The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-05-18
THE GENERAL Posr OFFICE.

We have been not little surprised to see
circulating through the administration papers
Of Virginia, an article copied from the Rich
mond Enquirer, which Processes to be an au-
,hen,;c list OF the removals of Postmasters in
that State with the particular reasons for such
remoyals. The Richmond Enquirer states
,b,, the information was obtained from Mr..
Johns,on, the second Assistant Postmaster
General, Of whom it is said, by way Of giving
heller currency.to the statement, and return
inc compliment at the same time for the au-
,hor's kindness, +" a better man does not live"
The reasons given for removal are substantial
ones. relating in almost every instance to Off
cial deInquences. This is of course satisac-
tory to the good people Of Virginia. whose OPP
postion to the administration has been, no
doubt. extensively Modified by the publication.
We have two remarks to make in relation TO
il, as the matter has not been noticed.
lst. Arc the Virginians not deceived by il!
Does it give all the removals or all the reasons
for even the removals mentioned
Cd. Is il not little extraordinary that in
formation should be given by Department of
the Government TO a partizan editor for party
purposes, which the same Department had
previously refused to give to Congress for
public purposes The same information in
relation to removals in other States had been
sought, but never obtained. The Depart
ment here, denies the right Of representatives
Of the people to demand information of this
sort. The people, whose majesty is embo-
died in Congress, have been denied it. For
selfish electionecring purposes, however, the
Postmaster General suspends his rules, and
volunteers to make out n statement to suit the
case. 1t will be beneficial to 8 The party" in
Indiana and Tenne ssee TO receive similar do
cuments, selected for the best effect.
Another inquiry. We have seen no reports
Of receipts from the Dead Letter Office.
Without meaning to intimate the least suspi-
cion against the head Of that Office, we should,
nevertheless, like to know where its proceeds
gol We may be answered, /" into the general
fund Of the Department" The receipts of
money and other articles, must be considera-
BILE. 1t is distinct bureau. We have seen
no account OF its income and should like to
hear whether or not the money is regarded as
aperquiste of :" the party" and is applied to
the promotion Of its general welfare.
There is another matter TO be complained
Of. We understand that, by a recent regula-
ton the abatement of postage on hoaxing let
tiers is no longer to be allowed. We should
think that nobody would admit the proprety
Of such a regulation. 1t is an open license
to these paltry jokes of wanton folly, or ma
lgnancy. There is no reason why man
should be made to pay postage for letter
unless it is letter bona .fde. As the re-
mission has been heretofore allowed, we know
not why it should be discontinued.
These new post office taxes-charging false
let,ers-Ietter postage on Lloyds lists-ds-
continuances Of post Offices and mail routes
irregularities of the mail, and the unusual
amount of fines imposed on contractors,
seem to US, to he auguries uniavorable to the
financial condition Of the Post Office Depart
ment. Prlaps ther, will, be work for an in
veshgans committee, when the 2Sth Con-
gress convenes.