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

The following circular has been transmitted
by the Postmaster General to the special agents
Of the Department. The abuses to which the
Postmaster General refers have been praclsed
to no inconsderable extent, and il is TO he hoped
they are now 10 be brought TO speedy correction
and termination. The vigilance, sagacity aud
economy which the new head OF this important
and comprehensive branch Of the service has
brought into the Office, will, we trust, restore II
10 the fullest prosperity and usefulness
Circular Letter to the special Agents Of the Post
Office Department.
PosT OfrIcE DEPARTMENT,
November 4th 1871.
STA To the duties assigned you by any former
instructions, as Special and Confidential Agent Of
this Department, desire to add that of strictly OBJ
serving the manner in which the Post Offices kept
in the section and along the lines of route you may be
called to inspect and travel
The Postmaster General expects that every Post
Office whatever may be its importance, shall be at
tended to supervised by the Deputy Postmaster.
The practice which, regret to learn, has obtained in
many portions Of the Uui,eJ States Of hold
ing the commission Of Postmaster whilst another dis
charges its duties, be stopped and when such
fall within your knowledge, desire that they
shall be made the subject Of special report
Great careessness in the opening and keeping the
mail in insecure places and permitting persons other
than the Postmaster his sworn assistants to have
TO the when opening, after is opened
has been charged in general terms, upon many Of the
| Posimasters in the small towns and villages. This
evil must he corrected, aud 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 in Office those who
will not themselves give their time and attention 10
violations of the rules of the Department in opening
and distributing the mail.
Ii is also desirable that you observe the department
Of all carriers and drivers Of nails and report any
misconduct arising from wilful negligence careless
and inaention TO their employers and to the De-
partment
Many complaints have been made against the agents
or travelling Posmasters rail road routes, you
expected TO observe the conduct of such may fall
within the range Of your supervision
i Information has been commun icated TO this Depart
ment that drivers and carriers Of mail on the more
distant and more unimporta routes are 10 the habit Of
carrying letters in violation Of law, thereby l.ssening
the income Of the Department As this may be done
in iannranra Of Tho taw will nf,rn AMI INSTRUCT
the contractors to charge the carriers and drivers
to violate the law in this particular The act of 1925
section TO- directs that all carriers shall deliver such
letters whether sealed unsealed 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 moi
OF public utility, and not required for the public &C
commodation you will report that fact and the rea-
sons for the opinion.
Upon the active exertion and vigilan supervision OF
the Special Agents Of this Department, mainly de-
pend the regularity security and efficiency of mail
transportation, and cannot strongly impress upon
you the Importance and high responsibility Of your
stations. 1t 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 eminen,Iy useful
and popular.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
c. A. WICKLlFFE