, 1859-03-04
TAs Mails.

between the Post 0fice Department and
the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, with
regard to carrying the mails between 0lym-
pia and San Francisco, we believe the spirit
Of that contract contemplated on increased
service and greater regularity than we were
possessed Of at the time Of the establishment
Of that route. Arguing from the theory
that governments are instituted for the
good Of the governed" or, in other words
the people, we are Of the opinion that the
nearer an approach is made towards the
cOnsummation Of that object, so much the
nearer are the aims Of government accom-
plished, and the sPiyif Of all contracts which
parties may hold under government carried
out. Whether this construction be incor-
porated into such articles Of contract or not,
We hold to be immaterial; in fact, we think
It hardly probable that such ever is the case.
Nevertheless, whatever may be the construc-
ton placed upon contracts by contractors,
we believe there is but one correct construc-
ton which can be placed thereon, and that
ahOnld be, as we further believe, from the
above force Of reasoning.
And now let us ask, in all truth and can
dor, and without particle Of Acrimouy act
uating us in prOpOunding the question, does
the above seem to have been the motive
which has prompted the Pacific Mail Steam
ship Company in the condnct which they
hare exhibited towards our people since the
date Of the establishment Of business rela-
tons between US We believe not On
the contrary, has 1t not been dictated by a
policy the most illiberal, selfish, mercenary?
Those who reflect but moment will require
no answer from US. The service has been
performed just barely in manner to avoid
q forfeiture. Well do we remember the
high-handed course which the company pur-
sued when first the above service was enter
ed upon, in leaving our mails, either all or q
portion Of It, at Port Townsend, where It
remained until such time as the Sound
steamer conveyed il hitber. Nor will the
most charitable construction which we can
impute to the company permit US to attrib-
ute any other motives than those the most
sordid, when the practice was discontinued.
In the positive veto Of the department
against these proceedings we presume would
be found the reason why the mails are now
brought to Olympia, direet, as contemplated
BY the contract. Had all the concessions
been made. and oil been given, by the peO'
pie Of Port Townsend, for which that com.
pany applied, it is quite probably that that
port would have acquired the importance
which the British port Of Esquimalt nov
psssess, and which, until within the weeE
past, was virtually made the terminus Of the
route, whereas, in fact it was Olympia
While at our port the steamers Of that com
pany lay scarcely long enough to change
the mails, at Esquimalt-a point unknown
in the eontract-her officers found ample
time to dance two and three days attendance
upon the British officers, functionaries, and
officials which might be congregated in that
vicinity. We do not complain as to the
manner in which the leisure time Of the Off.
GERS Of that company is consumed, nor as tc
whose fayors they see iit to court. That is
an affair Of their own, and no business Of
ours But when these things result in in.
Justice to ourselves, as it has too frequently
done, in failures 10 connect with the steam.
ers for the States, we conceive it to be our
right, and will speak out.
A moments reflection upon the course
pursued by the Pacific Mail Steamship Co
in Oregon viii demonstrate the truth Of our
assertion with regard to its connection with
Port Townsend and Esquimalt, and the
further truth that what that Company can
not ruiz, they will ruin We alIude to the
Companies hostility to Portland, and its at
tempts to "bnild up" a rival town at St.
Helens, wherein they possessed what might
be deemed "bribed interest" The at
tempt, however, proved abortive, and with
Eve years experience it might be supposed
they had learned lesson.
Let our readers further remember that in
lS57-the days of determined opposition on
the Columbia river-the fare to San Fran
cisco, ria Olympia, was but $40, lat times
but $2O,) and freight $40 per ton, while
from here (tbe service being performed by
one vessel where they had full sway, they
i@Possd on us fare of $75 and $25 per ton
freight And, still later, let them not for
get that Victoria passengers are carried at
$50, by way Of Olympia, whereas we pay
$50 dirotl The difference, tits true, is tri-