American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-03-27
FURNISHING MAIL LOCKS g KEYS.

March II, 1851.
being desirable to substitute locks keys of
other kind for those now in use for the mail service
the United States, specimen locks and keys with pro-
posas to furnish the same will be received considered
at the 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
nhng such locks and keys for four years. with the right
the part of the Postmaster General for the time being
TO extend and continue the contract in force for add
tona term Of four years by giving to the contractor
written notice TO that effect not than nine less
than six months before the termination of the first term
Of four years.
With view of procuring the best lock at the lowest
price, kind of lock is prescribed Standard the De-
partment relying for selection the mechanical skill
and ingenuity which fair competition, invited may
develop U is however, proper to state that lock suit
tes viz durability, uniformity, ghtness and strength.
For the purpose of dispacing simultaneously all the
mail locks and keys now in use, about thirty thousand
locks and twenty thousand key thereto will be
required to be furnished by the contractor within
months after the contract shall have been entered nto
afterwards the annual supply will depend the dura-
biy Of the locks and keys adopted as well as the in
Of the mail service; but It will probably
coed in amount three thousand Of the former and
No lock will be considered If Il be like any already in
general use nor will any one with whom the contract
may be made he allowed TO make SELL or furnish any
lock or kew 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 pa
entee will be required entering into contract TO make
assignment of his patent for the exclusive and ben
eft Of the Department. If the Postmaster General shall
deem SUCH essential 10 the interests Oh
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 mem
toned to annu said contract and TO contract anew with
any other party parties he may IT. for furnishing
similar locks and keys.
In deciding upon the proposals and specimens offered,
the Postmaster General may deem IL expccnt to select
for the through mails the lock of bidder and for the
way mails that OF another lilo therefore, the
right Of contracting with different individuals such
different kinds OF locks as he may select and also the
right TO reject all the specimens and proposals. he shall
deem that for the interest of the Department The
party parties contracting will be required give bond
with ample security, in the of thirty thousand dol
lars for faithful performance of the contract The
tract to contain provisions for the due and proper
spccton of the locks and keys, and also for guarding
against their passing into improper hands, the terms Of
these provisions 10 be arranged between the Department
and the successful bidder, If bid should be accepted
No application will be considered II not accompanied
with satisfactory evidence Of the trustworthy character of
the bidder and Of his ability 10 fulfil the contract
N. X, HALL,
mar a. Postmaster General.