American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-10-09
FURNISHING MAIL LOCKS AND KEYS.
PosT OFFICE DEPARTMENT,



March IA, 1851. I
IT being desirable substitute locks and keys of
L other kind for those in for the mail service
of the United States specimen locks and keys with pro-
posas to furnish the will be received and considered
at the Post Office Department until the first day Of july
next The different locks will be submitted 10 commits
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
10 extend and continue the contract In force for add
tona term Of four years by giving to the contractor
written notice to that effect not 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 is prescribed standard the De-
partment relying for selection the mechanical skill
and ingenuity which fair competition, invited, may
develop Is however, proper TO state that lock suit
able for the mail service should possess the following quail
tiles viz durability uniformity lightness and strength
For the purpose Of displacing simultaneously all the
mail locks and keys In use, about thirty thousand
locke and twenty thousand thereto win be
required TO be furnished by the contractor within
months after the contract shall have been entered no
Afterwards the annual supply will depend the dura
blity Of the locks and keys adopted well the in
Of the mail service; but IL will probably
coed In amount three thousand Of the former and
Thousand of the latter.
No lock will be considered II It be like any already in
general use; will any with whom the contract
may be made be allowed 10 make, cell, 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 pa
entee will be required entering into contract TO make
assignment Of his patent for the exclusive and BEN
-
deem such requirement essential 10 the interests
service In Of the failure Of the contractor any
time fulfil faithfully the terms aud conditions of his
contract the Postmaster General shall have the right
besides resort 10 the penal remedy hereinafter men
toned to annul said contract and to contract with
any other party parties he may fit for furnishing
similar locks and keys.
In deciding upon the proposals and specimens offered
the Postmaster Gepe~a may deem IL expedent To select
for the through mails the lock OF bidder and for the
mails that Of another. lie reserves, therefore, the
right Of contracting with different individuals such
different kinds Of locks he may select and also the
right 10 reject all the specimens and proposals. II he shall
deem that for the interest of the Department The
party parties contracting viii be required TO give bond
with ample security, in the Of thirty thousand dol
lars for faithful performance of the contract The
to contain provisions for the due proper in
spection Of the locks and keys and also for guarding
against their passing into improper hands; the terms of
these provisions to be arranged between the Department
and the successful bidder, If bid should be accepted
No application will be considered II not accompanied
with satisfactory evidence Of the trustworthy character of
the bidder and of his ability to fulfil the contract
N. X. HALL
mar a. Postmaster General.