American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-09-22
FURNISHING MAIL LOCKS AND KEYS.


March Ia, 1851. I
being desirable to substitute locks and keys Of some
other kind for those in for the mail service
Of the United States specimen locks and keys with pro
posas to furnish the same win be received and considered
at the Post Office Department until the first day Of July
next. The different locks will be submitted TO commits
sion for examination and report Upon this report con-
tracts WILL as as practicable be entered into for fur
nshng such locks and keys for four years. with the right
on the part of the Postmaster General the time being
70 extend and continue the contract in force for add
tona term Of four years by giving to the contractor
written notice 10 that effect not than nine nor less
than six months before the termination OF the first term
OF four years.
price, kind of lock is prescribed Standard the De-
parment relying for selection the mechanical skill
and ingenuity which fair competition, now invited may
develop It's however proper TO state that lock suit
able for the mail service should the following quail
tiles viz durability uniformity lightness and strength
For the purpose Of dsplacing simultaneously all the
mail locks and keys in about thirty thousand
oc and twenty thousand thereto will be
required 10 be furnished by the contractor within
months after the contract shall have been entered into
afterwards the annual supply will depend the durn-
bity Of the locks and keys adopted well as the in
Of the mail service but IL will probably
coed in amount three thousand Of the former and
thousand of the latter.
No lock win be considered II It be like any already in
general use; will any with whom the contract
may be made be allowed to make, sell, furnish any
lock key similar TO those contracted for for any other
purpose than that Of the Post Office Department
The kind of lock adopted must be patented and the
tentee will be required entering into contract to make
assignment Of his patent for the exclusive and bon
eft of the Department IL the Postmaster General shall
deem such requirement essential to the interests Of the
service In Of the failure of the contractor at any
time TO fulfil faithfully the terms and conditions Of his
contract the Postmaster General shall have the right
besides resort to the penal remedy hereinafter
toned to annul said contract and to contract with
any other party parties he may h for furnishing
similar locks and keys.
In deciding upon the proposals and specimens offered
the Postmaster General may deem IL expedient TO select
for the through mails the lock of bidder and for the
way mails that Of another He therefore, the
right of contracting with different individuals for such
different kinds Of locks he may select and also the
right To reject all the specimens and proposals. If he shall
that for the interest Of the Department The
party parties contracting will be required TO give bond
with ample security in the Of thirty thousand dol
lars for faithful performances Of the contract The
TO contain provisions for the due and proper
spection of the locks and keys and also for guarding
against their passing into improper hands, the terms
these provisions TO be arranged between the Department
and the successful bidder il bid should be accepted
No application will be considered II not accompanied
with satisfactory evidence of the trustworthy character
the bidder, and Of his ability to fulfil the contract
NJ X. HALL,
mar "a Postmaster General.