot the enemy fired was the one which sank the Lusitania.

Miss Estella Levy read a humorous account of what the local men did in the army and navy. She said, in speaking for the lady employees, that she knew everybody was glad "the gang's all here." None of the office employees who served over