Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-12-16

the number oil Tree Letters ana Dy wnat oncal 1anReu
the number of newspapers, pamphlets, &c. These re
turns are not quite complete. Hope 10 have them
by The Isl January to be furnished TO Congress II re
quired.
The questions connected with this subject, il occurs
to NE, which it will be the duty of the representatives
OF the people settle, are whether the present amour
of mail service is greater than the country requires
not greater can it be performed at less expense 2
WHITTIER at The same less expense shall It be pait
out Of the Treasury, by the postage on NAL matter
| If Congress shall enter upon the question of rednc
ton Of postage upon the principle ayowed by the ad
vocaies of the British reform, viz OF preserving, 1
improving the amount of revenue, and shall require
the Post Office Department to maintain itself, the IN
| formation, which hope 10 have ready by the LIST o
January, Of the number Of letters posted will be i'm
portart.
By comparison between the business, aud popula
on and extent Of territory Of the two Governments
and comparison between the number Of tt'rs poslec
in hotl countries, under the respective rates. an est
mt. Of the probable increase Of posted letters IN tins
county, upon pro rata reduction OF postage may be
made, and that rate of postage may be ascertaned
which will give the amount required to defrny the CT
penses of the mil System OF the United States.
IF, however, it shall be The pleasure Of Congress te
fellow the example of the British Government by Pac
ing the expenditures Of the Department as an annua
charge upon the public Treasury ard by bringing &c
The aid Of ,hst Treasury whatever OF postage may be
collected, the report Of the number of letters which
now pas, through the mail, can be OF little conse
quence.
This change of system will simplify the operation:
Of The service. The amount required for the service
each current year, the opinion of each Congress
will be appropriated from the Trtasury The postage
collected viii be paid into the Treasury. The Depart
ment thus protected and sustained. will continue the
sphere oflts operations, limited onyby the amount aP
propriatcd.
have deemed it duty, to present to yonr view
entertaining hope tat you will submit It to Con
gress) this SYNOPSIS OF facts, dgesied from the hes
sources within my possession, and leave the question
reduction of postage, without any recommendation Of
NINE to be decided by that department of the Govern
ment - which the people have wisely delegated the
power
IL Congress should not determine 10 make the reduc
ton of portage 10 the extent indicated by the views
and published opinions of those who have agtsted h
subject, | would respectfully recommend, as have
done former OCCASIONS that the rates of pos,
age be so changed. to correspond with The coins
The U. S.
There is large class OF printed matter, such a
handbis, the prospectus of newspaper, prices cur
rent, The drawings of lotteries, proof sheets, &C. nov
charged with letter postage, which ought not to pa
higher rates than newspapers and pamphlets. jus
discrimination between newspapers, as to size or weight
should be made in the imposition Of postage.
The ranking privilege, if not abolished altogether
should in some way be restricted, and ills abus
checked