VOL. XXII

Missouri

The State secretary has received sixteen letters from Branch secretaries that begin with, "Find money order enclosed for per capita," and end with, "Will see you at Sedalia."

Our national State vice president, L. L. Travis, deserves special praise for his untiring efforts in organizing the remaining free delivery offices in Missouri. Most any one can organize the first half, but it takes tact, talent and perseverance to get the last few.

We are glad to note the fact that harmony exists in our State Association between the first and second-class offices. We know no "bosses" and we want none.

I. L. Box, vice president, Missouri State Association, is one of our young Missouri hustlers. He was born at Decatur, Ark., in 1884, has been a carrier at Joplin, Mo.. for the past five years and covered himself with honor as toastmaster at the Joplin clerk-carrier banquet. Mr. Box is a representative of the true type of carrier in southwest Missouri; never aggressive, yet willing and ever ready to advance the best interests of the N. A. L. C.

It is to be hoped that each Branch in the State of Missouri will send a delegate (not a proxy) to the Sedalia convention. What we need is your presence and your assistance to make the Missouri State Association the best in the United States. We will have a large list of prominent men in attendance, and it will require an extra effort on the part of each delegate to keep out of the shade and in the limelight.

success.

The clerk-carrier banquet, held at Joplin, New Year's night, was certainly a decided The Joplin boys conceived the happy idea of gathering together representatives of the various branches of the postal service. They invited postmasters, clerks, carriers, substitutes and rural carriers, with Colonel Morgan, Congressman-elect from the Fifteenth Congressional District, as the guest of honor.

After the installation of officers by Branch 366, N. A. L C., and of the clerks, Branch 793, we were escorted to the banquet hall, where we listened, as the latest airs were rendered by an orchestra that might well be the pride of any city; and we yearned for a never satisfied appetite as the tempting courses passed, only to be replaced by others. Finally, the toastmaster, Mr. I. L. Box, reminded those present that they were expected to respond when called upon, but to make their remarks brief and to the point, and then called on Wilbur Robinson, who reviewed the past by mentioning what the carriers had accomplished in the way of an eight-hour day. life tenure of position and salary legislation. Mr. Robinson suggested that the carriers organize a bonding company; manufacture uniforms and help to establish a home for disabled carriers.

L. L. Travis, national State vice president, discussed the proposed thirty-day vacation at some length. Mr. Travis estimated that the increased vacation would

cost on an average of $5, or some $250,000 a year for the entire service. The increase in cost of service to be more than offset by making the service more attractive and securing better men, and by giving the older carriers in the service a chance to recuperate after each eleven months of service.

The State secretary spoke briefly of the good-will shown by the carriers and cited the fact that the Kansas City carriers carried the mail for 11.61 cents on the dollar of receipts for the year ending June 30, 1907, when they received $1,000 per year, and for the year ending June 30, 1908, when they received $1,100 per year, the cost of delivery was only 11.41 cents on the dol

I. L. BOX, Joplin, Mo.

lar. He also advocated the abolition of the $600 grade on the theory that a man with a family can not live on $600 a year, especially after passing through a two or threeyear sub list.

Messrs. A. M. McCaleb, C. R. Corby. A. I. Albright and F. L. Potter discussed issues from a clerical standpoint, while E. E. Duckett spoke in behalf of the rural carriers.

In the wee small hours of the morning the toastmaster was compelled to curtail the program and call on Colonel Morgan, who favored us with a hearty approval of our aims, past and present, and said he

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could see no reason why the postal service should be made self-supporting, as it served all the people, when other bureaus that served only a small portion of the people were operated without any receipts. Colonel Morgan we found a friend, and after the 4th of March we feel sure that Congressman Morgan will support all just legislation in favor of the postal employees. H. F. HENDERSON, Secretary.

Illinois

Under date of December 30, 1908, the following letter was sent:

To the Officers and Members of the Illinois State Association, National Association of Letter Carriers:

Information having reached the Executive Committee that R. F. Palmer, Joliet, Ill., who was elected president of the State Association at Danville, had been arrested and convicted on the charge of pilfering the mails, they removed said Palmer from the office of president of the State Association and have directed that Charles Haungs, of Peoria, Ill., who was elected vice president of the association, assume the office of president until the next convention. President Haungs has appointed C. F. Lauer, of Joliet, as vice president of the association.

