New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-03-02

Mr.. Sherman introduced bill into the National
House of Representatives, the other day, touching
the matter Of Post Office reform 1t looks to the
abolition Of the municipalities and to the re-
organization of the Post. Office Department. The
great feature of this reorganization ~ the proposed
application of the principle Of contract Service now
applied TO tie Transmission Of the mais, to the dis
trlbution ard delivery Of the na matter. lo other
wordr, to have the office of Postmaster given ont
to the lowest responsible bidder; the other features
of the system remaining substantially as they are
LOW. Thus, when Postmaster is wanted, pro-
pcsals issue as now for carrying the mails. The
man who will perform the service at the lowest
rste, giving proper bonds for the discharge Of his
duty, takes the Office.
The plan strikes US as possessing great merit.
1t very nearly destroys the party character OF The
Department at blow. II takes the Posi-. Offices
from the hands of psrsaDs, and gives them to who
ever will do their wolk cheapest. This is The true
basis of all private ard all public service, wherever
the principle can he spilled. The redu'tlon OF
expense is manifest on the face of the proposition.
Post.O Offices that now draw $4,000 per annam
salary can readily enough find competent men 10
discharge their duties for One-tbird OF one-nai lno
money. This saving of salaries alone would go lar
toward putting the Department upon Seii-Sustau-
inc basis II would be even better plan tAah
elec,uo Postmasters, if this we're practicable, for
il takes the Department entirely out OF politics,
and reduces it to mere bus ness agency, con-
Quoted on mercantile principles. When it shall
l.
take this FORM it will be comparatively easy TO DIS
sever the establishment from the Government,
either in whole or in part, whenever wise dlscre-
on shall prompt such charge.
There is always great reserve ard sloHness IN
the action of body like Congress, on any MEASURE
not urged by party necessity, especially where 1t is
asked TO depart from ordinary routine There are
at all times but comparatively few active and sa-
cacious minds in tie body who are ready to give
prompt and intelligent consideration to even I'M
portant propositions, unless the propositions have
some personal phase or partisan bearing TO recon-
mend them to attention. 1t takes very patient
man TO follow up measure Invested Of all such
elements ard urge it upon uDinterested, and stupid
AID reluctant, and selfish minds, to final success
Weary months, aud even years, are often necessary
TO secure legislation that a wise intelligence would
complete in day.
Mr. Sherman has thus job on his bands 70
bring Corgress up to The point of intelligent action
on his proposition, important and promising Of good
results as liz. The present session may, however,
prove TO be favorable time 10 press the proposed
reform, on The ground that both parties may come,
each to fear the success of the other 60 much that
both may be willing to forego their own chance OF
dispensing the patronage of the Post Office Depart
ment for the certainty Of keeping it out OF the
hands Of their adveIsaries,