Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 January 1907 — G. F. MURRAY FOR POSTMASTER [ARTICLE]

G. F. MURRAY FOR POSTMASTER

For some considerable time past the interest of the people of Rensselaer and vicinitv, for want of any tiding more profitable to engage their attention, has been centered on the question of who would be their next postmaster. Now the matter is settled and our citizens can think of something else, how to boost the electric road, for instance. At one time and another there have been five or six candidates in the field, but probably at no time were more than two of thei a ever seriously considered. These were R. B. Porter, our former county recorder and George E. Murray, the well known merchant and head of the George E. Murray Company department store. Both are excellent and popular men of the highest character and with two such men to choose from there was no chance of making a bad choice. The contest between the two men has been decidedly active but with no bitterness however, nqr has there been at any time anything but the ut most good feeling manifested between any of the candidates and alleged candidates. As against the ideal perfection of each of the twj men’s claims it was felt that Mr. Porter’s having so recently had the best paying office in the county that of Recorder, for eight years was something of a handicap in his race for the postoffice; while on Mr. Murray’s part the only consideration to be urged again.-t him was that he already had so large and prosperous a mercantile busi ness on his hands. In neither case however was the objection considered very important by the people and there was no danger of any general dissatisfaction no matter which of the two the choice fell upon, and which happens to be Mr. Murray, his choice by Congressman Crumpacker having been announced from Washington Sunday. The change of postmasters will take place in April. The office salary here is fl,Boo with MOO allowed for deputy hire, $275 for rent and some $56 for fuel and lights. Thus from a financial point of view the office is pretty fair plum, but at it is a most laborious, ex. icting and worrisome position and the men who dont get it, escape considerable as well as lose considerable. Mr. Murray will not remove the office from its present position, but has made no arrangements for assistants. F. B. Meyer the present P. M. intends getting back Into the drug business, but whether here or some other town he is not yet ready to state.