Mail Carrier Gets Annual One Cent Check from Government

1903

Gets Checks for One Cent

Maurice Proctor of Mineral Point is said to receive the smallest checks drawn by the national government. The slip of paper with the seal of Uncle Sam on it calls for one cent, and it is paid annually.

It is in remuneration in full for carrying the mails from Mineral Point to Dodgeville. A twelve month ago, when the bids were made for the contract there was a deal of rivalry between a dozen or more of those who wished to serve the government in this capacity, and Proctor, who is wealthy and does not need the money, offered in due form, faithfully and promptly to perform the task for a penny a year.

Government officials investigated, found he was financially responsible should it become necessary to sue for the penalty and awarded him the contract. Proctor received the first check a short time ago and sold it for $36, and he now has an offer of $25 for the next one when it comes to hand.

Employees of Proctor carry the mails twice a day between the two points rain or shine, and the government is getting fine service for what would appear to the ordinary workman to be very poor compensation. — Tribune-Telegraph.