American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-07-17
FURNISHING MAIL LOCKS AND KEYS.
Posr OFFICE DEPARTMENT,
Z stsflA March 1 4. 1851.

PosT OFFICE DEPARTMENT,
TT being desirable to substitute locks and keys Of
other kind for those now In for the mail service
~ ss ss rcee a
at the Post Office Department until the first day Of July
next The different locks viii be submitted TO commis-
tracts WILL as soon as practicable be entered into for fur.
nshng such locks and keys for four years. with the right
the part Of the Postmaster General for the time being
extend and continue the contract In force for add
onal 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. i,. -, ~ .5..
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 fr composition, now invited may
develop s i L. howsys t. STATE TINT lock suit
tiles, viz durability uniformity ligness, and strength
For the purpose Of displacng simultaneously all the
new locks and twenty thousand keys thereto win be
required TO be furnished by the contractor within seven
months after the contract shall have been entered into
afterwards the annual supply will depend the dura
biy Of the locks and keys adopted, wen the in
crease Of the mail service but will probably never
coed in amount three thousand Of the former and
40 lock viii be considered II 1t be like any already in
general use; will any one with whom the contract
lock key similar 70 those contracted for for any other
purpose than that OF the Post Office Department.
The kind oflock adopted must be patented and the pa
tetee win be required entering into contract
assignment q his patent for The exclusive and ben
eft Of the Department. II the Postmaster General shall
such requirement essential TO the interests Of the
service 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
bcsides resort TO the penal remedy hereinafter men
toned 70 annul said contract and 10 contract with
any other party parties he may m for furnishing
similar locks and keys. luT Il4l4[ M
In deciding upon the proposals and specimens offered,
the Postmaster General deem 1t expedient TO select
the through malls the lock Of bidder and for the
way mails that of another lie reserves therefore, the
right of contracting with different indiyduala for such
different kinds Of locks he may select and also the
right 70 reject all the specimens and proposals. II he shall
deem that for the interest Of the Department The
party parties contracting will be required to give bond
with ample security, in the of thirty thousand dol
lars faithful performance Of the contract The con-
tract 10 cotain provisions for the due and proper in
spection Of the locks and keys and also for guarding
against their passing into improper handle; the terms of
these provisions 10 be arranged between the Department
and the successful bidder, II bid should be accepted
No application will be considered II accompanied
with satisfactory evidence Of the trustworthy character Of
the bidder, and Of his ability to fulfil the contract
, 9'tIeG4 #He3 II N.KaIIALL
4 mar o. Har s@.t.hNg4 Postmaster General.