Hitherto, this Association has refrained from involving itself when the question of postage rates were up for consideration. Quite properly, we have held that between postal revenues and postal employees' salaries there was no just basis of connection. The recent attempt to reduce letter postage to a one-cent basis was so palpably absurd, however, and so certain to further cripple the service, that a determined stond was taken against it. In so doing, this Association contributed a useful public service.

As time passes it becomes apparent that if the postal service is to be restored to anywhere near its former standing, either in its plan of operation or the esteem of the people, then first of all there must be a complete change in its administrative policy. There must be a new idea. The main objective should be service and not surplus. An efficient service for the people should be the first consideration and all administrative plans should be designed primarily with this end in view. This purpose can only be achieved by the maintenance of a service that is properly manned, with a standard of wages and working conditions that will attract and hold competent employees. It is such a policy that the people want; and they are willing to pay for it. Therefore, postage rates should be adequate to cover the operating expenses of just such a service and this is the only right way "to equalize postal revenues and expenditures." If the observance of this policy entails a substantial increase and above existing rates of postage, then let there be no hesitation in ordering such increases. It is the only right way to run the service. Practically every other country has been called upon quite recently to meet a similar problem, and they have met it by increasing postage rates, sometimes than 100 per cent. It is the right way. If postage rates are inadequate, increase them until they are adequate.

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Resolution by the Board of Aldermen of New York City

By ALDERMAN HAUBERT Whereas the Post Office Department has in its employ a great many aged and infirm employees; and

Whereas the necessity for efficient Government service demands the retirement of these aged employees who have served faithfully, but, owing to increasing years are unable to render the service required; and

Whereas the great nations of the world, our most important railroads and many more successful trade corporations have found it a matter of economy to retire old employees with an annuity; and

Whereas in this, the leading country of the world, there is no provision made for the retirement of superannuated Government employees, but, when age overtakes them they are cast aside without consideration for their declining years; therefore, be it

Resolved. That the Board of Aldermen of the City of New York in the interest of humanity and fairness endorse the Lehlbach Retirement Bill (H. R. 3149) and hereby respectfully requests the two United States Senators from the Empire State and the members of Congress representing the districts of the City of New York to use their best efforts to effect its speedy enactment into law; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Hon. Fred. R. Lehlbach, Hon. Frank W. Mondell, Hon. Martin B. Madden, Hon. Thomas B. Dunn, Hon. Nichol's Longworth, Hon. Samuel E. Winslow, Hon. Daniel R. Anthony, Jr., Hon. Frederick H. Gillett and Ed. J. Cantwell, editor of the Postal Record, Washington, D. C.

In Memoriam

Resolutions under this head 10 cents per line

J. C. Seifred, Los Angeles, Calif.

Whereas the Great Reaper has seen fit to gather unto Himself one of our much beloved fellow-workers and companions, "Happy" Seifred; and

Whereas by his departure the station where he labored so faithfully; the neighborhood he served so well; and the large circle of friends that knew him so long feel the loss of his presence so keenly; therefore be it

Resolved, That the members of Branch 24. National Association of Letter Carriers, in regular session desire to express their sincere grief over the loss of our friend and brother, over the loss of one whose smile ever radiated the sunshine that was in his soul; therefore be it

Resolved, That this expression of our sorrow and esteem be published in the Postal Record and also that a copy be sent to the bereaved wife and sons who are left to mourn the loss of a husband and father. B. E. DAVIS,

J. S. WINCHESTER,

President. Secretary.

H. M. Arnold, Los Angeles, Calif. Whereas it has pleased the Great Physician to grant surcease of suffering to our departed brother; and

Whereas we have lost a faithful member from our ranks, a devoted father from the home, and a loyal member of Branch 24 therefore be it

Resolved, That we hereby express our sorrow over his departure from this life; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be published in the Postal Record and that a copy of same also be sent to the bereaved family of our departed brother. B. E. DAVIS,

President.

J. S. WINCHESTER,

Secretary.

Alonzo C. Kassenbrock and William W. Kinnier, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Whereas Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has removed from our midst our beloved brothers and co-workers, Alonzo C. Kassenbrock and William W. Kinnier, and

Whereas by their death the Brooklyn postoffice has lost faithful and efficient servants, S. S. Cox Branch 41 good and faithful members, and their wives and families loving husbands and devoted fathers; therefore be it

Resolved, That we the members of S. S. Cox Branch 41 in meeting assembled do express our sincere sorrow at the sudden demise of our esteemed brothers, and extend to their wives and families our deepest sympathy in this their great bereavement; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread on the minutes of this Branch and that a copy be sent to the Postal Record for publication. WILLIAM A. MONAHAN. President. DANIEL J. CAHILL, Secretary. WILLIAM J. O'CONNOR, Station T.

Timothy A. Collins, Watertown, N. Y.

