Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1874-04-02
Postal Telegraphy.


The following is a synopsis of the bill known
az the Hubbard Postal Telegraph Scheme,
which provides for the incorporation of q pri-
vate company to perform the work of postal
telegraphy under contract with the Postmas-
ter-General. 1t will be seen that the scheme
contemplates material extension of the ad-
vantages of modern telegraphy, by largely
diminishing it's cost, and by encouraging it's
use in business correspondence, and to that
extent relieving the mails of heavy burden.
The plan contemplates no additional expense
to the department, and seems to carefully pro-
vide for the regulation of charges, etc.:
Section provides that the Postmaster-Ge en-
eral shall establish telegraph offices at all
Postoffices on Geographic circuits and at all
other Postoffices within ten miles of any cir
cult where the salary of the Postmaster is not
less than $500 per annum, and at such other
places as, In his judgment, the wants OF the
people may require.
Section provides that the charges for the
transmission of kilograms, excepting service
and Government kilograms, shall be prepaid
by stamps and at the following rates for tele-
grams Of twenty words or less When the
distance of transmission is under 200 miles
80 cents; when over 200 and under 500 miles.
so cents; when over 500 and under ESQ miles
70 cents; when over $50 and under 900
miles, 81; for all greater distances. Sl.25 !:
for kilograms directed to be transmitted by
distances, so cents. All words shall be
counted, and for every five additional words
or less one-fifth additional rate shall be
charged. These rates to cover delivery with
in half mile of the telegraph Office Gov
errmental and service kilograms to have pri-
ority in transmission.
Section fixes the rate for special dispatches
to newspapers aud commercial news associa-
tions as follows: For each 100 words or less,
for each circuit Of $50 miles, shall not exceed
IS cents if sent by night and 81 by day: but
when copies Of the same dispatch are dropped
of at one or more Offices the rate for each
Office shall not exceed so cents BY night and
as cents by day, and at the same rate for each
word In excess, and 10 cents additional for
each 100 words or less for manifolding to each
newspaper receiving it.
Section authorizes the Postmaster-Gen-
eral to contract with the Postal Telegraph
Company for the transportation of correspond
ence by telegraph as his agent for that pur-
pose such contract to be terminable at the
option of Congress. The Postmaster General
to furnish suitable accommodation for the
employees and instruments of the company
said company to have the right on all post
roads to keep its lines in good working order,
and promptly transmit all kilograms. After
the payment of 10 per cent. per annum upon
it's capital stock, its profits are to be appro-
priated to the construction and the extension
of its lines, and to the reduction of rates,
under the direction Of the Postmaster General.
Section provides that the Postmaster Gen.
eral shall supply stamps of the proper de-
nomination, make proper rules and regula-
lions, defines the punishment to be inflicted
upoL those who interfere with the lines or the
working thereof, or who divulge the contents
of any message that may be transmitted.
Section authorizes the Postmaster-Gen
eral to increase the rate of transmission in
State Law toy
or assessment upon the company until the in
creased amount realized by the company
equals such tax or license. 1t also provides
for monthly statements from all Postmasters,
and the P0stmaster-General is directed to
cause to be prepared for the company a state
ment Of the amount Of telegraphic stamps
sold, and of all other sums received for the
transmission Of kilograms, and of the num-
Der OF kilograms received by the department,
and their stamped value. and, after deduct
ing five cents on each telegram transmitted,
shall pay the remainder Of such receipts to
said company as full compensation for it's
services under said contract.
Section names the corporators and defines
the PAYERS and duties of the company.
Section authorizes the company to pur-
chase any lines of telegraph that may be in
operation at the date of the approval OF the
act, provided such purchase receives the ap-
proval OF the Postmaster General.
Section authorizes said company to estab-
lish and maintain at its own expense other
telegraph Offices in addition to those that may
be established by the Postmaster General.
Section 10 provides that if the company shall
refuse to enter into contract with the Post
master-General according to the provisions Of
the act all the rights obtained thereby shall
cease and determine.
Section II gives Congress the power at any
time to repeal, alter, or amend the act