It is a matter of some surprise that preceding administrations paid so little attention to the care and proper housing of these valuable files and papers. For years they were stored in the garrets and attic of the old Post Office Building, inconvenient of access, and so limited in space that any semblance of order was next to impossible. Lying there for years practically undisturbed, a prey to the ravages of dust and decay, it is a wonder that they are in any condition of preservation whatever. The traces of neglect and ill-usage has left its marks visibly upon these old volumes, and but for the quality of the material then used and the care in binding then demanded for public documents, they would be of but little service now. To Postmaster General Burleson belongs the credit of rescuing these valuable archives of his Department from ultimate destruction. Space was found on the first floor of the building for storage and arrangement. A force of clerks from each Bureau was detailed for this work. The books and papers were removed from the nooks and corners to which they were relegated and under careful supervision located in the place provided for them. Accumulations of dust brushed off, bundles of documents neatly arranged and tied anew, frayed edges and loosened covers attended to, and the more important historical records set apart for rebinding when necessary. Protected now from danger, easy of access and convenient for reference, with space and light to assist in general preservation, these records can now be readily consulted, time is saved in search and conditions in every way made serviceable and satisfactory. With an elaborate and carefully devised system of indexing, this official record is perhaps the most complete of any of the Departments of the Government. Registry, Insurance, and Collect-on-Delivery Services for the Fiscal Year 1916 The number of pieces of mail registered, insured, and sent collect on delivery during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916, is shown in the following statement: _Registered_ 1916 Paid registrations: Domestic letters and parcels 29,091,506 Foreign letters and parcels 5,179,325 ---------- Total paid registrations 34,270,831 Free registrations--official 4,965,738 ---------- Total paid and free 39,236,569 Amount collected for registry fees $3,427,083.10 _Insured_ Fourth-class (domestic parcel post): Total pieces insured (3-, 5-, 10-, and 25-cent fees) 24,936,082 Total fees $1,067,192.29 _Collect on Delivery_ Fourth-class (domestic parcel post) pieces 6,300,546 Fees $630,054.60