The last State convention selected Champaign as the convention city. The Champaign carriers have requested of the Executive Committee that the date of holding the convention be changed to Monday, May 31, 1909. They believe that a much larger attendance can be had that day in view of the fact that Decoration Day comes on Sunday and the carriers will be entitled to the holiday on Monday. The Executive Committee have concurred in this request and directed that the next State convention be held in Champaign, Ill., Monday, May 31,

1909.

M. T. FINNAN, Secretary.

Nebraska

Omaha, the "Mecca" for the State cou vention.

Our next meeting will be held in Omaha, May 31, 1909. I earnestly desire that every office in the State will be represented by one or more delegates, as this meeting will be the most important meeting held in the State, owing to the various things that will come up in the interest of all carriers in the State.

I would kindly ask every secretary of his Branch to do all he can, with the cooperation of Branch presidents, to try and interest all members of his Branch in our M. B. A. insurance, as we have nothing connected with the National Association that appeals to the men of our organization as this one department.

The backbone of our N. A. L. C. is depending very largely on this class of men, because it has been demonstrated beyond a doubt that a man who tries to care for his family will likewise care for his fellowmen. It was my good fortune to see some of the best men in the organization installed in the position of caretakers of this M. B. A. department.

Gentlemen, let us be on the alert and assist in advancing this home protection de partment. We can also improve the conditions in your immediate office by getting closer together and discussing every subject that affects you, or your brother carriers' interest. Talk to your wives about this and don't be afraid to explain fully every detail and benefit she and the children will derive from this insurance.

I regret to say that our percentage of members is smaller than many States that are younger than we are in the M. B. A., and the fault is ours.

Our Accident and Sick Benefit is one of the "God-sends to smaller offices," quoting the words of Brother C. B. Newton, national State vice president for Nebraska. I agree with him and am only too glad to state that I am personally acquainted with the brothers who have charge of this very-much-needed and commendable department of our N. A. L. С. You may think I am putting it strong when I say that no department of the N. A. L. C. has a more efficient set of men than the Accident and Sick Benefit, and they have accomplished more than we older members anticipated. Our weakness many times lies in the fact that we are too afraid of criticism. A fair criticism is healthful, acts like a tonic and sharpens our intellect, but an unfair criticism carries no weight with men, and that is the only element we need to cater to-men.

In conclusion I will say that we must wake up, become active and do something. I would like to have the names of all the newly-elected secretaries for 1909, as I would like to correspond with the various Branches in the State, for I think we can be better posted by being in touch with the Branches.

E. G. ROZZELLE, State Secretary.

Indiana

To whom it may concern:

By order of J. W. Brass, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Indiana Letter Carriers' State Association, the date of the next convention, to be held at Evansville, has been changed from May 30 to July 5, 1909.

ANNUAL CALL FOR PER CAPITA TАХ.

The annual per capita tax of the Indiana LLetter Carriers' State Association is due on or before March 31, 1909. Any Branch failing to pay same on or before the above date will be fined 10 per cent and must stand suspended until full amount has been paid. The tax is twenty-five cents on each member.

In accordance with the vote passed at New Haven, February 22, 1908, the Fifteenth Annual Convention of the Connecticut State Association of Letter Carriers will be held in Odd Fellows' Hall, State Street, Meriden, Conn., February 22, 1909. The convention will be called to order promptly at 2 p. m., and accredited delegates and alternates are requested to report to the credential committee immediately upon their arrival. Branches or delegates intending to present resolutions should forward a copy of same to Mr. P. F. Reardon, Meriden, not later than February 20. By complying with the foregoing, it will greatly accelerate matters and expedite the business of the convention.

This convention and its attendant exercises are destined to be of more than formal occurrence, from the character of those attending and the interest manifested by those in authority. An invitation has been sent to Dr. C. P. Grandfield. First Assistant Postmaster General. Invitations of a similar character have been extended to our Senators and Members of Congress; also to His Excellency George L. Lilley. Governor of the State, the postmasters of the free delivery offices and many of the prominent men of Meriden.