At a special meeting of Branch 302, N. A. L. C., held Thursday, March 11, 1920, the following resolutions were adopted:

Whereas it has pleased the Almighty Ruler of the Universe to remove from our midst our late Bro. Timothy A. Collins; and

Whereas it is but just that a fitting recognition of his many virtues should be had; therefore be it

Resolved by Branch 302, N. A. L. C., that, while we bow with humble submission to the will of the Most High, we do not the less mourn for our brother who has been taken from us.

Resolved. That in the death of Timothy A. Collins this Branch laments the loss of

a brother who was ever ready to give aid, advice and sympathy whenever it was needed; an active member of our associa tion whose endeavors were exerted for its welfare and prosperity; a friend and companion who was dear to us all; a public servant who has done his work cheerfully and well.

Resolved, That the heartfelt sympathy of this Association be extended to his family in their affliction.

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this Branch, and a copy thereof be transmitted to the family of our deceased brother and to each of the daily newspapers and the Postal Record. CHARLES S. HARDY, C. W. McCORD. JAMES F. MCGRANN.

Charles L. Richardson, Watertown, N. Y.

At a special meeting of Branch 302. N. A. L. C., held Thursday, March 26, 1920, the following resolutions were adopted:

Whereas it has pleased the Almighty Ruler of the Universe to remove from our midst our late Bro. Charles L. Richardson. and

Whereas it is but just that a fitting recognition of his many virtues should be had; therefore be it

Resolved by Branch 302, N. A. L. C., that, while we bow with humble submission to the will of the Most High, we do not the less mourn for our brother who has been taken from us.

Resolved, That in the death of Charles L. Richardson this Branch laments the loss of a brother who was ever ready to give aid, advice and sympathy whenever it was needed; an active member of our Association whose endeavors were exerted for its welfare and prosperity: a friend and companion who was dear to us all; a public servant who has done his work cheerfully and well.

Resolved, That the heartfelt sympathy of this Association be extended to his family in their affliction. Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this Branch, and a copy thereof be transmitted to the family of our deceased brother and to each of the daily newspapers and the Postal Record. CHARLES S. HARDY, C. W. McCORD, JAMES F. McGRANN.

Francis A. Macauley, Newark, N. J. Whereas Almighty God in his unfailing wisdom has taken from our fold our beloved brother and co-worker, Francis A. Macauley, and

Whereas by his demise his loving wife and family have suffered a loss beyond expression of the human mind, and

Whereas Branch 38, N. A. L. C., has encountered an irreparable blow from the shock rendered it by the loss of our brother, for Mac, as he was affectionately called, was ever aggressive and untiring in his efforts to relieve the burden from the shoulders of his fellow workers. Therefore be it

Resolved, That Branch 38, N. A. L. C., in congregation extend to the bereaved wife and family our undying sympathy in their hour of distress, and be it further

Resolved, That the charter of our Branch be draped for a period of thirty days, and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of our departed brother, a copy engrossed on the minutes of this Branch and a copy forwarded to the Postal Record for publication.

PHILIP A. CLARK,
LEWIS LEVI,
WILLIAM H. LA RUE,
Committee.

The other day we observed a mail carrier who was about bent double under the weight of more than a hundred-weight of mail composed chiefly of magazines and packages. The poor fellow was compelled to trudge along the street with bag heaped and arms filled, and at the same time decipher addresses, deposit mail, ring bells, and otherwise serve the public. This labor under a hundred-pound pressure on a cold day and for a salary that a plumber or carpenter would laugh at-well, to say the least, it might mean good mail service, but it's poor male treatment.-Northwestern Christian Advocate.

State Association Comment

Washington

The Twentieth Annual Convention of the Washington State Association will hold forth at Walla Walla, Wash., Saturday, July 10, 1920.

From present indications there are many important matters to come before the membership at this convention and it is urged that all carriers who possibly can, make their plans early in order that we may have a large attendance.

While a number of our Branches are delinquent we feel that there is cause for encouragement in knowing that the great majority of the boys of the State are "sticking" through these strenuous times. Is it any wonder that a great many of the Branches throughout the nation are dropping out? We here in Washington feel that Congress has not given us all to which we are entitled. What are the actual conditions? While men of nearly all crafts have had their wages doubled, and even some tripled, the postal employee has had to be content with a 37 per cent increase, and where, pray, can we find an organization of men who have been more patriotic. more loyal and "on the job" than the letter carriers? We have not threatened to strike, we have cheerfully buckled into the added work of war time, we are laboring today under debts contracted through the war; so by all sense of fairness are we not now entitled to a living wage, to properly clothe and feed our families. What then is the solution? Must we forever beg and implore for a decent American living wage only to be handed a sop of a few dollars a month? We feel sure the Postal Commission will make a favorable report, but meantime, if this report fails to provide until July 1, 1921, there will be a great injustice done to a large number of faithful carriers.

The boys of Washington State expect to stand on the front lines battling for a respectful American wage and an equitable retirement law.

