The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-04-05
End Of the Postal Car Strike.

The Railroad Companies which threat
first of April, reconsidered the rash act,
and gave notice to the Postmaster General
on Saturday, of their intention to continue
the service till special committee of the
Senate should investigate the subject.
The Postmaster General does not seem
altogether satisfied with this, temporary
truce, which may be ended at any time;
and in case the special committee of the
Senate should not concur with the views
of the Railroad Companies in the matter of
compensation, the same difficulty again
arise; and with spirit of carry the war
into Africa, he has addressed letter to the
Attorney Gengeral propounding the follow
ing questions. An answer to these interro.
cations will bring the question to an issue of
conflicting authority between the corpora
tions and the Government, respecting the
transfer of the mails, which is one of the
most important questions that can be raised.
Ifrailroad companies have supreme control
in the matter of fixing rates for transporting
the mails, then the Government and pee
pie are powerless in their hands. The
conflict over the amount of compensation,
is the most insignificant part Of the diff
Guilty that threatens contest for the mas
terry between the contending parties. 1t
will be seen by the following questions that
the Postmaster General takes the bull by
the horns and seeks to make the issue
square now.
First.-If railroad companies refuse to
carry over their roads the mails of the
United States and the agents in charge
thereof for the compensation prescribed by
law, has the Government, as represented
by the Postoffice Department, the right,
and is it its duty to convey the mails and
agents in cars of its own over said roads?
Second.-If the railroad companies offer
to carry the mails as mere freight or bag
gage, and refuse to provide suitable postal
cars and to transport such agents OF clerks
as may be necessary to take charge of dis
tributing the mails, thereby endangering
the safety and retarding the distribution
and delivery thereof, is it the right and
duty of the Government to provide and run
upon such roads suitable cars Tor the que
distribution and delivery of said mails?
Thirds it not within the exclusive
power of the department to interpret and
enforce the law so far as to determine what
is right and proper in the way of accommo-
dations and safeguards for the despatch,
transportation and distribution of the mails,
and to require compliance Herewith on
the part Of the railroad companies?
Fourth.-Can the department make 9TH
er or greater compensation to the railroad
companies than that prescribed in the Act
of Congress of March Sd, 1872?
Fifth.-In case the railroad companies,
OF any of them refuse to provide and run
postal cars on their roads, as heretofore,
for the compensation prescribed by law.
advise this department as to the extent and
nature of its power under the existing leg
islation to provide against the delays, loss
es and inconvenience resulting therefrom
Sixth.-Has Congress the power, under
the Constitution, to confer Upon this de-
partment greater authority and control
over the railroads of the country, in con-
nection with the postal service, than that
it now possesses? If so, state the extent
and scope of the Legislative power in that
direction.