The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-11-27
THE POST OFFICE DEpARTmENr

THE POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
The following circular has been transmitted
by the Postmaster General to the special agents
Of the Department. The abuses 10 which the
Postmaster General refers have been practised
to no inconsiderable extent and it is to be hoped
they are now TO be brought to speedy correction
and termination. The vigilance, sagacity and
economy, which the new head Of this important
and comprehensive branch of the service has
brought into the Office, will, we trust, restore II
to the fullest prosperity and usefulness.
Circular Letter to the Special Agents of the Post
"'" Office Department.
Posi- OFFIcE DEPARTMENT., s
p. ~..>.'. 4. November 18th, 1871.
Sir To the duties assigned you by any former
instructions, as Special and Confidential Agent Of
tins Department, desire TO add, that Of strictly OBJ
serving the in which the Post Offices are KEEP,
called to inspect and travel. TX
The Postmaster General expects that every Post
Office, whatever may be its Importance shall be al
tended to or supervised by the Deputy Postmaster
The practice which, regret learn, has obtained in
many portions of the Uuited States Of one man hold
ing the commission of Postmaster whilst another dis
charges its duties, must be stopped and when such
cases fall within your knowledge, desire that they
shall be made the subject Of special report.
Great carelessness in the opening and keeping the
mail in insecure places and permitting persons, Other
than the Postmaster, or hissworn assistants TO have
access 10 the when opening or after is opened
has been in of ,I,x
Postmasters in the small towns and villages. This
evil must he corrected, and when you have evidence
of the fact, it is expected you will make it known to
the Department, that the only efficient remedy may
be applied. will not continue ia office those who
will not themselves give their time and attention ia
the discharge Of its duties, who violate or suffer
violations of the rules Of the Department in opening
and distributing the mail.
It is also desirable that you observe the department
of all carriers and drivers of mails, and report any
misconduct arising from wful negligence or careless
ness and inaltenon to their employers and to the De-
parment. vi. ~ ..> s... - ...
Many complaints have been made against the agents
or travelling Postmastsrs rail road routes you are
within the range of your supervision.
AhioIhatiOn has peen communicated 10 THIS Dep1It-
ment that drivers and carriers of mail on the more
distant and more unimporta routes are in the habit Of
carrying letters in violation of law thereby essening
the income Of the DsPartmant. "A this may be done
in ignorance of the law you will inform and insruc,
the contractors to charge the carriers and drivers not
to violate the law in this particular. The act of 1926
section TO- directs that all carriers shall deliver such
letters, whether sealed or unseaed, to the first Pos,
Office at which they arrive after receiving them, and
the Postmaster is directed to rate and charge the
postage.
If you become satisfied that any Post Office is no,
of public utility, and not required for the public
commodaton, you will report that fact and the rea-
sons for the opinion. .." .:..., .."a
Upon the active exertion and vigant supervision OF
the Special Agents of this Department, mainly de-
pend the regularity security and efficiency of mail
transportation and cannot too strongly impress upon
you the Importance and high responsibility of your
stations. II is to you the Postmaster General must
look for accurate information upon all subjects per-
tanning to the outdoor operations of the Department
Give me your efficient aid, and do not despair OF
making the Post Office Department eminently useful
and popular. '~.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
G. A. WICKLIFFE.