We respectfully request that President Gainor call on us at Walla Walla, Wash., on next July 10, and although this town contains our State prison, we guarantee the boys of the East he need have no fear of that fact. We have not had a national officer since Ed. Cantwell came to Bellingham, years ago. So now, you Council of Administration, give us Ed Gainor, our worthy President, for Walla Walla, Wash., July 10, 1920.

ED. J. SNYDER, State Secretary.

Port Townsend, Wash.

Massachusetts

Το All the Letter Carriers of Massachusetts.

Brothers: The twenty-eighth annual convention of the Massachusetts State Association of Letter Carriers will be held in Springfield, Mass., on Sunday, May 30, 1920. The convention will convene at eleven o'clock a. m., in Hotel Kimball, the finest hotel in the country, where ample room will be provided for our meeting. Banquet will be held immediately after we adjourn. May 30 is an opportune date, the holiday will be observed the next day, and it is probable there will be "No Delivery," which will allow all attending the convention plenty of time to see the many points of interest in this beautiful city that will make the trip one to be remembered.

Springfield, "City of Homes," is famous for its natural beauty, its good schools, its pure water, its clean streets, its honest government, its public spirit and a live Branch of our Association that is making great preparations to make this convention a decided success. Plan to be in Springfield for the "Night Before" (Saturday, May 29), at Eagles' Hall, on Main Street, where you will be royally entertained.

Invitations have been extended to all the Congressmen from this State, also to our national officers, and we expect to have the pleasure of having Bro. John S. Foley, of the Executive Board. present and address the convention. Owing to the fact that he was the only member on the Advisory Committee to represent the Carriers before the Joint Congressional Wage

Commission, he will be able to give us some very important information, and those who hear him will go away filled with enthusiasm and a better knowledge of our affairs. An effort will be made to have Hon. George H. Moses, member of the Wage Commission, attend and speak at the banquet.

Due to the number of important developments affecting the interests of our membership in the time intervening since our last convention the attendance and interest should be the best ever. If no favorable legislation on our retirement or salary is passed by this time we can call it a protest convention, and if these bills are pending we can call it for the purpose of requesting urgent relief. To be or not to be $2,400 salary. Therefore have as many carriers as possible from your Branch come to Springfield.

Representation: Each Branch shall be entitled to one delegate. Each Branch having twenty-five or more members shall be entitled to two delegates. Each Branch having more than one hundred members shall be entitled to three delegates and to one additional delegate for each one hundred members or major fraction thereof in excess of the first hundred.

The per capita of ten (10) cents per member is now due, and I earnestly hope that every Branch in the State will send same with credentials to me on or before May 15, 1920.

Lowell, Mass.

MAURICE H. POWERS. State Secretary.

Executive Board:

Timothy B. McKeigue, President. William E. Carney, Vice President. Joseph J. McMahon, Treasurer.

Illinois

The Twenty-Second Annual Convention of the Illinois State Association of the N. A. L. C. will be held in Mattoon, Ill., July 30 and 31, 1920. Mattoon is a thriving little city, of easy access by rail as well as trolley, and is situated in a part of the State where a big rousing convention will do a world of good in creating new interest in Association work.

While the number of members in Branch 384. N. A. L. C., is small, they will do all in their power to show the delegates a good time.

Delegate credential cards will be sent out May 1 to all Branches so they will have ample time to elect their delegate, also arrange for their vacation.

Don't forget July 30 and 31 at Mattoon. CLARENCE BECKER, State Secretary.

Springfield, Ill.

by their Government, who they have so faithfully served, before they are compelled to drop off and be thrown onto the scrap heap of superannuated Civil Service employees.

Can you imagine any time in the history of our organization when your support and influence were more needed than at the present time? As organization secretary of our State Association let me urge that you step into line and help push.

To the few offices in Michigan that are not affiliated with either State or National Associations, let me suggest that you get in touch with Bro. W. D. Cathcart, of Muskegon, or National Secretary Ed. J. Cantwell, Washington, D. C., who will see you safely within the fold.

To those in good standing in the National Association, but not in the State, send your per capita dues to C. W. Kemper, of Lansing, our State Secretary, who will send your delegate cards and to those who are in good standing in both let me urge that you elect your delegate and have your Branch represented at our next annual convention at Flint on May 30.

Fall in

cent

Help us to help everybody. Let's go! Yours for a 100 per organization. W. E. VAN TINE, Organization Secretary.

Big Rapids, Mich.

PERSONAL

Carrier, Oakland, Calif., good two-trip residence route; would trade to Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena or vicinity. "Oak," care of Postal Record, Washington, D. C.

Carrier, $1.650 grade, Troy, N. Y., twotrip residential route, nice hours, desires to transfer to South; Florida preferred. Family reason. All letters answered. Address "Iluim," Postal Record, Washington, D. C.

Carrier, Baltimore, Md., wishes to transfer with clerk or carrier in New York, Chicago, Cleveland or within commuting distance of either. All communications answered. Address "Balto," care of Postal Record, Washington, D. C.

