Political Quotes

“Tomorrow, Mr. President, on October 1 of this year, the Post Office will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rural Free Delivery [RFD]. RFD now serves the whole country, some 25.5 million households and businesses in all, and it is a necessity in States like Alabama. In fact, I am proud to say that Congressman Richard Clarke of Alabama was an early leader in the effort to initiate this service. As this important anniversary approaches, I would like to recount Congressman Clarke's leadership efforts in its successful implementation. On January 5, 1892, Representative Richard Clarke became the first Member of Congress to introduce a bill to make RFD a permanent service. He introduced bills in two succeeding Congresses, H.R. 13 in the 52d and H.R. 402 in the 53d ``To provide for the free collection and delivery of mails in rural districts.'' He contacted many Members on the need for such legislation and made the first speech advocating the establishment of the program. When the bill was finally adopted by Congress, Mr. Clarke was engaged in a campaign for Governor of Alabama. Therefore, Congressman Tom Watson of Georgia took the lead in obtaining its passage. Although his name does not appear as the official sponsor of the legislation which ultimately created RFD, the people of his district and the State of Alabama have every right to claim that this Member of Congress was a leader in establishing RFD. Richard H. Clarke was born in Dayton, Marengo County, AL on February 9, 1843.…”