American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-07-01

men varied according to distance; but now
there is uniform rate of twenty cents on let
tiers, and two cents on newspapers, when sent
by the Bremen line.
THE DEPARTMENTS AT WASHINGTON.
We yesterday promised our readers some
structures upon the present organization of the
several Departments of the General Govern
ment. The Importance of discussing this sub
ject in order to elicit all the information upon
it that may in anywise tend to bring about q
salutary reform, through the medium of legis-
lative action, during the next session of Con-
gress, is indeed imperious in view of the action
proposed in Senator Hunters resolution, intro
duced near the close of the last session.
That under the auspices of the present sys-
tenn the public service is retarded, the greatest
injustice done to individuals, through caprice
or fayoritism and the avocation itself brought
into disrepute, are facts SO lamentably obvious
that none can deny their existence.
A system SO Objectionable, 30 untenable, 50
injurious to the public interest, cries aloud for
reform. 1t is not our design in the present
article to enter into the details of the question,
but to merely introduce the subject, and leave
the investigation for subsequent numbers and
in that investigation we propose pointing out
existing defects, and to propose what we GEN.
ceive to be proper remedies for the evils.
We find no fault with any one in particular :;
we wage no war against individuals; but deal
with the workings of organization that de-
MES merit to be its standard, and makes posi-
ton in the Offices of the departments to depend
upon favoritism ,oithin, and personal and political
influence from without.
The patronage of the General Government
belongs to the people: not to a political party,
and still less to the heads of Departments and
bureaux, in their individual, personal capacity
Hence, the good of the Government, and not
political and personal considerations, should be
consulted in dispensing that patronage. The
competent, the deserving only, should be ap-
pointed to office, and continued therein; and
Old Fogies and First Families should have all
the Difference shown them that they deserve
but no more. For the latter to support all the
dignity and receive the largest salaries, while
the Industrious, faithful, competent clerks do
the labor and receive the smallest COMFORTS rs
little with the first principles of justice as with
the doctrines of equality and republicanism.
THE CoRSER-SToNE.-Iti is formally announced
through the Inteligencer of this morning, that
the President Of the United States, through the
Marshal of the District Of Columbia, yesterday
extended an invitation to the Masonic Frater-
nifty to assist in the ceremonies of laying the
cornerstone at the Capitol, on the approaching
Fourth of July; and that B. B. French, Most
Worshipful Grand Master of the Order, has ac-
cepted the invitation.
The Inteltgence adds, as worthy Of note in
connection with the subject, that " in 1898
President WASHINGTON, in the combined ca
'pacity Of President of the United States and
Presiding Officer Of the Ancient Order, laid
the cornerstone of the present Capitol edifce;'
and that "the apron worn by the inustrious
Chief on that occasion, and the gavel which
he SO happily used, win be again brought
into requisition in the performance Of the
mystic observances."
The Republic remarks on this subject, that
athe Grand Master, Mr.. French, in the per-
sformance Of the part which the usages Of the
'0rder impose upon him, will, we learn, wear
the same apron which Washington wore, and
make use of the same gavel which Washington
made use Of more than half century ago,
when the Father Of his Country, in the capacity
'of Grand Master, laid the corner stone of the
Capitol"
The following resolutions we're yesterday
passed by the City Councils:
Resolved That the Mayor and the two Boards
and officers, and officers of the Corporation will
attend the laying of the cornerstone of the ex-
tension of the Capitol on the Fourth Of july
next
Resolved, That the Mayor and two members
from each Ward be a committee to make ar
rangements for carrying into effect the forego
ing resolution, on which committee shall be the
Presidents Of the respective Boards.
CRIMINAL CouRT.--Tbe case of the United