Carrier, Hutchinson, Kans., two-trip residential route, $1,650 grade, desires transfer to California or southern Oregon. All communications answered. If interested please write me. E. Faldtz, Hutchinson, Kans.

Carrier, $1,650 grade, 28,000 population, in central Kansas, desires transfer to San Diego, Calif., or vicinity. Would consider rural route. All communications answered. Address "Kansas," care of Postal Record, Washington, D. C.

Carrier, $1,650 grade, desires transfer, Oregon, Washington or California. Here is a chance for carrier to attend the Chiropractic School in Davenport, along with his duties. Write "Palmer," care of Postal Record, Washington, D. C.

Carrier, Brooklyn, New York City, N. Y., $1,650 grade, desiring to get in or near the country would like exchange with city or rural carrier in Connecticut, parts of New York, New Jersey or Massachusetts considered. Address. "Country Life," care of Postal Record, Washington, D. C.

Carrier, $1,650, nice city 30,000, southeastern Michigan. Exceptionally good district, best working conditions, fine officials. Will trade southward or to Wisconsin. Other directions considered. Child's health demands change. Address "Fine City," care of Postal Record, Washington, D. C.

Carrier, $1,650, Chicago, desires to trade with carrier first or second class office in California. Rural carriers and clerks please Address Joseph Williams, 2911 Broadway Avenue, Chicago, Ill.

answer.

The record of our patriotism during the world war, not only in the way of actual participation, but in the sale of Liberty bonds, thrift stamps, etc., shows the kind of stuff we are made of and now are we to sit idly by and see our postal service disintegrate and fall to pieces through lack Carrier, $1,650 grade, Sheepshead Bay, of interest in which our organizations, Brooklyn, N. Y., desires transfer to New are striving to keep before Congress the York State, New Jersey, Connecticut, ProviR. facts of the of the dence, I. Rural most urgent needs route considered. Beaumont service to keep it an efficient, "Carrier," 35 properly St., Station O, operating service as it has been in the past? Brooklyn, N. Y. Are you not aware that in the past two Is there a carrier, East or South, that years, especially in the larger cities, a wants to transfer to a good business and jority of the best men in the service are home town in Texas? Southern or Atlantic leaving our ranks and their places are State preferred. Personal reasons for wishbeing filled by an inferior grade of workers ing transfer. Address Cotton, c/o Postal who are pressed into service without even Record, Washington, D. C. the formality of an examination?

ma

Do you not know that we have a large number of old members who after giving long and faithful service to their country are still banging on, hoping against hope that some kind of relief may be given them

The Oak Park, Illinois, postoffice has five unfilled vacancies in the carrier force and no regular substitutes. Clerks. carriers, rural carriers or substitute caariers who wish to transfer to this office should write to R, C. Sherrard, postmaster, Qak Park, Ill,

The Irresistible Power of a United Front

Brother Buckingham, of Houston, Texas, in the April issue of the Postal Record. makes such interesting statements in several matters that interest us all that I cannot let them pass by unnoticed. He starts out by saying "that some brothers are trying to discredit the Branch at Monett. Mo., for the stand taken by them on the $1,000 raise in salary for our officers."

Now, as I was one of the members who answered Monett, I wish to say that it was not my intention to discredit any member who writes for this paper. What I did was to ask the brothers in Monett, who made the assertion that this Association is not properly conducted, to bring forth their proofs, if they possessed any, or cease that sort of talk. I did this in justice to the members of the entire Association and our national officers. I will reiterate what I said before.

If any one has reliable information that this Association is not properly conducted, then it is his duty to lay these proofs before us so that we may pass on them. And in all justice to the national officers, members should not be making careless remarks that cast serious reflection on them, if they are not able to back up what they say.

We are informed by the brother from Houston that it was not through the efforts of Brother Cantwell that we got our bonus. How gratifying it must be to know how much one's efforts are understood and appreciated! Well, now, I am reliably informed that practically every bill that has been enacted into law in the interests of the letter carriers bears the impress of Brother Cantwell's work. I will name some of the bills that are well known to all letter carriers and which were enacted into law through the untiring and never ceasing efforts of our national officers: the classification act; annual leave of absence to be exclusive of Sundays and holidays; a bill providing how salaries are to be computed compensatory time for Sunday employment; Sunday closing; Lloyd anti-gag law; abolishing of $600 grade; restoring collectors to their former salary; abolishment of appointment of temporary carriers; promotion of 85 per cent of letter carriers to maximum grades; granting of bonuses; postal employees joining the colors to be reinstated after honorable discharge to former position at salary they would have received had they remained at work; appointment of Joint Congressional Commission to investigate postal salaries. These are only a few of the laws that are beneficial to us, and were it not for the support they received from the national officers and the members it is doubtful if we would now be enjoying them.

Now, Brother Buckingham, it is my opinion that you should be rebuked for saying that the National Secretary, Ed. J. Cantwell, is "patting corporation lawyers on the back." Such language as that almost borders on scurrility. I have talked with men in this State and other States who are personally acquainted with Brother Cantwell, and they all say that he is a man of sterling qualities, upright and scrupulously honest and utterly incapable of doing such a mean thing as "patting corporation lawyers on the back." He is known to practically every Congressman and Senator and has the good will of them all.

