The Lexington Dispatch

R. L. Carriers Association.
To the Editor of the Dispatch.

On August 13, 1904, the Rural Letter Carriers Association of Lexington County was organized with the following officers: J. Kyze, President; J. E. B. McCartha, Vice President; H. D. Crosson, Secretary; E. L. Wingard, Treasurer.

A very helpful meeting it was to all who were present. The president took this opportunity to urge all carriers in the county to join us, which you can do by sending your name with one dollar to Mr. H. D. Crosson, Secretary, Leesville, S. C.

Many interesting facts were brought out in the meeting that went to show that the postmasters did not all read their instructions alike. All the carriers, I am glad to say, showed that they were loyal to their postmaster, even when they knew them to be in error. Several postmasters will not let their carriers do anything to accommodate their patrons, such as bringing for them a spool of thread, bar of soap, or any small article that would not hinder the mail. Now, one of two things is evident: the postmaster has either not read his instructions or he is incompetent to act as postmaster. If such postmasters will take the trouble to look up order No. 569, they will find something like this: "Provided, That said carriers may carry merchandise for hire for and upon the request of the patrons residing upon their respective routes, whenever the same shall not interfere with the proper discharge of their official duties, and under such regulations as the Postmaster General may prescribe." And the following from same order which explains the first: "The hire for merchandise carried on request of the patron of rural free delivery must be paid by the patron. Carriers will not be permitted to receive any compensation from seller of such merchandise."

Now the full sense of the above is this: You can charge the patron for doing him the kindness or not charge him just as you please. The idea of collecting postage for carrying a spool of thread to a patron, on his request. Wake up such postmaster, put on your specs and read your instructions or you may have to get out. Carriers are not permitted to act as agents for anything, seen or unseen, material or spiritual. One thing the carrier cannot do, even to accommodate a thirsty patron, for camphor, bitters, eggnog or any other use, is to carry a drop of spirituous or malt liquor. Our Uncle Sammie is not a prostitute nor does he propose to pay agents to prostitute the people.

I will just quote the following for the benefit of some postmasters: "Carriers are not required to serve their routes on Sundays. They must, however, work on every other day, including holidays, unless service is suspended on a particular day by the specific order of the Postmaster General; postmasters will be duly notified in advance when such an order is issued."

All the carriers ask is equal rights to all and special holidays to none—unless to all.

Klondike.

The By-Laws and Constitution will be published later.