Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-05-19


WAsHlsea1os. Ny i5th. isss
Mr.. Hunter Of Va, Chairman OF Tho! llnapos Com
mittee, has introduced in the Ssnate h1lof COM
siderable importance to the public, proposing to !
amend the several acts in relation 10 the Post Office
Department The main provisions Of the bill are,
to change the present rates of POSTAGE that for
every letter, package or parcel not exceeding haitian
ounce in weight there shall be charged acs cents,
for any distance under three thousand miles, and
for any distance exceeding three thousand miles, ten
cents. For double letter. double these rates.
Every letter, package parcel not exceeding half
an ounce in weight, shall be deemed single letter,
and Tor any weight over that an additional single
rate Of postage shall be charged. All drop letters.
for delivery, shall be charged cent EACH and ad
vertsed letters cent each in addition to the reg
ular postage. The rates for printed matter are to
be, tor each newspaper or periodical. not exceeding
in weight three ounces, one ceht to any part of the
United States; the postage to be paid quarterly, in
ADVANCE, either at the Office where mailed or where
delivered. Newspapers and periodicals not exceed
ing an ounce and half in weight, when circulated
in the State where published, halt these rates;
the postage to be prepaid all transient printed
matter. The bill farther provides that deputy post
masters shall receive commissions in lieu of the COM
pensation now allowed viz: on any sum not exceed
ing 800, forty per cent; on any sum between 800
and $500, 339 per cent; between $500 and 50, 400,
80 per cent; and on any amount over s., 400, l2A
per cent
The bill also provides that, hereafter no printed
matter, in parcels weighing more than three ounces
shall be transmitted in the mails free Of postage, ex
cept the Presidents annual message and accompany
ing documents, and the Report of the Secretary of
the Treasury, which may pass as heretofore under
the frank of persons entitled by law to that privilege
These are the principal features Of the bill, and
although some unimportant amendments may be in
sisted upon by political thinkers, yet indulge the
hope that it will pass substantially, as reported.
In view OF the paltry receipts at the Treasury,
and the fact that our postal system in its opera
tons is becoming heavy charge upon the Treasury
an increase in the rates of postage is absolutely
sential.
In connection with this matter I will say that the
Thanking privilege is an item which calls for some
stringent legislation to prevent its abuse venture
the assertion that there persons in this city who
never, during the session of Congress at least,
pend cent for postage letters, parcels &c. but
depend on members Of Congress for ranked en-.
velopes Congressman are daily boned by appIi"a.
lions for franks, and ladies (?) are, probably
importunate petitioners for this favor than the STERN
er SEX The susceptible IN. c." whose heart is
exceedingly infammable land achose ac.te is at
home) cannot refuse compliance with the request
of "a sweet duck Of a woman" when she smiling.
ly asks, won't you please give me your autograph,
Mr.. -, on this parcel?" Who an blame him
it. under the influence Of strange, exciting emotions.
he becomes little oblivous and franks, unsuspect
ingly, dozen or two bilets?
Y,
lege is not great few years ago, yet it is
carried to such an extent as to demand some action
which will remedy it entirely, do away altogether
with this system of franks and substitute in lieu
some specified sum of money to pay for the trans.
mission Of such documents as members might wish
to distribute amongst their constituents. The laws
already in force would seem to be sufficiently strin.
gent yet they fail to effect the object Of their enact
ment. and some other plan becomes necessary.
Messrs Rice and Shields, Senators from the new
State of Minnesota, have been sworn in and taken
their Seats When the credentials of Mr.. Rice were
presented Mr.. Harlan of Iowa, BLACK Republican
preacher,) laid before the Senate paper signed by
settlers on the Fort Crawford reservation charg ng
Mr. Rice with having defrauded them while he (Rce)
was acting agent of the Secretary of War, for the
sale of these lands. This Harlan (who is of the
"Loveioy" stamp made these charges while he had
lying on his desk printed refutation of every one
of them. The Senate very properly rebuked this
fanatical abolitionist by administering the oath to
Mr.. Rice and promptly Inducing him in his seat
Mr.. Rice has, however, demanded an investigation,
and asserts that if any stain can attach to him in
this transaction he will instantly resign his seat
During the debate, Mr. Bright of Indiana, "pitched
into the senatorial pastor with telling effect. Peo-
pie who attempt to do the dirty work of unscru-
puous faction must expect to be severely raped
over the knuckles when caught in their mean tricks.
The Senate and House Naval Committees have
held joint meeting and determined to report bill
providing for increase of pay to the officers of the
Navy. This is highly proper and commendable
move, and should have been done long since. And
while they are upon this subject, why not abolish
the present system in our Navy, of promotion by
seniority and make professional efficiency and gal
liant conduct the means of attaining promotion p
This would weed out the incompetent, and more ef
fectuay shelve the mbeciles, than all the Retiring
Boards that could be instituted and would nfuse
new life into the ranks of our little Navy.
Mr. Broderick, of Cal. some days since brought
charges of malfeasance in Office againt the post
ter Of San Francisco, doubtless for the purpose ri
preventing his confirmation by the Senate. lie
ranted, raved, and piled on the agony" at most
furious rate yet nobody paid great deal of atten
ton to the youthful but brave Senator from Cali.
fornia," having already been surfeited with the
same comic exhibition by the " eminent Illinoisan "
in the case of Cook, of Chicago. If Mr.. Broderick
courts and covets notorety he should strike out
some neD tack, and not weakly ape the foes Of
others.
In the House the business of that body is being
speedily despatched, yet am satisfied that If pro
per regard is shown for several public measures and
numerous claims now awaiting the action Of Con.
gress, they cannot adjourn at the time specified.
The Tariff Investigating Committee are still at
work and will report, it is thought, in few days.
arm rather inclined to think that the whole matter
will end in smoke.
The Committee on the Ohio contested case repor-
ted and the opinion is entertained that Vallandig-
ham will be awarded the seat. l hope so, for it is
ungenerous to require Lew. Campbell to make SO
many sacrifices Cor his country he should be al
lowed to give some attention to his private interests.
For some time back there have been rumors a6oat