I find in the February New York Branch item, that on January 4, 1920, Senator Willam M. Calder said: "When I entered Congress in 1904, I no sooner came to

Washington than I was met by my good friend. Eddie Cantwell, and was shown the high ideals your organization stood for, and the close relationship that existed between myself and Mr. Cantwell has continued ever since."

I

Everybody that has seen and met Brother Cantwell believes in him because they see in his quite unassuming, unostentatious manner a man convincing and sincere. know that because of the great amount of energy that Brother Cantwell has expended in our behalf he has injured his health. His intense loyalty to us is unquestioned. There is no dross in our Secretary's makeup. He is as solid and sound as pure gold. I do not know whether your remark was prompted by an attempt at serio-comic jocularity, maliciousness or that you are not fully conversant with the affairs of the Association, but anyhow I considered it poor judgment and that is the reason for this article.

Brother Cantwell's ability as an executive is recognized both in and out of the Association; it is undoubted, and were we

to lose his services our loss would be irreparable. We all owe him an everlasting debt of gratitude and we all should encourage and assist him at every opportunity instead of complaining unjustly, for it is just as easy to lend a word of praise and support as it is to make nonsensical remarks.

It was real interesting to learn that "our servants" (Senators and Congressmen) are receiving $1,000 per month. The last information that I received was that members of Congress received $625 per month for their services, and I sure would like to know who is spending $250,000 annually. The convention issue of the Postal Record shows that the total receipts from August 1, 1917, to July 31, 1919, were $132,083.80 and the disbursements for the same period -two years-were $130,096.99. Where do you get your information, or are you only guessing? I do not question the veracity of your statement in regard to the make-up of Congress, but at the "jollification meeting" your referred to, the hilarity of "our servants" will know no bounds when they read that "out of 435 members 330 of them are corporation lawyers sent to Washington in the interest of those corporations, and out of 96 Senators, 76 are corporation lawyers."

If corporation lawyers are in Congress, the people-made up of you and me and the rest of the country-put them there. In view of your statements and "a jackass, plus 10 per cent," I came to the conclusion while reading your article that your remarks are peculiarly asinine.

There is one way of remedying all these complaints and make our living conditions more tolerable. First, we must have har-. mony. With the leadership we have we can make progress even though some members of Congress appear antagonistic to us. We must stand squarely in back of our leaders and let our representatives know they are representing us. We must let Congress know our wants just as well as the Association. A short time ago one Congressman didn't favor a certain piece of legislation because none of his constituents let him know what they wanted. If the members of this Association would constantly petition Congress, in more or less commanding tones, to pass legislation beneficial to us we would soon get results, but if only a few communicate with their representatives they are like a person in a wilderness crying out for help. We must present a united front to Congress and the Commission on Postal Salaries and other Committees would soon wake up and realize that it is in the best interests of the country and the postal service to grant us a decent living wage so that we can lay aside something for that day when we will no longer be able to continue our hard work.

a

There is no need of rehearsing the story of how we attempt to get along on dollar that looks like thirty cents. for we all know too well that the semi-starvation salary we are receiving is not sufficient, but when we get the hearty cooperation on the part of every member we will get what we want, for the power of a united front will be irresistible.

Burlington, Vt.

LEO C. FLYNN.

Let Us Take No Backward Step

Those whose faces are ever towards the rising and not the setting sun will vote No upon the question of sustaining the action of the Philadelphia Convention in requiring an aggregate of 3.000 members instead of 150 in order to obtain a referendum. Every friend of progress and the I. and R. will vote No! upon the proposition. Every enemy of progress and the I. and R. will Vote Yes! The issue is clearly drawn and cannot be evaded. The Dallas Convention was a looking forward convention. The Philadelphia Convention, on the other hand, led by the reactionary delegates from New York, took a backward step. As William Jennings Bryan once said. "The wise men of the east are always reactionary." Note the uninstructed delegates to the Republican National Convention from New York. The papers stated the next day the "Old Guard" wins. In Ohio there will be a State-wide primary held on April 27 at which Republican voters can register their preference and Vote plainly either for Warren G. Harding or Leonard Wood. In other words, as far as the Republican National Convention is concerned, in Ohio, the rank and file of the voters will have their say. "The people will rule." In New York, so far as the Republican National Convention is concern

ed, the "Old Guard" will rule and the Republican voters of the rank and file can look on. That is the New York way of doing things not only in Republican national politics but in Letter Carriers' national conventions.

A writer in the last number of the Postal Record contends that there has been very little interest shown in the question now before the rank and file of the N. A. L. C. I contend there is a great deal of interest shown when the National Vice President takes the trouble to write an article a column long in defense of the action of the Philadelphia Convention in attempting to make it very difficult for the rank and file to obtain a referendum. The fact that seventeen Branches having an aggregate membership of 3,840 desired a vote upon this question showed that there is great interest this subject. Further,

taken in

I am receiving letters from all sections of the United States telling me of their opposition to the action of the Philadelphia Convention upon the question at issue. This surely does not show lack of interest.

