Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 May 1903 — PAYNE FINDS DEFICIT. [ARTICLE]

PAYNE FINDS DEFICIT.

Will Ask Congress for sa Approprl* ation far tbs Postal Service. Postmaster General Payne haa announced that he would isk Congress for an appropriation to cover the deficiencies in the regular free delivery and the rural free delivery service. The total deficit amounts to more than $227,300, of which $121,000 is in the rural free delivery branch. It Is not considered feasible to cripple the service in qfder to make good the deficit. In discussing the matter the Postmaster General criticised A. W. Machen, general of the free delivery system, now absent on indefinite leave. “This is not the first time that a deficiency has occurred in the free delivery service,” said Mr. Payne, “bat I regret its existence. It is very reprehensible for a bureau officer to have a deficit of $200,000 rolled up on the Ist of May. It was bad, very bad administration. A bureau officer rhould not incur a deficit without consulting his superior officer, the Postmaster General. I cannot stand for that kind of administration and I do not approve of it. An official must be held to a more strict accounting. I do not say that there was anything criminal or anything wrong in Mr. Machen’a action, but it was certainly loose administration, and be should have had his business more in hand. I believe, however, that Congress will quickly vote the money to cover the deficiency.” Mr. Payne said that the matter would be looked into’and a communication might be sent later to Mr. Machen asking for an explanation of the condition of affairs. The entire map work of the rural free delivery service has been suspended and no more maps will be made before the beginning of the next fiscal year. The funds for this purpose have been exhausted. The fact that Mr. Machen in April reported that the rural delivery deficit was $20,000, instead of the $121,000 now reported, cau.ed much comment. Mr. Machen explains that his figures covered the time up to May 1, whereas the figures given out later are estimates up to June 80.