It is with feelings of satisfaction that we have the pleasure to announce that our esteemed National President, Wm. E. Kelly, has assured us of his presence. This alon should awaken the interest of every carrier, and all should embrace this opportunity to hear and meet a man so ably qualified to represent our organization.

The local committee of Branch 227, of Meriden, is making due preparation for the reception and entertainment of visiting carriers. A banquet at 6 p. m., unequaled by anything in the history of our association,

is guaranteed, and from the many favorable responses received from those invited, many of whom are gifted with wit and wisdom, the post-prandial exercises will be not only entertaining, but instructive as well.

Every free delivery office in the State being affiliated and in good standing with the National and State Associations the attendance should surpass that of any previous convention. Trusting the best interests of all will be conserved we assure all a pleasant and profitable time.

THOS. M. BRENNAN,
State President.

WM. C. DIETRICH,

State Secretary.

St. Paul, Convention City, 1909

The following were installed at the last meeting of Branch 28, to hold office until the St. Paul convention shall have passed into history: President, A. J. McCarthy; vice president, J. E. Lackey; recording secretary, F. M. Truax; financial secretary, J. B. Grogan; treasurer, J. A. Hogan; sergeant-at-arms, E. J. Lavocat; insurance collector, Geo. T. Drake; retirement clerk, A. W. D. Stegner; trustee, F. A. Dehn.

The vice president's duties being mainly imaginery, the undersigned was also se lected as correspondent of the Postal Record to relieve Brother Truax, who assumes the arduous duties of recording secretary.

In accordance with the suggestion of Secretary Cantwell, a committee of substitutes was appointed to compile information and report through the secretary to him. It is a good move. It gives me an ague fit to think of my own subbing days in 1893-4. When I see some of the difficulties that beset them now I am tempted to deny that I was ever such a foolish creature as a sub.

Also, in accordance with the National Secretary's suggestion, a committee was appointed to consider the efficiency record plan with a view to suggesting for Branch action recommendations for such changes as the everyday experience of letter carriers would indicate to be for the best interests of the carriers and at the same time consistent with the highest grade of service. It speaks well for the standing of our association with the Department, and indicates a kind and considerate attitude on the part of the Department officials, when such a suggestion can be openly made by our National Secretary, being, however, on a par with Brother Cantwell's letter to Senator Penrose, calling attention to a shortage of $600,000 in the last appropriation, and requesting the Senator to call upon the Department to see if he was not correct. Both of them or either one of them should forever silence the knocker who draws on an overwrought imagination to bring forth stories tending to show that the Department has no use for the association.

Nor are the relations between Postmaster Yanish and Branch 28 any less cordial. Mr. Yanish has always shown a disposition to meet the Branch more than half way, and at the last meeting of the Minnesota State Association, invited suggestions from carriers in matters connected with the service. It is safe, therefore, to say that, however he may view any recommendations, they will be treated on their merits and not pigeonholed.

With such action taken all over the country, there is no doubt that, while not all can be satisfied, the situation can be materially improved. Remember the devising of an efficiency scheme for a set of men working under such varying conditions as letter carriers is a task of the greatest magnitude. In fact, to devise one that will fit all cases is an impos

sibility.

Don't think that we are losing sight of the coming convention because we are dealing with these other matters. Our Minnesota ozone with the mercury hugging the bottom of the thermometer and the sun by day and the stars by night shining brightly in a cloudless sky, don't encourage laziness. A little work now for the common welfare of the carriers and substitutes and the September convention will be a celebration. Then we can't always be at the same thing. For instance. I had to stop delivering mail the other day long enough to thaw out my chin with (But don't think you will have to do that in September. Even if it were held

now, the convention would probably be warm enough to save any sensitive cains.) Then, just before the Christmas rush I deliberately took a mail lock which I had just thawed out with my hand in to Superintendent Hadlich's house and dried it out by holding it over a gas jet. It took a little time, but was I not thankful during the Christmas rush that I had done it. Then my friend, Geo. Gauthier, forgot for a few minutes the other day that he was a letter carrier, as he exerted himself putting out a fire and rescuing a baby from a snowdrift into which his mother had thrown him in her frenzy. He lost the time, of course, but being a mounted carrier, laid it out on the horse, and managed to get back on schedule time.

