Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1873-10-25
CHEAPER TELEGRA THING.


Low RATES and quick dispatch in
crease all kinds of business that relates
to the carrying of passengers, freight
or letters. If the rates are too high,
neither corn nor grain can be sent from
the extreme West to the seaboard, and
only limited quantity from places less
remote. Not one passenger would go
to Kansas or California where ten now
go, if the stagecoach were substituted
for the railroad, the fare remaining the
same.
The actual cost of transportation de-
creases us the quantity of merchandise
and number of passengers increase. Ii
there are two railroads of the same
length, the one carrying double the
quantity of freight of the other, its eX-
pcnses will not be fifty per cent. greater,
for many of them bear no relation to
the amount of business-as the general
office expenses, grading, fencing, ties,
and culverts.
In the mail service especially, by the
greater dispatch afforded by railroads
and the reduced postage, the mailed
letters have increased within few years
from forty millions to five hundred mill
ions, while the deficit of revenue is no
greater in proportion to the number of
letters transmitted at three cents than
at the former average postage Of 10
cents. This principle applies still more
strongly to the telegraph the rates are
so high that few can aifsrd to use it.
although the gain in time over the mails
is SO great. Abroad, at low rates, it is
generally used. In England its use has
moro than doubled within three years
since the telegraph has been connected
with the postonice, while here the num-
Der of kilograms has increased less than
one-third. The average rate for tele-
grams in England is % CENTS i'll all
Europe, 81 cents; in America, q cents.
The Postmaster General recommends
the union of the telegraph with the post
office by the purchase and operation of
the lines of telegraph. While all admit
the greater chcapness and more free
use of the telegraph abroad, some OPP
pose this plan on the ground that under
q republican form of government the
telegraph cannot be managed as well as
under u monarchy. If this be true, and
tue people are unable to manage their
own affairs, then give us king and
aristocracy at once. We do not par
ticipatc in these fears, and the sooner
this question is understood and decided
the better.
Others oppose this plan on account Of
the great outlay involved i'll the pur-
chase and extension of the line ; and n
plan has been proposed by committees
OF the Senate and House of Represent
atives ir1..r-o7sf to wnom the sUbjcct was
referred, by which kilograms will be re-
ceived as letters noware at all postotliccs
and at alltcleSraph Offices, and transmit
ted betweenthe offices by parties furnish
ing and operating the lines at rates fixed
by Congress, not exceeding one cent 4
or less by day, and 1000 miles OF les
by night; a reduction of about 80 PEI
cent. of the present rates-25 cents fol
night telegram from st. Louis to New
York or New Orleans. This plan re
leves the postofice from the necessity
of purchasing and operating lines,
while it utilizes all it's existing facilities,
and places the telegraph at once within
the reach Of all classes. This system is
in exact analogy with the present postal
service all correspondence will be re-
ceived and delivered through the post
Office, the mailed letter transmitted by
contract with railroad and stagecoach
contractors, the telegraph letter by con
tract with the telegraph company. The
benefits of this plan are evident it in
wolves no constitutional questions, and
can be easily, quickly and without cost
to the General Government carried into
practical operation.