The republic., 1850-12-03
sI46,sO6 IS

The conveyance Of correspondence between thi.
and foreign countries, and between the Atlantic
aud Pacific portions of the United States, has be-
come large and important branch Of our mail ser.
vice. The means provided for this conveyance
consist oil sixteen steamships now in actual service,
with iour more TO be added under the existing
racts. Connected with this service is the land
service across the Isthmus of Pa which is per-
formed 10y the Government of New Granada, under
treaty providing a stipulated compensation, ac
cording 10 the weight of the mails.
The whole duty of the Government in regard to
our correspondence with foreign countries is not
discharged by simply providing nnd supervisor z
the means OF conveyance. Arrangements should
be made with the countries 10 which our steamship
lines extend TO specify and secure mutual and sat
sfactory terms for the interchange Of mails and for
the uninterrupted transit of correspondence in
the malls OF those countries, to the countries be-
yond. With Germany such arrangements have
been already made. They yet remain 20 be ad
lustcd with France; but the subject is now in
charge Of our diplomatic representatives., and an
carly and favorable termination Of their ncpotia-
nons 10 anticipated.
Ia respect TO our correspondence with the West
Indies and South America some specific arrange
mcnt is desirable and the carly passage OF joint
resolution OF Congress, authorizing this Depart
ment TO take measures TO secure such arrange
inent, isrccommendcd.
The mail service in California and Oregon, and
especially in the former, is sull in unsettled
state, and but partially reported that salts
factory statement in regard TO IL be submitted
Sufficient time 10 communicate with the agent last
appointed TO take charge Of the California service
has not yet elaspcd since his appointment; but bic
report upon the present condition Of the service in
that State may be expected at an early day. In adj
diton TO 10 the difficulties incident to the and
very peculiar state Of sffsirs in tho, diet,nt
there are many that result from the want Of
proper experience and skill on the part of those
TO whom the management of postal affairs in
that section OF the country has necessarily been
confded. Tho appointment of Deputy Post
mastor General and an Auditor 10 reside in
California, as proposed by bill reported at
the last session, might aid in removing some Of
the difficulties, but would give an organization
which would yer that service from the service in
other parts Of the Union and is liable TO many OBJ.
cctions. IL is, therefore, respectfully suggested
that improve ment, system, economy, ana cfhoi
cncy would be yoncr introduced, if Congress
should authorize the Postmaster General TO send
temporarily TO the Pacific coast an officer Of the
greatest knowledge and experience in mail
rangemonts, and IN the principles and rules of the
Departmental governing the making Of contracts,
for the purpose Of being there associated with the
local agent In organizing the service at the outset
and placing II on proper basis for the future
charge and management of such agent. II the loCa
agent is 10 be continued in charge Of the service,
his salary should be increased TO amount better
corresponding with the high prices prevailing in
CahlCrnia.
In view OF the time required to communicate
with Oregon and our newly acquired territories,
the following modification OF the post office laws is
urgently recommended:
I. That the contract and fiscal year for the Post
Office Department, in respect to the service in Cal
iiornia, Oregon, New Mexico, and Utah, be
changed, and that II commence and end three
months earlier than for the rect of the Union, so
that the returns, accounts and all other statements
for the last quarter Of the fiscal year in that portion
Of the Union, can be made to the General Poet OF
hce in Washington, in time, after being duly
dIted, TO bc embraced in the annual reports sub
united at the opening of Congress.
2 That authority be given to the special agent
in that country, 10 open, at San Francisco, the
dead letters returned from the offices in Cslfof mia
and Oregon, and there dispose OF them, is
done at the General Post Office, under such regu.
lations and restrictions as the Postmaster General