In answer to Bro. J. F. Poe, of Indianapolis, who requested me some months since to explain the origin and meaning of the expression "ground-hog case," having made fruitless inquiries, I shall have to admit that it is a "ground-hog case;" that I shall have to give it up.

But now I have a question to ask Brother Poe which may possibly tax his ingenuity. It is this: "During the past couple of months have you seen anything going through the mails that I have been told is called a post card?" Don't be too hard on the post card. It has a better effect on that deficit and the letter carrier's compensation with its one-cent stamp than a lot of sample copies that go for a cent a pound.

J. E. LACKEY.

National Ladies Auxiliary

Philadelphia, Pa.

The ladies who were at the Canton convention will remember the beautiful quilt embroidered with silver gray, an emblem of purity and service in which each of the thirty auxiliaries had a place, on which were the names of the members of their respective auxiliaries. It is a most beautiful work of love and art, and the lucky owner will surely gain a prize.

The N. L. A. officers are desirous of showing our Canton sisters how much we appreciate it, by sending out tickets to each auxiliary, asking them to do their share to make this effort a great success. One half the proceeds is to be donated to the Letter Carriers' Sanitarium, the other half to the N. L. A. treasury.

We trust each auxiliary will work hard, for our Sanitarium is worthy of our highest efforts to help them in the noble work they have undertaken. Only those who peruse our Postal Record can imagine the good work this home will and can do. Now, we want each secretary to take hold of the work. Tickets will be sent out by March 1, 1909, all returns to be made by August 1, 1909, so we may be ready to chance off the quilt at St. Paul, Minn., in September, 1909.

The reason one-half is for the N. L. A. treasury is that it was presented to the ladies by our Canton sisters to be disposed of at Canton, Ohio, in 1907, but owing to an oversight it was overlooked, and we will need the money at St. Paul convention; so we are willing to share our proceeds with the Sanitarium.

Ladies' Auxiliary to Branch 34. N. A. L. C., held their regular monthly meeting December 26, at the home of Sister Hurley. Ail business was suspended to allow President Philip Reagan, of Branch 34, to install the following officers: President, Mrs. Esther Lindsay; vice president, Mrs. Mary Brawley; recording secretary, Mrs. Rosella E. Cass; financial secretary, Mrs. Mary E. Duffy: treasurer. Miss Florence Cates: trustees, Mrs. Ellen Mehegan, Mrs. Margaret Hodgkins, Mrs. Kathryn Hurley. President Reagan was assisted by Brother Lindsay and they performed their duties in a very pleasing manner.

After lunch and coffee had been served Sister Hurley provided a fine musical program, which the visiting gentlemen enjoyed very much. At 11:30 the sisters and bro

thers of Branch 34 departed after thanking Sister Hurley for one of the pleasantest evenings since we received our charter.

Branch 34 invited the ladies to attend their installation on January 1, and we were royally entertained. The surprise of the evening came when each lady was presented with a fine box of candy.

Our Auxiliary will have a dancing party February 9, 1909, at Columbus Hall, Dorchester, and we hope to see our brothers (with their wives) out in full force. Boston Ladies' Auxiliary extends best wishes and New Year's greetings to all sister auxiliaries.

MRS. ROSELLA E. CASS,
Recording Secretary.

Allegheny, Pa.

Auxiliary No. 19 began the New Year with great success by adding seven new members to the honorary roll. We hope to have the name of every member of Branch 250, and, adding names to our honorary roll, means adding members to our auxiliary, as invariably the men are instrumental in having their wives join with us.

It certainly is to the interest of a carrier to have his wife become a member of the auxiliary, for it naturally follows that if she is an interested member, she will encourage him to take more interest in his Branch work, and attend the meetings. Then, instead of vacant chairs, there would be life and enthusiasm in his association.

