American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-10-23
FURNISHING MAIL LOCKS AND KEYS.

POST DPFcE DEPARTMENT.,
March IA, 1851.
being desirable substitute locks and keys of
other kind for those in for the mail service
of the United States specimen locks and keys with pro
posas to furnish same will be received and considered
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 practicable be entered into for fur
nishng such locks keys for four years. with the right
on the part the Postmaster General for the time being
extend and continue the contract in force for add
onal of four years. by giving to the contractor
written notice to that effect not more than nine nor
than six months before the termination OF the rs term
Of four years.
with view of procuring the best lock at the lowest
price, kind of lock is prescribed standard, the De-
partnent relying for selection the mechanical skill
and ingenuity which fair competition, now invited may
develop 1t Is however proper to state that lock suit
able the mail service should possess the following quail
ities viz durability, uniformity ghtness and strength.
For the purpose of dsplacing simultaneously all the
mail locks and keys in USE about thirty thousand
locks and twenty thousand thereto will be
required to be furnished by the contractor within
months after the contract shall have been entered into
afterwards the annual supply will depend the dura-
blity of the locks and keys adopted as well the in
of the mail service but 1t will probably
coed in amount three thousand Of the former and
thousand Of the latter.
No lock will be considered If 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 be patented the pa
entce will be required entering into contract TO
assignment Of his patent for the exclusive and ben
deem such requirement essential to the interests Of the
service In Of the failure of the contractor at
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 aud keys.
In deciding upon the proposals and specimens offered
the Postmaster General may deem 1t expedicnt to select
for the through mails the lock of bidder and for the
way mails that of another. lie reserves, therefore the
right of contracting with different individuals for such
Esy,Iu ,E nEg hn ala
right reject all the specimens and proposals. If he shall
deem that for the interest of the Department The
party parties contracting will be required TO give bond
with ample security in the sum Of thirty thousand dol
lars for faithful performance Of the contract The
tract contain provisions for the due and proper in
spection Of the locks and keys and also for guarding
against their passing into improper hands, the terms
these provisions TO he arranged between the Department
the successful bidder II bid should be accepted.
No application will be considered If not accompanied
with satisfactory evidence of the trustworthy character
the bidder, and Of his ability to fulfil the contract
N. X. HALL,
mar a. Postmaster General.