The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1841-12-18
S3,l45,OOO
l,ol5,OOo.
10000
10000
$4,490,0O0
\. 4,3SO,OOO
-------
$4,000
Posr OFrrcE DEpARrMgNr. Dec. 2 isl

Thus it will be seen that the probable amount Of
expenditure will exceed the amount OF revenue as es-
timated, by $4,000
With this deficit presenting itself pal pably to my
mind have essayed 10 infuse into the administration
Of the service rigid economy yet, with all the saw
ngs which It may be possible 10 make by the most RI
gid economy am satisfied the expenditure cannot be
reduced within the income without either reducing
the transportation of the mail below the Just wants OF
the community, or in some other mode increasing the
revenue Of the Department.
To continue the present amount Of service, and
tend il with the growth and spread of population
particularly in the West the present revenue, with
its former charges is evidently inadequate, and
ducton OF that service greatly below its present stand
ard would have to take place, unless Congress make
an appropriation from the public Treasury which |
neither ask nor desire to see made.
Upon a view Of all the circumstances, and with a
perfect Of the delicate responsibility assumed
have felt myself imperiousy called upon TO exercise
power vested by the act of 1895 in the Postmaster Gene
raj and have read usted the commissions heretofore
allowed to deputy postmasters. BY this regulation,
copy OF which is annexed there will be added to the
nett annual income Of the Department about $780,
600. thought better 10 do this than either to ask
Congress for appropriation, or TO reduce the trans
poltaiion Of the mail below the just wants Of the
community.
When il is known that this reduction has been made
10 enable the Department to send intelligence among
the people, by continuing and extending mail faci,-
lies and not spirit OF parsimonious economy, the
liberal and enlightened OF all sections will am per-
suaded, approve what has been done and will not
allow myself TO believe that those whom most mme-
dia,elv affects will view il in ibera spI
Should Congress- however, not approve this mea-
sure they will have it in their power before the order
takes effect, to arrest its force and will doubt
adopt the necessary measures TO require the reduction
of mail service to provide the means of paying the
balance which will be due to contractors at the end Of
the year.
The annexed report Of the Auditor of the Pos,
Office Department (inarked 81 will exhibit the pro-
press which has been made in the adjustment and IL
1udaton Of the accounts Of postmasers since the 4th
OF March last.
1t is to be expected that among 1900 deputy post
masters (apponed generally without personal know
ledge of the individuals their securi, 81 there will
be found some who will prove fahcss 10 their trusts
and whose securities not good for the amount due
the Department In view Of this, have instituted q
rigid inquiry not only into the fitness and business
qualifications of the postmasters but the sovency Of
their securities, from which the best results may be
anticipated This operation, performed in part by the
special agents of the Department under the letter OF
instructions annexed, (marked CD and the prompt
settlement ofthe accounts of all posmasters will more
eHectually guard the Department from losses by de-.
faulting postmasters.
The reduction Of the postage upon letters is sub
ec which has engaged the public attention for years
and is one Of great interest to the whole commu-
nifty.
It's contended by many, whose opinions are enti-
ed to respectful consideration that the reduction OF
postage would live an increase OF revenue. Without
undertaking to discuss this question at present. an
not prepared, from the present financial condinon OF