Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1856-01-16
THE GRAND RIVER TIMES.
GRAND HAVEN, MICH1GANs
WEDNESDAY EVENING, JAN'Y. 16, 1856.

Washington for the purpose of organization,
as a body polite, preparatory to the enact
ment of laws suited to our well being and
prosperity as one of the greatest nations of
the earth. For want of that proper organi-
zation nothing has yet been effected; and it
is quite natural that the inquiry should arise,
to whom shall we attribute the blame for this
chaotic state of our national elements? Upon
what party rests the responsibility! Not up
on the Democratic, to be sure, for that party
is clearly in the minority; and no blame can
be attached to those acknowledging the prin-
ciples of that party for adhering to those
principles and to each other. The great sue
cess that has hitherto attended the efforts put
forth by the Democratic party to establish
and maintain a government based upon prin-
ciples truly liberal and impartial in their ma
tional bearing is attributable to the Union
and close affinity that is everywhere found in
its ranks whether North, South, East or West.
Although in some particular localities, as for
instance, in the State of New York, the par
ty may, to effect some local interest, become
divided and assume different names, yet on
national questions a union of purpose and ac-
ton has ever characterized the party and is
it to be expected that they will cease to be
united now9 Even though in the minority,
shall they now desert the principles that have
ever been cherished and advocated by them {?
No. 1t can not be reasonably expected that
such a course will be adopted by the Demo-
cratic members of the House. Shall we
shoulder the responsibility upon the Repub-
lcan party? Though the predominant
party, they seem entitled to the same lenity
that we have extended to the other portion of
the House. The balance of power, if we
may so term it, is not in their hands, so long
as they adhere to party, and it seems utterly
impossible for them to effect an organization
unless the plurality vote be adopted as the
decisive one. Shall we then fall back upon
the supporters of Mr.. Fuller and charge the
sin upon them? The same charity extended
to other parties covers this with an equally
graceful mantle. Whom, then, can we CEN
sure for this state of things but those who
vote the scattering ticket? They seem to
hold the balance of power between other par
ties, and with no hope of a successful issue
to the candidates favored with this random
patronage. Might not their support with
better grace be extended to one or the other
prominent candidate, and thus enable the
wheels of government to move along with
their wonted energy? ~
Why LETTERS ARE REQUIRED TO BE Pre-
PAID BY STAMPs.-Some good citizens, not
acquainted with the facts in the case, seem
disposed to find fault with the Post-Ofice
Department for subjecting them to the incon-
y%enience of preparing communications by
stamps; particularly, as it is a matter attend
ed with much labor and loss of time for
them to procure these prerequisites, inasmuch
as but few of the offices, situated in the more
remote settlements, are prepared to furnish
stamps for those requiring them. But eff
Gent postmasters can do much to obviate the
difficulties in the way of carrying out the
new postal arrangement by supplying their
offices with stamps. This can be done by
application to the Sd Auditor of the Post
Office Department at Washington.
The policy of adopting this method of pre-
paying letters by the Department must ap-
pear highly judicious to every candid reader,
when, by reference to the last Presidents
Message, he learns that the expenditures of
the Department exceed its receipts, the past
year, by $2,626 FOG. During the preceding
year there was also a large deficiency in its
revenue compared with its liabilities. To
make up, as far as possible, these deficiencies
that may from time to time occur, the De-
partment has adopted the stamp system.
These stamps cost but a mere trife, and be-
ing sold at the current rates of postage they
will have a tendency to enhance the revenue
accruing to the treasury of the General Post
Office, and result in no pecuniary loss to the
letter-writer, except it be the inconvenience
of obtaining them. Thus in our government