Daily national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1854, 1854-06-15
upon distance, rather than upon the d faculties

upon distance rather than upon the fhcultes
of transportation
The bill also provides that the General Gov
crnment should continue to be our mail carrier.
He would have the people Us free to carry their
letters, as to carry anything else. The people
are not compelled by the Government to send
their money by the mails, and they do not.
They regard the expresses as far more safe
and reliable.
Mr.. Smith said, in conclusion, that no re-
joiced to see the Post Office Department becom-
ing wreck. He would mend it up for two
years cruise, and then let it perish, and 30 con-
innate line of duty.
| Mr. Chandler c0ncurred in many Of the
views expressed by Mr.. Smith; but they led
him to different conclusion.
| He was aware that the express, or individual
enterprise was adequate to the requirements
of commercial and wealthy communities. The
sparse regions Of the West require the pr0tec-
ton Of the Department
| Mr.. Haven said the original bill before the
/ House proposed to increase the rates OF post
age; and that the substitute propnsed only to
require prepayment He preferred the sub
stitnte but hoped neither would pass.
The substitute also proposes to pay franked
matter out Of the contingent fund Of Congress.
The revenues Of the Department are deficient
to the amount of two million dollars That
deficiency arises in States south of Pennsylva-
MIA all being deficient except Louisiana. The
immense.
Mr. Houston said that the mails carried
through the Southern States were charged to
them, though for the benefit Of other States.
Mr. Haven said the suggestions had been
made by tho Postmaster General, upon whom
he depended for his facts The routes have two
ends. Why are there not great excuses at each
end
Mr.. Houston said the two ends did collect
the excess.
Mr.. Haven said that twenty-seven or twenty
eight thousand was the excess in Louisiana,
while New York mot an end Of the route) COL
lects an excess Of more than ambition.
If you increase the postage, it is simply tax
ing the North to the amount Of two millions.
The North is willing to join in tho expense,
and pay il out Of the general Treasury. The
North might, in mere oven handed Justice, ask
the South to make up all the deficiency. Even
Minnesota collects an excess Michigan is the
only Northern State that falls behindhand.
Mr.. Vansant said that the State is charged
in which the number OF the route is located.
Thus Maryland is charged with the mail from
Baltimore to Whceling4 Pbiladelphiaa, to
Harrisburg, and to WashhA1sn.
Mr.. Haven said this statement did not cor
respond with that Of the Postmaster General
He read from the report. He said, that If the
statement were 20, the converse WAS also true,
and the discrepancy would balance ITSELF
He opposed keeping accounts with members
of Congress, because he was opposed to COM
plicating the accounts of the Government and
to the employment of additional clerical force.
Mr.. Cobb demanded the previous question
which was ordered when,
On motion Of Mr.. Houston, the House re-
solved itself into Committee Of the Whole, MIR.
Orr in the chair,1 and took up the Civil and
Diplomatic Appropriation bill, the debate on
which had been limited to the hour Of noon to-
day