The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-01-07

NEWSPAPER PosrAoE.-It ia gratifying to the
Washington Republic pursuing the liberal course
it does on the postage reform bill now before Con-
gress. and we indulge the hope that its salutary
notions on this subject may have beneficial infiu
ence upon those who to decide the fate of that
bill. The Republic has all along urged the reduc-
ton of letter postage TO the minimum sum pro-
posed two cents for all distances and, though we
may have our doubts as To the policy or propriety
OF this extreme reduction, we would rather see the
experiment tined than have the rate remain as IL 10
at present; bat, whatever may think of the opn-
ions ofthe Republic that point, we have hest
tation in returning the editor our thanks Tor the
soundness of his views in relation TO newspaper
postage. He would extend the free circulation of
newspapers much beyond the limits of the former
law this subject, rather he would permit
much larger extent OF merely nominal postage
system OF newspaper carriage, and most people
will agree with him, though We confess for our
selves might rather prefer circulation, to a
limited extent, pe5ectiytree. But let Us give the
plan of the Republic:
1--WE would not make this wholly gratuitous
circulation. IL will be remembered that when
law of this kind before enacted the post
masters complained of the gratuitous labor it re
CURED them To perform. Its repeal was effected,
we believe, IN consequence OF these complaints
Now as the carriage and circulation of these papers
will occasion no expense to the Department, we
should propose that the postmasters be authorized
charge rhe subscribers receiving their Offices
respectively, for their own exclusive use two mills
per paper, payable annually in advance, but that
when the income OF any office, at this rate, shall
coed 3 80 per quarter, but mill be charged by
them the next succeeding quarter By this arrange
ment the postmaster al the place OF publication
would derive profit but, as his office is always
the most lucrative in the country there would be
nothing oppressive in the case. An nducement to
postmasters to desire the circulation OF their county
papers would be supplied also by this plan"
Now this is fair manly and liberal, and we re-
peat thanks to the editor. We certainly could
form plan of our own, which we should like bet
ter but will be very well satisfied if Congress will
adopt the suggestions of our contemporary
NtiD London Comm Chronicle, Dec. 81
MERCANTILE HoNoR.--The Philadelphia North
american mentions the receipt of note from
gentleman of that city, OF the following purport
Z" You may remember that many years ago
was unfortunate in business, and was obliged to
ask the indulgence of my creditors, from whom
obtained a full release Since then have been ia
am paying off my old debts, amounting to over
100000. need not say this is the happiest day of
my life and that the consciousness of being able
to discharge this duty has brought with it peace
of mind more valuable than either silver or gold
Commenting on this act the american says:
''Such example is certainly worthy of all
praise and accord it in this particular
with all the more cheeriulness, we are sure the
act was prompted by high sense of integrity an
earnest and anxious disposition TO do right, for
the sake of right, uninhuenced by any other
tives."