Our January meeting was a very busy and interesting one. After our regular business, the following officers were installed by Mrs. James Shuff, assisted by Mrs. Elizabeth Bader: Mrs. Freeda Cunningham. president; Mrs. Nellie Nichols, vice president; Mrs. Maude M. McCreery, secretary; Mrs. Chas. Vogel, treasurer; Mrs. Philip Lebzelter, mistress-at-arms, and Mrs. Adolph Reuter, trustee for three

years.

After the installation the surprise committee (Mrs. Shuff, Mrs. Housten and Mrs. McCreery) took charge. The entertainment consisted of music by the carriers' orchestra and a piano solo by our Martha Shuff, followed by cake and coffee, and then by a cake-walk, in which Mrs. Aults won the prize. One of the surprises of the evening was the clever way in which Mr. Tatem conducted our auction, and after the sale was over, Mr. Housten found he had made a clean sweep.

MRS. MAUDE M. McCREERY,
Secretary.

Pittsburg, Pa.

Branch 42, Ladies' Auxiliary, held their first reception and euchre at Central Armory Hall January 12, 1909. It was a grand success both financially and socially. There were over two hundred couples in the hall and all enjoyed a very pleasant evening. There were twenty euchre prizes. After the euchre the hall was cleared and dancing was indulged in until 2 o'clock. The grand march was led by Brother scully and Sister Flanigan, the president of Branch 84, N. A. L. C., and Branch 42, Ladies' Auxiliary, respectively.

The ladies wish to thank the members of Branch 84 for their kind assistance, also to the members of the letter carriers' band, which kindly volunteered to furnish the music. The program was an excellent one under the direction of Professor Rocereto.

During the evening we succeeded in securing thirty new members. MRS. S. CONNOR, Secretary.

St. Louis, Mo.

The regular monthly meeting of Ladies' Auxiliary No. 11 was held at Phoenix Hall, Jefferson and Cass, and was well attended. The newly-elected officers were installed, after which the entertainment committee served an excellent lunch.

The entertainment committee feature, which was introduced by our amiable president, Mrs. Schoen, is becoming more popular each meeting.

On February 10 we are giving an afternoon euchre at our hall and would be pleased to have all our friends, especially those eligible to membership, attend, feeling assured they will have such an enjoyable time they will fill out an application card

at once.

CORRESPONDENT.

Detroit, Mich.

Auxiliary No. 29 held their annual installation of officers on Wednesday afternoon, January 13, at the home of the secretary, Miss Hathaway. We had a fine showing, twenty-eight members being present. Our National President, Mrs. Dora Carll, was present to install officers for 1909. The ladies all spent an enjoyable afternoon, singing, reciting and telling stories. At 5:30 p. m. a very fine supper was served and at conclusion of meal the ladies presented the National President with a handsome basket of flowers, as a small token of the pleasure and appreciation of Auxiliary 29, in being able to have among us one of the national officers.

We all hope that every Auxiliary will have as good a time as we at their installation and we hope to increase our membership until we rank as one of the largest Auxiliaries.

We are going to give a public pedro on Saturday evening, January 23, at carriers' hall, and expect a large crowd of carriers and friends.

Ladies' Auxillary No. 29 sends greeting to all our sister Auxiliaries and hopes they may grow as rapidly as we are. Perseverance brings its own reward, and we are pushing forward as fast as we can. MISS HATHAWAY, Secretary.

Philadelphia, Pa.

The regular meeting of Ladies' Auxiliary No. 3 was held January 12, 1909. After the usual routine of business, the following officers were installed: President, Susan Barndollar; vice president, Theresa Myers; recording secretary, Elmira Harvey; financial secretary, Clara Snyder; treasurer, Clara McGeoy; stewards, Mary Martin and Elizabeth Haig; trustees, Sarah Birchall and Mary J. Nutt in place of Sister Barndollar, resigned. Sister Nutt was elected to serve balance of Sister Barndollar's unexpired term of two years. Kathryn Larkins was duly installed by the installing officer, on account of her be.ng physically unable to be present, it being the wish of the auxiliary.

a

Annie E. Duckworth, National Secretary, installed the above in a very creditable manner. After the installation, and speech from each new officer, the National Secretary spoke to us on behalf of the good work we could do the incoming year, urging us to do our best to make 1909 a great

success.