The argument used that it is very easy to get a referendum even when 3,000 are required, on account of the fact that we succeeded in getting one upon this question. does not hold good. The reason why we succeeded in getting so many Branches with so large an aggregate membership is that the blow at the I. and R. was so outrageous an assault upon popular rule that it aroused the fighting spirit of every red-blooded member of the N. A. L. C., and we determined that by an overwhelming majority we would show the world that no little reactionary clique of New York could fasten such a rule with regard to the I. and R. upon us. I believe that the vote will show that I am right in my prophecy as to the storm of noes that will prove that at this time the rank and file do not propose to take a backward step from the action taken at the forward looking convention held at Dallas in 1917.

To quote the article of the opposition: "There is no difference between the interest of the small and the large cities." Again I disagree. I can remember when a certain maximum salary was proposed for the larger cities and a lesser one for the smaller cities. That was in 1896, at the Grand Rapids Convention, to which I happened to be a delegate. The smaller cities naturally arrayed themselves on the side of the same maximum salary for all cities. The larger cities took the other side of the question, namely, a larger maximum salary for themselves. Still the interest of large and small Branches is identical. In the smaller cities sub-carriers remain on the extra list for several years. In Cleveland a sub becomes regular before he has time to realize that he ever was a sub. And yet the sub question affects the large and small cities alike! Upon that question the interests of the large and small cities are identical!

At the Chattanooga Convention, most of the small Branches wanted James C. Keller for President and most of the large Branches, including New York, wanted John Parsons. And James C. Keller was elected. Still the interests of the large and small Branches are identical! At the Dallas Convention one of the candidates for the Executive Board stated openly that he was out seeking the support of the small Branches and that he wanted to show that a member from a small Branch would not be discriminated against and could get elected to that Board. By the way, he was defeated. And yet the interests of small and large Branches are identical!

Now I hope the brothers will weigh the arguments offered by both sides impartially. Because an argument is advanced by a National Vice President does not make it any stronger. Because it is offered by one of the rank and file does not make it any the weaker. We are all brothers and, according to the Declaration of Independence, free and equal. The polls are open, brothers. Do your duty!

us.

ROBERT G. HOLT.

It is not an unusual occurrence for Maher Brothers, Utica, N. Y., to hear from a carrier that he is now wearing the second or third season a uniform he bought from Frequently men write us that the coat and vest are still good after four or five years, adding that even the linings and pocketing are yet fairly good, but the trousers are "all in." To carry the story still further, there may be men in your own office who can show you one of our coats still in use for stormy weather, after ten years wear. We have letters to this effect. (Advertisement.)

I am still alive.

I am, therefore, among the number popularly supposed to have lost out, and entitled to raise the cry "Fraud."

Am I a victim of fraud? Did I lose out?
Let me see.

Nearly twenty-five years ago I entered into a contract for not exceeding $3,000 to be paid in the event of my death upon condition that I comply with the laws, rules and regulations then governing the United States Letter Carriers' Mutual Benefit Association and fund or that thereafter should be enacted by the National Association of Letter Carriers to govern said association and fund. Coming in under a proposition that all who joined before a certain date would get the old rate, which had been decided by a referendum vote to be inadequate, all who joined after that time to pay a higher rate, I must have known that I was entering on a risky undertaking. In 1905, at Portland, Oregon, a majority of a select committee of 31 recommended rerating at the N. F. C. rates, based on the age of entry, but a minority report recommended rates averaging 32 per cent lower, my own for age 39 to be $1.10 instead of $1.69, and the minority report was adopted. My bones and my lead pencil told me I would prefer to pay the $1.69, but I paid the $1.10, failing, however, to put aside the 59 cents saved to provide for wiping out the lien of $392 that now At confronts me, as I should have done. Rochester in 1911, after Mr. Abb Landis had clearly shown the absolute necessity of adopting the N. F. C. rates, they were adopted for new members only because it was utterly impossible to persuade the convention to raise the rates of the old members. This enabled us to continue doing business in the light of day without dodging the insurance commissioners but necessitated separate funds for the old and new members. Four years later at Omaha the old members were given the option of paying the N. F. C. rate at age of entry or having a lien placed on their certificates. This was another temporary makeshift, but was adopted by the representatives of the membership all over the country. At the Philadelphia convention in 1919 a majority of the committee of 31 recommended that all members up to and including 55 years of age re-rate at the N. F. C. rates at the attained age, and that members over 55 be given the use of $472,000 of reserve to bring their rate down to that at age 55 or as near to it as possible, but a minority report recommending the placing of a lien, with the right to re-rate at attained age if preferred, was adopted.

