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President Roosevelt would like Congressman Davis to let him know the status of a bill that will increase the salaries of the “least well paid” government employees. Roosevelt feels that most of these men should have their salaries increased, especially the rural free delivery mail carriers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-24
Isaac H. Cocks asks William Loeb about the endorsement of a petition for a rural delivery route in Massapequa, New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-29
Frank Harper encloses a postcard that Theodore Roosevelt would like to be used in the campaign, particularly in rural areas where Roosevelt’s efforts to secure free postal delivery can be highlighted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-03-12
Due to multiple complaints about its classification, President Roosevelt requests George B. Cortelyou investigate the rural free delivery service system this summer.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-02-08
President Roosevelt writes to Joseph Gurney Cannon, Chairman of the Notification Committee, to formally accept his nomination as the Republican presidential candidate and to approve the platform adopted by the Republican National Convention. In the letter, Roosevelt provides a comprehensive defense of his foreign and domestic policies and outlines what he believes are the major differences between the Republican and Democratic parties in the upcoming election. Roosevelt discusses, among other topics, his position on international relations, antitrust legislation, tariffs, the gold standard, pensions for Civil War veterans, the military, civil service, commerce, agriculture, taxation, and self-government in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-12
President Roosevelt understands the advantages that rural free delivery provides to farmers but it is causing a serious deficit and cannot be extended due to lack of funds. Roosevelt will discuss the matter with Postmaster General Payne.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-11
President Roosevelt is concerned about the expense of the “free delivery business” and believes it will cause trouble in the future.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-06
Arthur L. Hanscom’s letter will be delivered by his brother-in-law White, who is going to Washington D. C. to present a rural free delivery issue. Hanscom asks Roosevelt to help White in any way, such as providing a letter of introduction to Postmaster General Frank H. Hitchcock.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-04
Senator Wadsworth encloses something as an example of the work being done by the letter carriers of the Rural Free Delivery program, and asks the item be returned. He goes on to speak about President Roosevelt’s great political power.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-26
Postmaster-General Wynne returns a letter from Elon Rouse Brown to William Loeb, and asks that Loeb pass along a memorandum to Brown regarding the rural routes that he wrote about.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-25
J. H. Woodard quotes George S. Payne, a traveling salesman for the Advertising Novelty Company of Cincinnati and former Democratic Committee member. Payne believes that Roosevelt will win the presidential election in Indiana because he has the support of the farmers. Although people believe in “the integrity, courage and ability” of Judge Parker, “no one believes that he can rise higher than the average of his partisans,” who “represent every shade of commercial, financial and tariff views.” Payne notes that the Republicans gained influence in Indiana when the rural delivery service was instituted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-17
Representative Bennet provides an overview of the current state of the United States Postal Service’s rates and capacity for shipping parcels, and outlines the rates charged by private express companies. He urges the passing of a law to increase revenue and allow for the shipping of more parcels and the provision of insurance on parcels sent through the mail. He compares the United States’s postal policy with those of other countries.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-05-13
During the month of July 1903, 455 rural free delivery routes were established. During the fiscal year, 5,644 routes were established. The remaining appropriation for the fiscal year can establish 4,000 additional routes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-05
Postmaster General Payne attempts to clear up confusion regarding the Post Office Department’s policies on rural free delivery. Many new routes have been established but the appropriation will soon run out. Without a further appropriation from Congress, no new routes can be established before July 1. To meet the demands of Congress, Payne believes that $3,000,000 is required immediately.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-05
John A. T. Hull dislikes Assistant Postmaster General Joseph L. Bristow’s ruling about the conditions for rural free delivery. The large farms in Iowa make it difficult for the rural areas to qualify for free delivery under these specifications. He believes that rural free delivery with help the Republican Party and curtailing it will weaken the party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903
Two memorandums regarding the operation of the Post Office Department. The first memorandum argues that eliminating unjust business subsidies would free up enough money to fund home delivery for all Americans. The second memorandum points out the large sums of money that pass through the department, of which only $1,900 was embezzled.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-14
Congressman Hull of Iowa responds with concern to Fourth Assistant Postmaster General Joseph Bristow’s ruling regarding free rural postal delivery.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-06
A published copy of a letter in which Charles Emory Smith defends his administration of the Post Office Department, particularly the classification of employees involved in rural free delivery.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-14
Postmaster General Payne encloses a letter from Representative Tawney regarding rural free delivery. Payne believes that the Post Office Department will have a difficult task installing more rural free delivery to the satisfaction of Congress.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-14
Representative Tawney argues against a policy that will end rural free delivery on delivery routes with less then 100 families.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-03