We will have a Martha Washington tea party February 22, and we hope each sister will try to help us to her utmost ability. There is plenty of work for each of us, and a niche every one can fill. Sister Annie Dever is chairwoman.

We are glad to report that our sick ones are again restored to health, with the exception of our mistress at arms, who is very ill.

Hope to have some interesting reading about our tea party in the near future. ELMIRA HARVEY, Secretary.

Resolutions of Thanks

Whereas the members of Honolulu Branch 860, N. A. L. C., have realized the truth there is in the old axiom, "In unity there is strength;" also that it was largely due to the advice received from Acting Secretary M. T. Finnan that the carriers of this office were encouraged to press their demands on the postmaster for his recommendation to the Department for their promotion to the 4th or $1,000 grade; therefore be it

Resolved, That we, the members of Honolulu Branch 860, N. A. L. C., do hereby express our heartfelt thanks to our worthy brother, who has so ably piloted us in this matter and through whose guidance we have obtained the increase; and further be it

Resolved. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the Postal Record for publication.

WILLIAM JONES,
President,
JAMES K. KAULIA,
Secretary.

Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov. 28, 1908.

Special Notice

"Time Manuals" supplied to carriers at 25 cents per year. four or six-trip book. Address Tate "Time Manual," Sta. "E," Baltimore, Md.

Francis A. Freer, Galesburg, Ill. Whereas Almighty God, in His mercy and wisdom, has removed from our midst our worthy and esteemed postmaster, F. A. Freer; and

Whereas our long association with our late postmaster endeared him to us all, not only in the daily routine of work do we miss him, but also as a friend will we feel the loss of one that has been very dear to us; and

Whereas our late postmaster, F. A. Freer, by his efforts in behalf of all postoffice clerks and carriers, and his unselfish devotion toward improving their conditions, leaves a vacancy in our midst that can not be filled:

Resolved, That we, the employees of this office, both clerks and carriers, extend to the family and relatives of the deceased our deepest sympathy and mourn with them in the loss they have sustained;

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the bereaved family, a copy to each of our daily papers, and one to each of the official papers of the United National Association of Post Office Clerks and the National Association of Letter Carriers.

H. L. ARNOLD,
W. J. TYNER,
A. E. HIGGINS,
Committee, N. A. L. С.

W. J. NELSON,
C. E. FITCH,
L. F. NORTON,

Committee, U. N. A. P. О. С.

Chas. Edw. Richards, Spokane, Wash. Whereas it has pleased our Heavenly Father to call from our midst, on December 5, 1908, our worthy brother, C. E. Richards; and

Whereas the members of Branch 442, N. A. L. C., feel this loss; therefore be it

Resolved, That this Branch extend to the bereaved ones its sincere sympathy and compassion in this their time of sorrow. And be it further

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread on the minutes of our Branch and a copy forwarded to his bereaved wife and to the Postal Record for publication. JOHN T. MOTTERS, P. F. MCDONALD, B. E. DAVIS.

Martin V. New, Oneida, N. Y. Whereas it has pleased the Almighty God to remove from our midst our beloved brother, Martin V. New, a charter member of Branch 423, N. A. L. C.;

Resolved, That in his death we mourn the loss of one of our stanchest supporters; one who by his many good qualities has endeared himself to every mem ber of our organization; and be it

Resolved, That we tender to the bereaved family our deepest sympathy in their loss; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be engrossed in the minutes of our Branch, that a copy be sent to the family, and also same to be furnished the Postal Record. U. S. JOHNSTON, Rec. Sec.

Resolutions of Appreciation Whereas the Honorable Jno. A. Moon, M. C. from this, the Third Congressional District of Tennessee, has shown that he is the friend of the workingman, and especially of the letter carriers, and by his work in and out of Congress he has proven the same; and

Whereas he has, whenever the opportunity offered, plead our cause and was ever watchful of our interests; and wishing to show our appreciation of same; be it

Resolved, by Branch 62, National Association of Letter Carriers of Chattanooga, Tenn., That a vote of thanks be and is hereby tendered the Hon. Jno. A. Moon, heartily thanking him for his efforts in our behalf; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be presented to him, and that a copy be sent to the Postal Record for publication.

R. B. LANE.