Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 62, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 March 1904 — O C. Halstead Explains a Little. [ARTICLE]

O C. Halstead Explains a Little.

Editor Republican: In order to define ray position a little more clearly, I will ask for space for the following statements: I was a delegate from Newton township io the Congressional con-, vention which met at Michigan City in June 1896. I then supported Mr. Crumpaoker, and have supported him at the polls on every occasion since then. I have never asked any favors at bis bands. You may ask why do I criticise bis conduct now? I would ask, why does be oppose the farmer’s interests? Everyone know*, that it is the farmer that gives the big majority to the Republican ticket in this Congressional district. In cities of 4000 inhabitants and upwards, the residents get their mail delivered twice daily.

Why should not tne farmer nave bis mail delivered once a day? Now if any -of Mr. Crumpacker’s admirers can give any plausible reason for his course in this matter, then 1 am ready to offer any apology that may be necessary, otherwise I feel that I owe him none. I have never been an office seeker, or place hunter, all I ask is fair treatment. I inclose a clipping from The Drovers Journal of March 19th. It is a debatable question to what extent the rural mail carrier will be benefited by an increase in salary if his jpresent privileges of express business is out off. Where work oan be done by them as agents that does not seriously hinder the delivery of the regular mail, we believe the privileges should be theirs. If not, then their compensation should be something nearer to the city letter carrier who gets about SI,OOO and furnishes his shoes. Your’s truly, O. C. Halstead-