American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-04-04
FURNISHING MAIL LOCKS a. KEYS.
PosT OFFICE DEPARTMENT,


bang 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
at the Post Office Department until the first day Of July
next The different locks will be submitted TO a commits
sion for examination and report Upon this report con-
tracts WILL as soon as practicable be entered
nshng such locks and keys for four years. with the right
the part of the Postmaster for the time being
to extend and continue the contract In force for add
tonal term Of four years. by giving 10 the contractor
written notice to that effect not than nine less
of four years
With view of procuring the best lock at the lowest
price, no kind Of lock Is prescribed as standard the De
partment relying for selection the mechanical skill
and ingenuity which fair competition, invited may
develop IL Is however proper TO state that lock suit
able for the mail service should possess the following qun
tiles, viz durability, uniformity ghtness and strength.
For the purpose Of dplacing simultaneously all the
.aS an viii he
required to be furnished by the contractor within
months after the contract shall have been entered into
biity of the locks and keys adopted well the in
Of the mail service but II will probably
coed in amount three thousand Of the former and
No lock win be considered II IT be like any already in
general use; win any with whom the contract
may DO 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 lock adopted must be patented and the pa
tcntee will be required entering into contract to make
assignment Of his patent for the exclusive and ben
eft of the Department II the Postmaster General shall
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 10 the penal remedy hereinafter
toned TO annul said contract and TO contract with
any other party parties as he may fit for furnishing
similar locks and keys.
In deciding upon the proposals and specimens offered
the Postmaster General may deem II cxpcdient 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
different kinds Of locks as he may select and also the
right to reject all the specimens and proposals. II 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 Of thirty thousand dol
lars for faithful performances Of the contract The
tract to contain provisions for the duo and proper in
spcction Of the locks and keys and also for guarding
against their passing into improper hands, the terms Of
these provisions to be arranged between the Department
and the successful bidder II bid should be accepted
No application will be considered IL not accompanied
with satisfactory evidence Of the Trustworthy character Of
tho bidder, and Of his ability to fulfil the contract
N. X. HALL,
mar A- Postmaster General