The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-12-09

peFs periodicals., panp cts aad essays OF various kinds
probably not less number tsn ne dead letters are sent
70 the Offices and called for, Il called Tor re-
fused. and remain dead matter IN them From care
ful elimination has been 1sceralned that $1,000 anna-
ally are received Aad rxHan dead matter u ne once
az New YORK at Boston ami Baltimore ssoat loooo an
naally and al Philadelphia about 1.500.
II each Office averaged bui Que daily-a !ow estn se
the whole number IN year wound De 5.ss8 35 which.
az the rate Of one cent, would De S5s,s-o II prepay
nen De re9 llrei, then dead letiers papers and
gsuEphe,s should be returned 10 he writer's or publish
er- and the payment Of double posraxes vel the
Of advertising De required OF them Bat hrte neon
yenence would De fe.s sy the public me aooton
of adhesive stAps the evidence OF prepayment OF let
Iers Their would soon become general Il authority
gwen 10 sell them al slight per cent discount al
the Department. 10 make Il object star0nefs
and other aers 70 keep them on hand Tor me accomno-
darSn Of the public
The pre- navment OF Official Communications from the
executive branch Of the government : now made BY
specific approprahoa annually Similar pfovtslOa mEzht
he made for The legislative branch, spscIhc al
lowed each member to cover Official communications to
and from them
The payment OF malahle matter al the proposed
ov rates would not, II is believed, materially diminish
the number Of letters sent IN The mails and N con-
aexOn with the general OF the adhesive stamps,
Will simplify the transaction OF business the Offices
the settlement OF their accounts, and concentrate the
funds OF the department al the centres OF business IN the
different sections of the Union. where the money Is
ne-ed ant in great degree avoid the hazards incident
the collection ant Transmission Of funds 70 the places
where they De made available
Other Suggestions for the improvement Of the act Of
lst5 have been male IN my forner reports, which deem
# unnecessary 10 repeat
Il be inappropriate remark. that those con-
necrr with administrative duties of this department could
not but have observed that there hs- been for some years
past strong feeling pervadng the country, that the
TEN hal been conducted by Organ2ed corps. extending
throughout the UaIOn INTO every neigh 0orhood, under
the control Of politicians At the seat OF government
party organization rather than the business and -ocia
interests II created advance that the offices were
bestowed the reward Of partisan services, rather Than
from the merit and qua fratons OF those selected and
that each presidential contest Is to produce new df-t7
button OF the Offices and hence enhItered political con
tests excited IN almost every nsighborhood democrat
ZIng their tendencies, and IHunousy affecting the pu
rlty OF elections.
Whilst such apprehens0ns are entertained By a re
specialize portion c the community, want OF cnnflrnce
IN the honesty anf correctness OF the officers however
pure ani upright IN their conduct, -ooa shows Itself
seriously nuFng the business Ut ne offices and bringing
dIscrslt on the system itsef The plzt Otlce system
was designed Tor business PURPOSES io' ne ci'uVao
ut the social aHt friendly feelings among The czens OF
the different sections OF the Uaon- and should be IN
wise connected with the partv politics OF the day This
VIII give that degree OF confidence in s agents necessary
10 rem Ter the most useful 10 the people.
There does any why this business and
social agent OF the people should be connected with
them than the officers OF the courts OF Justice, OF the
counting officers OF the government II Il were believed
thar the latter officers performed the dnfes assigned them
with view TO the advancement OF party purposes pun
lie opinion would soon correct the evil u the post oce
alike exempt rom political influence AMI party
tests PUBLIC confidence would De maintained and the bes
interests OF the system promoted
1t may ne well worthy OF consideration if these OBJ
ars would not be avance shoubi the Postmaster Gen
eral ne nominated hy the President the Senate for
specific OF wears be separated from the cabinet and
only removable by Impeachment, and the appointment Of
the principal subordinate officers for ike Of
be given him and 10 provide that removal shoHid
be made except foe good AMI sufficient cause, be
ported to each session OF the Senate
l an, respectfully, Your ooetient servant,
c. JOHNSON