The New York herald., 1850-12-06

We are this morning enabled 10 present few
additional particulars relative 10 the destructive
tornado in Missouri. They do not, we are sorry
10 perceive, vary from the account of this truly
hsartrending calamity, which was published ex-
clusively in The Herald last Sunday.
The Report OF the Postmaster General
Reduction OF Postages.
We Iuhlsbsdt this important and interesting docu-
mrn, on rDetday. Il contains many valuable sug
tons, some Of which will form the basis of imme-
d d-te future regulations Of that department of the
government, which is directly concerned with the
social and commercial interests of the people.
Since Rowisnd Hill. ia England, formed his cal
culaiions for the reduction Of postage, and induced
he Butsh govtrnment 10 Try the experiment Of
low rates for letters, the public mind in this coun
tTy has heeu di-posed to urge upon our govern nent
the importance of making great notifications in
the rates on letters and on newspapers. Some
changes, accordingly have taken place from time
10 time m the Post Office Department, by which
the p.cll, have been largely benefited, while the
revenue derived under these liberal improvements
has suggested the pracdcabiity Of still further re-
ducuols.
The Postms sier General now proposes a uni.
form rate of three cents for inland paid letters,
aud Of tive cents for unpaid letters, as introduce
toy to n further reduction, AT no distant period,
il pr scii, abe, 10 TWO cents-ihe amount paid on
a hal ounce Ietier in Great Britain. We have
no doubt ~ he successful working Of the depart
ment under this arrangement. With the intelli-
pence and social and commercial intercourse in
this country, have every reason TO believe that
the revenue from letters Il This rate Of postage,
notwiths landing the geographical magnitude Of the
United states. would present as favorable ngures,
in proportion to the exp' nd,ure as now marks the
Bnt,h Poet Office Department
In the n,v.pspcr and periodical department Of
cur General Pos Office, we have had many
changes year after year, tni it is certainly de-
sifahl. Co adopt some equitable, just, and liberal
policy, that NAV be permanent Much has been
said about the diffusion Of knowledge, aud many
philos, Thtf- have claimed that knowledge should
cost ro,h.0s Anything that is 80 excessively
thear, Loasysr. rs seldom respected, aud we think
thatno dsts a. individuals should receive news-
papess viii out hsiuu changed like their neighbors,
Tor the luxury. A uniform rate Of one cent for
esth newspaper to 90 any distance, at least
fr the present.. l. fair, and well calculated
10 Lead 10 sull further reduction, when il
Is found thst the tax on letters Is adequate
70 the liquidation Of the expenses Of the depart
u,eut ln Errlsud. the newspapers are free ot all
ihnes, iIe Somerset House stamp being the only
levy made on them by the government. Thus, a
single urwip.ptf may he mailed, free, two or thr.e
lurdr,d times "a tue year. there being no limit
af.ipntd to its carriage ~ The mail IL is enough
that IL is siamped-snd, being 20 marked, news
raper pltls5. q ga the h.s Of January, $780, may
D. matted I'd. p and sgain. each day In the year,
tU 1851 or even for i've years or long il will
hold tcrsth.r Il Is fau to presume that every
,ory of The London TiD,cs is mailed nnd re.ms lied
nv ytif.e of four different owners. IN some cascs,
tfs SAN cory viii be owned by twenty persons
before 81 Is thrown aside Ths time m1y come
,.Ltr our rovtrnusn nt may reduce che postage on
tevs..r.Fs tulI further, So that the public may
rrioy daily newIpapefs, where they now only
FE.td themselves some inefficient weekly sheet.
10 Ms erd We think the Postmaster General
tulhttoIe J.fr.tsd TO abolish the ranking privi-
I.ga. sr5 al.pto stop The free exchanges Of news
a.. ,r rf,ristoIs. 10 the present state Of tcle-
nrpiie coamuuic ition, many Of the newspapers
sent by ,ra .lHce to another are wholly useless;
,at ncse '.,h -ie worthy Of being rec i've 3, are
worhy Of t-irs paid for. The mails, AZ present,
sre re. l.ss'y Wtiet.d down by thousands ofinlind
frtsfr. which the government s forced % carry
vtIautsny remuneration. This is more than the
i.tss rrsht 10 baye the Coincidence 20 demsni;
sta..s ite r0veum meni s about to enter upon the
,trenpent of f,te postage, We thiak that all
,i.stss should contribute towards carrying out the
I'Isu ucpc-td.
The Postmaster General inumatss that, TO sustain
DE nsrhies privilege, an express appropriation
orlte treasury should b. made. On his subject,