There is briefly a history of the great so called fraud (and that is what some members are crying out) perpetrated on me, which leaves my certificate worth now, counting the interest on the lien from January 1, only $1.812.76 if I should die tonight, instead of $3,000.

Was it a fraud? It was not.

It was a great mistake, but it was the rank and file of the membership and not any one man nor any half a dozen men that were responsible. Neither was it done in the dark and without notice. The subject was most thoroughly agitated from time to time in the Postal Record and all the action taken by the different conventions published in the convention numbers of the Postal Record. But the great mistake was not in the last action taken but in not setting matters right years ago. And let us take comfort that ours is not the only association so situated.

Did I lose out?

For all these years, barring the limited time when the membership was too small for my certificate to be worth its face value or it was subject to a post mortem deduction, I have had $3,000 protection at far below cost. If I did not die some other poor fellow died in my place. It was just as likely that I should have died in his place. I have a faint suspicion that I have been worth more to my family than that insurance money. What is more to the point, if I am worth anything at all, my

family must have that same suspicion. I believe I enjoyed those romps on the floor with my little ones better for the assurance that I was helping their mother to keep them together after I was gone, and slept sounder for it. I admit I felt that some time there would be a reckoning on account of the inadequate rates, that not every one cost. could get their insurance below stated in the Postal Record before the Rochester convention that I did not want protection for my family at the expense of some other poor devil. My wish has been gratified.

I

was

Now, I have paid about $875 toward my $3,000. Of this I paid in the last four years and a quarter $258.57. in the preceding ten years $396, leaving for the first ten years and a quarter, when the rate so low that I have forgotten what it was. the enormous sum of $220.43. Had I paid the adequate rate, barring a little less on account of the post mortem deduction, I would have paid $1,490.58. Now consider that the greater part of the deficiency was in the early stages, and how compound interest mounts up just as fast on a deficiency as on that much cash and it is not to be wondered at that my certificate has to be saddled with such a heavy lien.

When I received my certificate I was ex6.2 pected to live 30.7 years longer or years from the present time. At the N. F. C. rate I would pay if I lived that time $1,867.79 toward my $3,000. Now having lived this long I am expected to live 13.1 years longer. Paying my present rate and the annual interest on the lien against my certificate I would pay in the 13.1 years $1,413.23 or at the rate of $2,324.34 for $3.000. It don't seem as attractive a proposition as the old one, but considering the shorter time it has to run it is not to be sneezed at, especially as my children are now self supporting and more. That expectancy may fail me. I may die next week. On the other hand I may hang on long enough to more than pay the amount of my insurance. If the former, what a blessing that the insurance was not dropped. If the latter I think I know some one who will be glad I lived that long, and if it is late coming it will be better than if it had not been saved up at all, which, in these days of squeezing, would be very likely.

Not considering my children, another thought strikes me. The longer it is before my wife is handed my insurance on account of my death the more it will be worth, for she won't have so many years left when she will need it, and she can (without saying she necessarily would) use up both principal and interest by buying an annuity, which, according to a table before me is allowed to women for $1,000 cash, commencing at different ages as follows: Age 50. $61.92; 55, $69.25; 60, $79.05; 65, $92.68; 70, $111.86; 75, $132.28 and 80 and over $156.99. Other ages have proportionate annuities. I give them to show how the different ages compare. Women, on account of their greater expectancy, are allowed considerably less than men per year, but even this amount, based on $3,000 if provided for by re-rating, or that amount less the lien, would be a fine help out after the husband's salary has stopped forever.

I know that at this time it is hard enough to exist without paying an increased amount for life insurance. Perhaps it might help a little to drop your fire insurance, that is, you that never had a fire. No, that would never do. Your house might burn tomorrow. So you might die before your time. Will the price of potatoes and flour, coal and shoes take a cause you and your salary are gone?

tumble be

I have just heard that the Senate has passed the Sterling retirement bill, somewhat amended. Begins to look like business. But don't forget that while your retirement annuity may help out your wife as well as yourself while you both live it will cease when you die. That life insurance will then help her out.

But why dwell on the importance of the insurance now at stake? Every carrier

now facing the trying situation that our procrastination in doing the right thing has produced, must realize it as fully as I. The outlook in St. Paul is not as bad as I feared. I sincerely hope that all over the country the members affected will hold to all the insurance they possibly can, will think many times before they drop any and many more times before they drop it all, especially as another physician's examination is required after thirty days suspension.

And if any one tells you the M. B. A. is not safe, tell him you know better. It is safe now for all its membership for the first time.

Interest on Liens-Letter From Abb Landis, Actuary

Nashville, Tenn., March 23, 1920. L. E. Swartz, Chief Collector, U. S. Letter Carriers' Mutual Benefit Association, 325 Stahlman Building, Nashville, Tenn. My dear Mr. Swartz : Replying to yours of the 17th inst., I give below information concerning the resolution adopted by Branch 36 (New York) at its regular meeting March 7, 1920, which resolution was as follows:

"That Branch 36 go on record as requesting the Chief Collector of the M. B. A. to show from what source he derives his authority to levy four or five per centum interest on liens under the amended plans adopted by the Philadelphia Convention. and if unable to cite proper authority for same that he cease levying this rate of interest."

