The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-12-11

reasons then urged for the enlargement OF the
building have become moro imperative. lmpor
tant papers are acc umulating in the unsafe rooms
over the city post Office, to which il became necessary
to remove part of the force of the Auditors office
in consequence Of the crowded state OF the rooms In
the main building. More room, too, Is required
for the accommodation Of the city post office, and II
can only be provided by the proposed enlargement
When It is considered that much time must be
consumed before tho additional structure can be
completed, and that IN the meantime the existing
evils will continue to increase cannot doubt that
Congress will take immediate action In the matter
when the attention of that body shall be directed
to It,
think it proper to state in connexion with this
subject that, owing to injudcious construction OF
the chimneys in the post Office building, the De-
partinent has been subjected to great expense In
frutless attempts to warm the several rooms with
out the diffusion Of gas and smoke respectfully
suggest that it would not only conduce greatly to
the relief and comfort Of the officers in the build
ing to have it warmed by means OF hot water or
steam pipes, but that this method would, it is also
believed, prove much less expensive than the
present one, and that the cost OF introducing 1t
would be very soon reimbursed by the consequent
saving in fuel.
The grand jury of Philadelphia have presented
the rooms occupied as a post office in that city,
and ascribe the numerous charges which are made
against it to the deficiencies of the building rather
than to any want Of diligence and attention to
their duties on the part OF its officers. This DE
partment does not feel itself justified, even IL it
while it recommends, respectfully leaves it 10
Congress to supply the remedy.
At the last session of Congress resolution was
introduced, but not acted upon, authorizing the
Postmaster General to allow, at his discretion,
sum not exceeding 320OOO 10 the contractors for
carrying the mails between this city and Rich
mond, and thus enable them to keep in operation
the ice boats necessary to secure certainty and
prevent delay in the transportation of the mails on
that route. -.
respectfully ask that the attention of Congress
be called to this resolution md that its passage be
recommended. .a.
This Department has received through the me-
dunn Of the Hon. Abbott Lawrence, late Minister
to England, the proceedings Of an association
formed in London for the purpose of promoting
cheap and uniform system Of international postage.
The object aimed at by this association is very de-
sirabe, and well worthy of the attention Of this
Government but in the imperfect state Of our for.
eign postal arrangements deem II inexpedient
to enter at present ON any new experiment
In conclusion, desire to express my obligations
TO my predecessor, the Hon N. X Hall, for the aid
he has afforded me in compiling this report. The
statistics he had in preparation, and the method he
had established in the Department, have materially
assisted me in the discharge Of my duties. would
respectfully recommend that statistical and his
mitted to the Post Office Committee of Congress,
be continued as a valuable work of reference.
The industry and attention to their laborious
duties, exhibited by the Assistant Postmasters
General, the chief clerk, and the other clerks Of
this Department, demand my thanks, which are
gratefully rendered.
= have the honor to be your obedient servant,
s s. d. HUBBARD, Postmaster General.
To the President.
TABLE b. ...
Railroad Service and Cost for the Years 1913, lS49