American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-09-16
FURNISHING MAIL LOCKS AND KEYS.
PosT 0FFIcR DEPARTMENT,
March IL 1851


March Ia, 1851 I
being desirable to substitute locks and keys Of some
Il other kind for those in for the mail service
of the United States specimen locks and keys with pro-
posls to 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 20 a commits
siop for examination and report Jpon tha reDort
tracts WILL practicable, be entered into for fur
nshng suoh locks andkeys 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 sdd
tonal of four years, by giving to the contractor
written notice TO that effect not 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
part1nent relying for selection the mechanical skill
and ingenuity which fair competition, invited may
develop 1t Is however, proper to state that lock suit
able for the mail service should possess the following quail
tiles, vz durability uniformity lghtness and strength
the purpose of displacng simultaneously all the
mail locks and keys now in use about thirty thousand
new locks twenty thousand will
required to be furnished by the contractor within
months after the contract shall been entered into
afterwards the annual supply will depend the dura-
by of the locks and keys adopted as well the in
of the mail service; but it will probably
coed in amount three thousand of the former one
thousand of the latter
No lock will be considered IT, be like any already in
general will any with whom the contract
may be made be allowed TO make, SELL or furnish any
lock key similar 20 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
will be required entering into contract TO make
a assignment OF his patent the exclusive use and ben
deem such requirement essential to the interests the
ecrvce In Of the failure of the contractor at any
time fulfil faithfully the terms and conditions of his
contract the Postmaster General shall have the right
besides resort b the penal remedy hereinafter
toned to annu said contract and TO contract with
any other party parties as he may IT. for furnishing
similar locks and keys ss#
In deciding upon the proposals and specimens offered
the Postmaster General may deem il expedent 10 select
for the through mails the lock of bidder for the
way mails that Of another lie reserves therefore the
right OF contracting with different individuals such
different kinds Of locks as be may select and also the
right to reject all the specimens and proposals. II he shall
that for the interest Of the Department
party parties contracting will be required TO give bond
with ample security in the of thirty thousand dol
lars, for faithful performance Of the contract The
tract to contain provisions for the due and proper
spection 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 successful bidder IL bid should be accepted
No application will be considered II not accompanied
with satisfactory evidence Of the trustworthy character
the bidder, and Of his ability to fulfil the contract
N. X. HALL,
mar "a Postmaster General.