American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-08-30
FURNISHING MAIL LOCKS AND KEYS.

. March IL, 1851. I
TT being desirable to substitute locks and keys
other kind for those In for the mail service
of the United States specimen locks and keys, with
posas to furnish the same will be received and considered
at the Post Once Department until the first day Of July
next The different locks will be submitted commits
sion for examination and report Upon this report
nshng 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 than nine less
Of four years.
With view Of procuring the best lock at the lowest
price, kind Of lock is prescribed standard the
parment relying for selection the mechanical skill
and ingenuity which fair competition, invited may
develop Is howeyer proper 70 state that lock suit
ities viz durability, uniformity, fghtness and strength
For the purpose OF displacing simultaneously all the
mail locks and keys now In about thirty thousand
and twenty thousand thereto win BE-
required 70 be furnished by the contractor within seven
months after the contract shall have been entered In
afterwards the annual supply viii depend on the dura
bility OF the locks and keys adopted well the in
crease Of the mail service; but will probably never ex
coed In amount three thousand Of the former and
thousand OF the latter
No lock will be considered II Il be like any already In
general use; will any with whom the contract
may be made be allowed TO make, sell, furnish, any
lock key similar TO those contracted for for any other
purpose or than that Of the Post Office Department
The kind lock adopted must be patented and the pa-
entee will be required entering into contract to make
assignment Of his patent for the exclusive and
eft Of the Department. II the Postmaster General shall
deem such requirement essential the interests OF the
service In Of the failure the contractor at any
time to fulfil faithfully the terms and conditions Of his
contract the Postmaster General shall have the right
besides resort 10 the penal remedy hereinafter men
toned 10 annul said contract and 70 contract with
any other party parties he may for furnishing
similar locks and keys
In deciding upon the proposals and specimens offered
the Postmaster General may deem 1t expedent TO select
Tor the through mails the lock of one bidder and for the
way mails that Of another lie reserves therefore, the
right Of contracting with different individuals for such
different kinds OF locks be may select and also the
right reject all the specimens and proposals. II be shall
deem that FOR the interest Of the Department The
party parties contracting will be required give bond
with ample security, in the Of thirty thousand dol
lara for hful performance Of the contract The
Is to contain provisions for the due and 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, II 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 d. Postmaster General