The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-03-30

description running once day In each dlre0
tion and that these additional rates have
generally been readily, and sometimes eagerly
accepted by the railroad companies; that some ins
deed have voluntarily offered to provide and run
such cars In advance of any application or SUCCESS
ton on the part OF the Department, and with fuu
knowledge OF the rates paid for similar services
when performed at the Departments request.
The Post once Appropriation act, passed at the
late session Of Congress, allows compensation az
rates ranging from $25 to $50 per mile per annum
for postal cars running once day each way, ana
does away with the restriction whereby, undea
previous laws, roads receiving the highest rate Of
pay were prevented from receiving any addts
tional compensation on account OF running
postal cars. The Post Master General. II
his letter. prop0unds several very important
interrogatories. Referring to the companies wha
threaten to withdraw the postal on the Lat o.
April, he says
The roads they control, centering at New
York, the great commercial emporium OF the
largest proportion OF the mail communication
OF the country radiates and converges-the exc
SO Serious that feel to nanss
whether the government, IN Its management OF the
immense postal interests OF the citizens in whose
tions or parties like these by whom this menace
is offered, or. whether under the laws de-
Il ing al duty Of te
to provide for the carriage OF the mali
on all post roads, or under any other law or laws
the Government possesses sufficient power, or cal
have recourse to suitable measures to protect the
important interests entrusted to its custody and
thus imperilled. Will you, therefore, be pleased
at the earliest moment practicable, to communicate
to me your decision upon the points hereinafter
named, to witt
First-If railroad companies refuse to carry ovel
their roads the mails OF the United States and
agents in charge thereof for the compensation
prescribed by law, has the government, as repre>
sented by the Post ONCE Department the right
and is It its duty, to convey mails and agents Id
Second-if railroad companies OFFER to carry
mails as mere freight or baggage. and refuse to
provide suitable postal cars and to transport such
agents or clerks as may be necessary to take
dangering the safety and retardng the distribution
and delivery thereof Is 1t the right and duty Of thd
government to provide and run upon such roads
OF said malls
Thirds it not within the exclusive power Oh
the department. to interpret and enforce the Law
so far as to determine what is right and proper IN
the way OF accommodations and safeguards for the
despatch, transportation and distribution OF the
mails, and to require compliance Herewith on
F0uTN-Can the department. make other Oh
greater compensation to railroad companies than
that prescribed In the act Of Congress Of March s
1871
FUrh-In case the railroad companies or any Of
them shall refuse to provide and run postal cars
their roads as heretofore for the compensation
prescribed by law, advise this department to the
extent and nature ofits powers under existing
legislation to provide against the delays, losses and
Inconvenience resulting therefrom.
!, Strth-Has Congress power under the constftu<
ton to confer upon this department greater au-
th0rity and control over the railroads Of tha
country in connection with the postal service than
that now possessed, and II so, state the extent
and scope Of the legislative powers in that direcs
ton