American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-08-27
FURNISHING MAIL LOCKS AND KEYS.

pOsT OFFICE DEPARTMENT
March Ia, 1851.
being desirable TO substitute locks and keys
other kind for those now in for the mail service
Of the United States specimen locks and keys with pro
posas furnish the same viii be received and considered
at the Post Office Department until the first day of July
next The different locks will be submitted TO commis
sion for examination and report Upon this report
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
ona term Of four years by giving to the contractor
written notice TO that effect not more than nine nor 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 prescribed as standard, the De
partment relying for selection the mechanical skill
and ingenuity which fair competition, now invited
develop. IL L. however, proper 10 state that lock suit
able for the mail service should possess the following quail
itics viz durability, uniformity, ghtnoss, and strength
For the purpose Of dsplacing simultaneously all the
mail locks and keys in use about thirty thousand
locks and twenty thousand keys adapted thereto will b.
required TO be furnished by the contractor within
months after the contract shall have been entered into
afterwards the annual supply will depend on the dura-
blity Of the locks and keys adopted as well the in
Of the mail scryce but II will probably
coed in amount three thousand Of the former and one
thousand of the latter.
No lock will be considered IL II be like any already in
general use; nor will any one with whom the contract
may be made be allowed to make, sel, 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 be patented and the pa
tentee 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
such requirement essential TO the interests Of tn,
service In case 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 men
toned TO annu said contract and TO contract Will
any other party parties as he may IT. for furnishing
similar locks and keys
In deciding upon the proposals and specimens offered
the Postmaster General deem IL expedient 10 selec
for the through mails the lock of bidder and for thu
way mails that of another. lie therefore, tn,
right of contracting with different individuals for sucf
different kinds Of locks he may select and also Tn,
reject all the specimens and proposals. " he shall
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 faithful performance Of the contract. Tho
Is TO contain provisions for the due and proper in
pection Of the locks and keys, and also for guarding
against their passing into improper hands; the terms
these provisions to be arranged between the Department
and the euccessful bidder, IL bid should be accepted
No application will be considered II not accompanies,
with satisfactory evidence Of the trustworthy character
the bidder, and Of his ability 10 fulfil the contract
/ N. X. HALL.
Il mar pa Postmaster General