American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-05-29
SHIRTS! SHIRTS /!
FURNISHING MAIL LOCKS AND KEYS.


March II, 1851. I
1T 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-
posals 10 furnish the viii be received and considered
at the Post Office Department until the first day Of July
next The different locks will be submitted 10 a commits
sion for examination and report, Upon this report
tracts will practicable be entered into for fur
niahinr such locks and KEYS for four wears with the right
on the part the Postmaster General for the time being
10 extend and continue the contract In force for add
tonal term OF four years by giving 10 the contractor
written notice 10 that effect not more 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 on tho mechanical skill
and ingenuity which fair competition invited, may
develop. IL H. however, proper 10 state that lock suit
able for the mail service should possess the following quail
tiles viz durability uniformity lghtness and strength
For the purpose Of displacng simultaneously all the
mail locks and keys In about thirty thousand
locks and twenty thousand thereto will be
required 70 be furnished by the contractor within
months after the contract shall have been entered into
afterwards the annual supply will depend on the dura-
by OF the locks and keys adopted, well ms the in
Of the mail service but II will probably never eN
coed in amount three thousand Of the former and
thousand Of tho latter
No lock will he considered II II he like any already in
general use nor will any one with whom the contract
may lie 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 bc patented and the pm
cntcc will be required entering into contract 10 make
assignment Of Ills patent for the exclusive and ben
deem such requirement essential 10 the interests the
service. In Of the failure Of tho contractor my
time 10 fulhl faithfully the terms and conditions his
contract the Postmaster General shall have the right
besides resort 10 the penal remedy hereinafter men.
TONED 70 annu said contract aud 10 contract with
any other party or parties Ms he may IT. for furnishing
similar locks and keys.
In deciding upon tho proposals and specimens offered
the Postmaster General may deem 70 cxBccnt 10 select
for the through mails the lock Of bidder and FOR the
way malls that Of another lie reserves therefore The
right Of contracting with different individuals for such
different kinds Of locks M he may select and also the
right 81 reject all the specimens and proposals. II he shall
deem that for the interest Of the Department The
party parties contracting will be required 10 give bond
with ample security, In the of thirty thousand dol.
lars for faithful performance of the contract Tho
tract TO contain provisions for the due and proper In.
spection of the locks and keys aud aso for guarding
against their passing into improper hands; the terms
these provisions 10 be arranged between the Department
and the successful bidder VI hid should be- accepted.
No application will be considered " not accompanied
with satisfactory evidence Of the Trustworthy character Of
the bidder, and Of his ability TO fulfil the contract.
N. X. HALL.
mar 2l-- Postmaster General.