The Convention at Philadelphia in 1919 authorized the establishing of liens "against the certificates of all members who have joined the Association prior to January 1, 1912, the actual amount of deficiency existing against said certificates as of January 1, 1920. This shall be a lien against said certificates and shall be deducted upon his death." You will observe that the lien is to be the amount of the "deficiency" and no deficiency can be ascertained excepting by taking into consideration two factors namely, the death rate and interest rate. The lien therefore represents an amount which is obtained by a computation involving mortality and interest. It is further noted that the lien shall be deducted at death. The obvious conclusion is that the lien will remain as a charge against the certificate and will be increased by interest, unless the interest is paid in cash. In other words, the lien-as provided in the laws-is nothing more less than a loan to the member in lieu of the reserve accumulation which would have been accumulated by him had he been contributing at an adequate rate during the period of his membership. A loan must bear interest and the lien being nothing but a loan, necessarily falls into the same category and must bear interest. This is the general construction and it accords with the general requirements in the operation and working of a level rate of contribution. Had it not been intended by the Convention to have an interest charge against the lien. it would have been so expressly provided for the reason that the general legal construction would be that liens bear interest.

ΟΥ

Also. the legal construction is that interest is payable annually if not otherwise provided and also that it is paid in cash when due and at the rate used in the computation of the contribution rates. Therefore, the legal construction would be that the lien would bear interest at 4 per cent payable annually.

In the execution of the law, the member can have the interest charged against the lien and accumulated at 5 per cent, compounded annually. The reason that there must be a higher rate of interest when it is accumulated on the lien and both the principal and interest deducted from the claim at death is, that members may lapse and there would be no way of recouping the accumulated interest. To overcome this nossible loss of interest accumulation, it is necessary to have an interest rate in excess of the rate where the interest is paid annually in cash.

I trust that the above may completely meet the request made in your letter of the 17th. Yours sincerely, ABB LANDIS, Actuary.

P. S.-I might have added that in my conference with the Actuary for the Tennessee Department, he agreed in the construction of the law enacted by the Convention that interest must be paid on the liens.-A, L

Balance February 29, 1920...

$2,410 26

580 60 $2,990 86

15 4436-Abb Landis

20 4437-B. J. Curtin.

4438

L. E. Swartz..

tate Co.

Total

Balance March 31

Date No.

No.

March

DISBURSED-DEATHS

Payable to

5 1410 1345-Nannie J. Dennis (wife). 1411 1344-Anastasia Sloffer (daughter). 1412 1344-Alice May Klein (daughter). 1413 1340-Ellen Brady McDole (wife) 1414 1353-Nellie D. Shook (wife). 1415 1339-Geo. W. Carr (father-in-law).

17 1416 1346-Ida B. Harvey (wife)

74 142 8 14 10 8 16 51 86

452 59 81.47 1,223.71

Demotions of Collectors, 1915-1916

Following the decision of the Court of Claims on January 12, 1920, announced in the February, 1920, issue of the Postal Record, in favor of the claims of the letter carriers engaged in collection duty, who were reduced from $1,200 or $1,100 to $1.000 salary in 1915-1916, the Government attorneys presented a motion to the court for an amendment of its findings in some particulars which were thought to be too severe in their language in regard to the methods employed by the Department to bring about the reduction in salary.

This motion was opposed by King and King, of Washington, D. C., the attorneys representing the carriers, and with complete success. The court on February 24. 1920, announced its decision overruling the motion and refusing to modify in any respect its findings in favor of the carriers.

$549,800 00

The Government by making this motion suspended the length of time required to take an appeal and now has three months from the time of announcement of the decision on the motion to amend the findings, or until the last of May, to decide whether it will take an appeal.

Nothing further can be done until it appears whether the Government is going to appeal or to acquiesce in the decision. By about the first of June, it is likely that King and King may have something more definite to announce in regard to the prospect of action on the remaining claims.

It is hoped the able and judicious lawyers who represent the Government in the Department of Justice will be impressed with the justice of the decision. Even should there be an appeal it is believed that it will have no worse effect than delaying for a time the payment of the claims, as the decision of the Court of Claims is so

strong and well-founded on both the facts and the law as to leave the opponents of the claims no substantial prospects for getting the Supreme Court to reverse the decision already rendered.

All the uniforms made by Maher Brothers, Utica, N. Y., are reinforced, where desired. without any extra charge whatever. This accounts in many cases for the much longer wear of our uniforms. To prolong the life of a carrier's coat or trousers by a reinforcement here or there is almost a necessity for some men and we would as soon think of charging extra for a button or for a service star as for a reinforcement. It has always been our plan to serve well the men who have favored us for so many years. That is why carriers say Maher Brothers' Uniforms are dependable and much the cheapest in the long run. (Advertisement.)