Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 38, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 February 1906 — RURAL MAIL CARRIERS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

RURAL MAIL CARRIERS.

There Are 34,000 Now Doing Service for Uncle Sam. The number of rural mail carriers now in the service of the United States

is 34,660, of whom 250 are women. On account of the rigorous nature of the duties women are not appointed except in cases where no men applicants are found upon the eligible registers. As a general proposition, however, the supervisors testify unanimously that women have shown themselves to be just as capable and efficient as men. There are women carriers in 36 States and one territory. lowa has 34, tho largest number; Illinois 28, Michigan 19, Indiana 14, Kansas 13, Missouri 11, qnd other States smaller numbers. The morale of the rural carriers is remarkably good, and always has been. Out of 34,660 employes, only 214‘were discharged for cause last year, of whom only 26 were dishonest and 30 had violated instructions or,4he regulations of the service. It is doubtful whether any other organization, either public or private, can show so good a record. At the same time there have been numerous instances where the greatest heroism and nerve have been exhibited, and an extraordinary devotion to duty during storms, washouts, floods and blizzards, when the carriers' continued their service regardless of danger and suffering. The rules of the department do not makej;ny allowance for the weather. The regulations require every carrier to start at a certain hour and maintain a regular schedule and arrive at given points at approximately the same moment day after day; and they are required to cover a prescribed distance, and make their circuit Without deviating therefrom under any circumstances, sick or well, storm or sunshine, and they do it The number of complaints is very small and the cases requiring discipline are very few.

WHERE THE WRECK OCCURRED.