Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-05-28

courts. In every State of this Union free
white persons are eligible witnesses, and any
carrier, from whom the mail may be robbed
while under his charge, can testify against the
robber. But when you repeal the law of 1925,
and allow persons TO be mail contractors who
are not legal witnesses, they could not testify
against a thief who robbed the mails before
their eyes; and you thus impair the security
Of our mailbags and their contents.
In the fourth place, this bill will effect a
greater change than gentlemen, whom | inter
by their desire to question me in favor OF
its passage, probably suppose. By this bill,
If it is to pass, you would allow all over the
South the employment by the STAKEHOLDER OF
his slaves, to carry the mail, and TO receive
compensation for the labor of such slaves ont
of the Federal Treasury. BY the present law
not dollar is ever paid out OF the Post Office
treasury to any STAKEHOLDER for the labor of
his slave. If they obtain contracts for carry
ing the mails in the South, where that s.insii-
tuition" is recognized, they are compelled to
employ and 10 pay free white persons as mail
Carriers, and | think this is right. Only this
Class OF persons are permitted 10 be engaged
anywhere in the u nted States as mail contrac-
dors or mail carriers for the Government.
Mr.. Speaker, am furthermore authorized
by the Postmaster General TO say that he has
not recommended the passage OF this bill, nor
does be regard ii promotive of the interests
OF the Department. | cannot find that it is
asked for by any official private citizen
throughout the length and breadth of this land.
Another reason impels me 10 oppose its pas
sage. cannot see anything in it which would
directly or indirectly aid 10 any extent their
main work in which this Congress should be
engaged in crushing out this rebelion, and
crippng the power of those who are engaged
in it. That, as it seems to me, is our para
mount duty, towering above all other duties;
and hence / have joined with my colleagues
on the Committee on the Post Office and Post
Roads, in reporting adversely this bill.
If, however. the House is prepared to pass
this bill, opening the contracts for carrying
the mails to all persons whatsoever, there is
reason that | can imagine why all persons,
whether they ''free white or not,
should not be employed as clerks in the Post
Office Department, for the services required
OF them are far less important aud involve far
less responsibility than those required OF mail
contractors. The duties of the clerks are
simply ministerial, and it is of less conse-
qnence, comparatively, that they should be re-
sponsble men, than il is that mail contractors,
who have under their care the entire CORE
spondence of the country, should be reliable
persons. L, for one, am not prepared TO
change the law until, at least, 1t is demanded
by public opinion 10y those officials who
have on them the grave responsibilities of the
Post Office Department; and believing that it
will very much weaken the security of the
mails and increase the number and facilities
of mail depredato.s; and believing, as | have
attempted 10 show, that il would be injurious
to the service, | have reported with my col
leagues on the committee against the measure.