New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1842-12-10
The Po.srnaster's Report.

diligence and desire faithfully 10 eomihlster tne
duties of his laborious and responsible Office. We
are highly gratihed at the rctrenchment he has
already effected in different branches Of the SER
vice and we trust the reform will no. be suffered
to stop here There has always, heretofore, been
great profgacy manifested in the disposal of mail
routes, especially in the remote sections OF
the counuy-favorteS of the party IN power secur
ing the routes and receiving far higher compensa-
ton than would have been demanded by others.
We are glad to believe that this evil is less extern
sive now than it was under Mr.. Van Buren's ed-
ministration; and we are not without hope tia,
it may ere long be entirely unknown.
The expenditures of the department for the year
ending June 30, 1872 are stated at 81, 235, o52,
while the receipts for the same time amuunt to
S4,546,246, an amount $l66,929 greater than that
Of the proceeding year, and $311 ,194 above the
expenses. There are demands however, yet to be
presented, which may absorb at least large por-
ton of this surplus though Mr. Wickliffe state.
that the income Of the Department is fully
equal to it's expenditures. This ID most CRAFTY
Ing result, and bears honorable testimony to he
faithful diligence with which the affairs of the De-
partment have been administered.
The purchase of the right of transporting the
mail on railroad routes is again urged upon Con
gress-by argument which has great weight. The
measure seems to be absolutely required by the in
terests of the Department, and there is reason to
believe that it would have beneficial operation
upon the other interests of the country. We trust
it will be received with favor. The suggestions
concerning reform of the Franking Privilege are
founded in Justice and deserve the speedy atten
ton and action of Congress. 1t certainly seems
unreasonable and unjust that private citizens should
ba made to pay annual tax of half a million of
dollars for the correspondence Of Government Off
elias much of which is purely PERSONAL and never
designed to be paid for out Of the Treasury Of the
Nation.
We are glad to see that the reduction of the
rates Of Postage engages the earnest attention Of
the Postmaster. General and that he deems it a
measure explicitly demanded by public sentiment
We are confident that if such reduction were lu-
diciously effected, the public would be much more
acceptably served while the revenue of the De-
partment would not be in the least impaired. The
constant Inducements to commit frauds on the De-
partment, by smuggling letters from point to point
and by writing upon newspapers, arise In great
degree we believe, from the exorbitant rates at
present demanded: and reduction OF these rates
to more equitable standard would certainly pre-
vent these frauds and secure large addition to
the business Of the Department. Much OF Mr.
Wickliffe's valuable time during the past year
seems to have been occupied in detecting the var-
Gus tricks by which these frauds are attempted,
- ,heirr
currence. 1t seems to that the only ettectual
way of securing his object will be the reduction OF
postage rates to point which public opinion shall
deem equitable, and which shall prove adequate TO
tho wants of the service. We are glad TO see that
he urges this point with great upon the
attention of Congress.
Mr. Wick!itfe speaks of the favorable operation
of the Despatch Post system of this city; and, SO
far as we are aware, he is sustained in his COM
mendation by public opinion here.
We commend the Report to general perusal, as
aHording clear statement of the condition OF this
important branch of the public service,
CLAY's SpEEoHEs-SwAIN's SERIAL EDITION.
We have already mentioned the completion OF
the FIRST volume of this excellent and permanently
valuable publication, containing the Life and early
Speeches of this eminent American Statesman.
Three numbers of the second volume have already
been issued, containing his speeches on the Bank,
the American System and the Compromise; and
the whole will be pushed forward to completion
as soon as possible. Te men of every class and OF
every political party this must prove one of the
most necessary and valuable publications of the
day (; for whatever may be thong bit Of the political
principles of Mr.. CLAY, his long service in the
cause of his country, the extensive experience he
has had in all State affairs, and the acknowledged
ability he has manifested throughout long life OF
political service make bis speeches most interesting
and valuable as reliable records of the chief events
in our recent history and embracing the strong
est arguments in favor of those principles which
he has SO steadily maintained. They may be had
at this Office, Immediately after publication, one
shilling number.
Us twill be seen from the advertisement in
our columns, that SAReENT's New MONTHLY
MAGAZINE makes its appearance this morning. 1t
contains fce costly engravings on steel, and origi
nal music by Demps,er. Among the writer's are
Paulding, J. G. Adams, n. P Willis, Mrs. Lee.
Mrs Mowatt, John l.. Stephens, the distinguished
traveller and others. We shall notice the work
more at length hereafter. We copy from i, the
spirited sketch of Broadway by Wills.
HP The Senate Of New Hampshire has pa,se,
resolutions, which will doubtless pass the Hous,
also, declining to receive any part of the proceed
of the sales of the public lands.