The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-02-06

highest interest undoubtedly. This element was extern
sivey lmbued into the public mind and should be ex-
planned, and ITS consequences pointed OUT and among
others, think the position | have taken will be sus-
tanned, that a consequence of this has originated
this mail line OF steamers.
Mr.. PEARCE. | avn opposed to the proviso OF the
bill, and still more opposed to the amendment OF the sen
aor from Pennsylvania think that the provso ex-
tends TO The bill principle contrary to the object OF the
b and that the system would be more perfect II that
provlso was stricken out The general object OF the BILL
sir is TO secure cheap postage and uniform rates of post
age That is the principle which lies at the tounda-
ton OF the bill, and think it will much diminish the
labors OF the post Office and simplify its accounts II
would be well to apply this principle 10 newspaper
postage as well 10 letter postage. think that the
amendment which allows newspapers to go free OF all
postage for thirty miles from the office of publication is
unjust and partial Ii acts a privilege in favor of
what is called the local newspaper press 1t encourages
those who live within thirty miles of particular paper
TO subscribe for that paper IN preference TO others II is
an advantage also bestowed upon people who reside
within thirty miles OF the office OF publication OF news
paper and particularly to those residing within thirty
miles of the larger ces-Baltmore, Philadelphia, New
York, Boston, &c 1t is not advantage TO the gov
ernmen that is certain but it is advantage conferred
upon portion OF the people, and upon portion OF the
people who have greater claims than any other por
ton for this advantage
do not believe it is necessary for the purpose of
tanning the local press, sir That press sustained,
believe Just well before this privilege conferred,
and has been Just well sustained SINCE while that
was in full force. | believe the principle never in
hoduced TO legislation until the year 1915 Yet the
without any legislative benefit of this sort think, sir
we have extended benefits enough 10 the press both To-
cal and general in carrying their exchange papers free OF
postage. That is great benefit TO them, and no benefit
at all to the government see no reason why we should
give them still further privilege which is manifestly
partial in its operation; aud think, therefore, unjust
hope, therefore, that the amendment will not prevail
and if II shall not will move that the provso itself be
stricken out. in order that may apply uniform
Mr. Ss Is shS TO ike to know the whole
system of the Post Office Department is not both arbitrary
and partial am one OF those who believe il is an ofh
cious exercise of government Junction. and there
those within the hearing OF my voice who know
that the duties of the Post Office be discharged
promptly and better in every by private expresses
than they are now discharged know that the Proviso
is partial but it is justice be- The
ator from MARYLAND Mr. PEARcE] says Will be partial
for portion Of the papers to be permitted to go free,
even for them 10 be charged with half cent. while
others charged one cent To be is partial, but
it is aiming at impartiay, as far as may be- There is
manifest reason why the papers published in the in
teror--not the commercial papers, out Newspapers
papers for general informationshoud not pay the
postage with the commercial papers of the cities. The
class is taken by the merchant in the commercial
cities the other is taken by the poor person beyond the
hills and mountains. One is taken for its account of
stocks and exchanges and markets The other is a
school for children, and circulating library for the
neighborhood 1t is for that reason that urge that this
class OF papers-the country revolutionary be per-.
mled to go for 80 miles free of postage hope shall
be understood in this and have my position reversed,
by the Geographic reporters have ssnlhed heretofore
not strenuous upon that pontt should not be more than
a quarter or half cent. There is why the
country newpapsr should pay as much M as the heavy
commercial paper and is partial IN the highest sense OF
the word to compel them to do For this reason, and
for numerous others which will suggest themselves,
shall vote for the amendment of the senator from Penn
sylvania giving free circulation TO newspapers within 80
miles from the office OF publication.
We have now many forms of communications rail.
roads and other roadsby which the city is already
scattered broadcast through the country The difference
between cty weekly papers and the country press is
this The city papers, at the close OF the week. take the
material of their daily editions and put them into weekly
sum- but it nsissof what, SIR Why OF news items OF
the city, but of no interest to the countyo police reports
a most unhealthy aliment-and of various other matters
equally Improbable and injurious. What is the coun-
try press II contains much miscellaneous information,
useful for the reading of all classes, and particularly OF the
young. The country press cannot compete with these
city papers and unless such plan is adopted, the
city papers will have the advantage. think this is
son, sir, why the amendment should be adopted.
make it otherwise The whole system is founded upon
Partially 1t artificial system, and will continue to
be partial until the whole shall become what it will be-
when the country shall be settled and the convey.
of newspapers and letters shall alike be left free to
'i Mr. WESTCoTT am not certain that am in order
in proposing an amendment, which stated on a former
day, when this bill under considerations should
offer at the proper time have since that day inter-
ered in the debate on this bill my sentiments have
been better Expressed by the honorable senator from
Ohio [Mr ALLEN than could express them myself.
desire to put the doctrines he has advocated in practical
operation, TO some extent at least. To this end will
when am informed of the most appropriate time, offe
the following amend ment 10 the bill
shall move to strike out the first clause of the provso
and 10 substitute in lieu of it, instead of the amendments
offered by the senator from Pennsylvania, Mr. CAME
ROM and that of the senator from New York, Mr.
DIcKINsoN,l the following:
'Prouided That newspapers shall not be charged with
pos'ag for transportation by mail within the congressional
district in which the Office OF publication thereof situate
"a SENATOR. Offer it now.]
We'll sir, will offer it now, and will say few word.
in explanation OF ii.
[ agree with the senator from Maryland [Mr PEARcE7
that the proposition lessen the postage papers fol
thirty fifty miles from the place where they pub
shed is unequal, unjust and mpolitic Sir do not hest
tate to deneuace il sectional and the most fragrant in
justice to the newspaper editors and people OF the iron
tier States. 1t will operate TO let off the editors and PEG
pie of the thckly settled New England States and Penn
syvana from the postage tax their country and city
papers, and the expense of carrying them has to be borne
equal justice. Why make the arbitrary fifty miles OF
thirty miles rate 1t does not apply equally in all thu
States bill at last session proposed, amendment
to it proposed, counties instead of this rate This
voted down at once, and properly. To show how un
equal 1t was, then stated that we had county in
State larger than Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode
Island all pat together Sir by this BILL reported BY
the Committee proposed to be amended by the Sen
ator from Pennsylvania, or the Senator from New York
the people of the States of Connecticut Delaware,
Rhode Island will pay little postage, for the longest dis
lance either does not exceed one hundred miles
am sorry that my friend from New York, [Mr. DICK
INsoN] who is most generally liberal in his course
towards the outside States
IA SENATOR. Why say most generality
| say most generally, because this exception
from his usual just and liberal course; he does not ex
pand his views ltte to acude the people of the