The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-06-20

The GREAT NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN MAIL
1t was high time that something should be done by
Congress in reference to the failures, the neglects,
and the bungling, incompetent, management of the
Post-office department by Cave Johnson. We had
so frequently called attention to the subject that
began almost to despair of seeing any action taken
on such an important matter. However, the Senate,
we are glad to see, has taken up the matter, and
passed a resolution to appoint committee "to in
qure mhether any, and phat legislation is necessary
to secure the regular and speedy transmission of
the great Northern and Southern Mail"
We have placed the above in italics, because,
though strictly considered, the words are in the
English language, yet they require translation,
and WILL the refore, give the translation, which,
in plain, sober, ineligible language, is as toll
lows: "Cave Johnson, a servant of the pub
lie, does not know his duty, and does not do it.
The greatnorhem and southern mails are not trans
mitted speedily and regularly, as they ought to
be, and as ii is his duty take care that they are
He is, therefore, an incompetent man, and we must
take his business into our hands, and enquire,
by committee of our body, how the business and
duties of Cave Johnson may be better and more
properly performed"
Such is an honest, fair, view of the case But
what disgrace to the executive and its agents,
and appointees, that they should execute the will
of the people so dsgracefuy to oblige the people
themselves to interfere, and to take the executive
business out of their hands, and appoint commit
tees of their own to look into the business
Well, this committee has made its report to the
Senate, which report is now before us, having
r 4
committee goes into full examination of the ques-
ton about this great northern and southern route,
about which the obstinate, stupid, laundering crea-
ture at the head of the Post Office Department has
made such ridiculous exhibition of HIMSELF and
the committee emphatically denounces his dis
graceful "penny wise and pound foolish mean
ness and stngness, and orders the re-establsh-
ment of the route at its former rates. The follow
ing is the summing up of the report
1T is very clear to the committee that the Postmas
ter &c neral not restricted by proper construc-
ton of the law, to s237 so per mile, which his
offer to the Virginia company. And though they give
him credit vigant watch the interests Of the
department. and sensible how easily incorporated
companies, well as individuals may be induced to
demand Of the government moro than a service IL
really worth they must think that he would have
suited the requirement Of the law the economy Of the
public money and the efficiency Of the mail service,
by renewing the contract with the company for the
same sum as that which he had been paying, for
than two years after he came into Office"
Two things are plain from the above, either,
first, that Cave Johnson ought Immediately to re-
sign; or secondly Mr.. Polk ought immediately to
turn him out of the office he has disgraced II
either of them possesses shame or feeling, theywill
do these two things simultaneously. We shall
soon see if they can take hint from the Senate
and the people; or whether they are as bold and
unashamed, in disgrace and conviction, as they
have been impudent and reckless in wrong doing
and mismanagement.