Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 December 1898 — GOOD MAIL SERVICE IN WAR. [ARTICLE]

GOOD MAIL SERVICE IN WAR.

Chief Subject In the Annual Report of the Postmaster General. The most interesting review of the postal service for some years, owing to its operations in military and naval fields, is the report of Postmaster General Charles Emory Smith. It tells of the work accomplished and policies aitepted in territorial acquisitions. The Postmaster General says: The war entailed the necessity of a mllitsry postal service, and prompt measures were required for handling the malls of an army of 25o,(K)t* men. Large postoffices were suddenly created at the camps of concentration. the exigencies of constant changes uml movements were met, utul the milltur} and nival forees on active service In the West Indies and Philippines hml prompt ami constant pos al communication with home Trained clerks were detailed from available points. Railway mall ears were stationed at convenient points on side tracks ns postoffices. When our troops advanced Into tuba the postal service advanced with them. When Santiago surrendered Postal Agent Kben Brewer took possession of the postofflee of that city, which was made the military postoffice Now there nrc four deliveries lu the business portion of Santiago City and regular mall communication has been established with Havana and Intermediate seaports and with Jamaica and other West India Islands. Service also has been extended into Santiago province. The postal service arcompiyiled our flna to Porto Rico. From Ponce It wn» extended us rapidly as different places passed Into our possession until now there are twelve military postal atatlons there, having postal connections with many smaller places. In the Philippines two military IMMtul stations have been established at Manila and Cavite, supervised by a veteran division superintendent detailed from San Kranclaco, and conducted by a force of railway mall ami postofflee clerks and agenta. asatated by detslla from the army of occupation. The acquisition of Hawaii has not thns far been followed by any change In our postal relations with that country. Hawaii already bus n good mall service, which Is more than self-sustaining. Postmaster General Smith calls attention to the rapid growth of the p<;stal busi-

ness in all its branches. In the last fiscal year the gross revenue was $89,012,618, against $33,315,479 in JBS9, and the gross expenditure $98,033,523, ngainst $36,542,804. The number of postoffices increased to 73,000 from 43,000. The estimate of revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1900, follows: Total estimated revenue • $100,958,112 Estimated expenditures 105,224,000 Deficiency for 1900, estimated.., 4,265,888