The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-12-07

received amounted to 90, 1866, and the
sum paid for commissions to postmasters,
clerk-hire, and incidental expenses, was
50, 49,. So.
In pursuance of the provisions of a pos
tai convention concluded at Berlin, July
%, 1871, copy of which is hereto annexed,
the exchange of postal money orders be-
tween the United States and the German
Empire was commenced Oct. /, 1872.
FRAMING PRIvILEGE-PosTAL TELEGRAPH
In my three previous reports l have
urgently recommended the immediate and
unconditional repeal of the Thanking privi-
lege. The experience of the past year has
strengthened my conviction that it's aboli-
ton is absolutely necessary to an efficient.
economical, and vigorous administration of
our postal system.
BY reference to special report made to
Congress on the 18th of January, 1871. it
will appear that the actual cost of free
matter, if charged with the regular rates
ofpostage, was then 50, 543, 327 70 annually.
During the late Presidential canvass the
quantity of such matter was largely in
creased, and think it safe to say that the
free matter carried during the past year, if
taxed at ordinary rates, would have yield
ed a revenue of three and a half million of
dollars, sum larger than the entire def
cheney of the year. In addition to the
heavy loss of revenue thus indicated, great
inconvenience was experienced from de-
rangements and delays in the regular and
prompt transmission of the mails, caused
by the immense amount of free matter
thrown suddenly, and without notice or
system. upon the postal routes of the coun-
try. The delays and irregularities wholly
chargeable to this cause have been the sub
Ject of many complaints during the past
year.
Grave difficulties have arisen from time
to time between the Government and GER
tain of the telegraph companies, which
have declined and still declines to furnish
such facilities as are deemed essential to
the perfect success of the signal service.
In my opinion, a Government telegraph
affords the only safeguard against the con-
tinuance of such evils. While the embar-
rassment consequent on the attitude of the
telegraph companies toward the Govern
ment demands prompt attention, it is but
one of the many considerations which point
to the adoption of postal telegraph as
measure of immediate public necessity.
Before closing this subject, 1 desire
briefly to express my disapproval of the
scheme proposed for the incorporation of
company improperly called "The Postal
Telegraph Company" to operate its lines
in connection with the Post Office Depart
ment.
I am decidedly of opinion that, if the
public interest requires a postal telegraph,
it should be put entirely into the hands of
the Government. IT, on the contrary, a
postal telegraph is not so demanded, then
the Government should not favor one pri-
vate company to the exclusion of another,
nor should it in any wise enter into compe-
tition with private enterprise.
PosT-oFFICE sAvINGs-BANKs.
Post-office savings-banks has been in
operation in the United Kingdom since the
10th of September, 1861. and have steadily
grown in popular confidence and favor
During the year 1871, the number of de-
postors increased 100, 900, and the amount
of deposits nearly 100000 The total
number of depositors is now 2362, GEL, and
the total sum standing to the credit of the
post office Ell, 303,S15 or about $S4,
600. These figures show conclusively the
utility of postal savings banks; and l re-
new my recommendation of last year for
their establishment in this country.
POSTAL CARDS.
By the act of June 8, 1872, section 40, |
the Postmaster General was authorized and
directed to furnish and issue to the public
"postal cards." with postage stamps i'm
pressed thereon, for use as an additional
means of postal intercourse, at postage
charge of one cent each including the cost
of their manufacture. Preliminary steps
have been taken by mo for furnishing and
issuing these cards agreeably to the provi-
slons OF law; but, as no appropriation was
made by Congress to meet the expense of
their manufacture, and the Department is
prohibited, by the seventh section of the
act of July 10, 1870, from involving the
Government in any contract for the future
payment of money in excess of appropria-
lions made for each fiscal year. was con-
strained to postpone their issue until
specific appropriation could be made. This
course was taken in conformity with the |
written opinion of the Attorney General. |
An appropriation for this purpose is re-
spectfully recommended.
SALARIES.
The salaries of the heads Of bureaus of
this Department should be largely increas-
ed. The three Assistant Postmasters-Ge Gen. !
eral receive only So, 500 each per annum.
and the superintendent of foreign mails |
and the money order system each $4,000 |
per annum. These sums are inadequate
to maintain their families comfortably in |
Washington, their presence being required |
here during the entire year. The ability, |
integrity, and laborious services of these
officers appeal strongly in their behalf.
With the highest esteem.
remain your obedient servant.
JNo. A. J. CREswELL,
Postmaster General