The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1874-07-31
SENATOR MITOHELL's REPORT.

Our thanks are due TO Senator Mitch
ell for copy of the report of the sub
committee of the Senate committee, on
the compensation to railroads for the
transportation OF the mails; the same
being treated in a thorough, concise and
able manner. There has been a contro-
versy extending over a period of several
years, between the railroad companies
and the Post-0f1ice Department, the
former holding that while the payment
for the transportation OF the mails in
bulk is ample, the pay for the use Of the
post-offiee cars is totally inadequate.
The Department, on the other hand,
have denied the justice of these claims.
The whole matter was finally referred to
Senator Mitchell, as subcommittee of
the Senate, who, after diligent applica-
ton to his task, sets the matter forth in
the report referred to, and here the dis
cussiOn rests at present. He holds that
the constitutional power conferred upon
Congress to establish post-offices and
post-roads is plenary power, and en-
braces the right on the part of the Gov
ernment to compel the railroads to
furnish all the facilities necessary for
the speedy and efficient discharge Of the
postal service, full compensation being
awarded for such service.
He also holds that Congress in the ex-
ercise Of the right of eminent domain
may take for purposes Of the transpor-
tation of the public mails, without the
consent Of either the owner or the State,
paying just compensation therefor,
railroad within a State, owned by a pri-
vate corporation, or its use, for such
purpose"
In reference to the importance Of the
postal car service we quote the follow
ing:
Prior 10 1864 the entire railroad mail-servIce
OF the country was performed I'm the ordinary
railway baggage-cars. In that year, however,
the Post-ofiiee Department, keeping pace with
the progressive spirit Of the age, devised q sys-
TEN known as the 'poStal-car service,- the
principal object OF which Is:
First-To economize time by utilizing time
spent in transit, and by the distribution OF the
malls on the cars while in motion.
Seeond-To relieve the Government from the
necessity OF providing suitable accommoda-
tions and facilities for such work OF distribution
at stated points and the end Of routes.
The importance OF this system 10 the Govern
/ nient and the public cannot be no highly esti-
mated, especially when applied 10 routes
through thickly-settled districts, over which
/ heavy malls are daily transported.
/ II a system evolved from the enierprislng
genius OF the American mind that recognizes
the vast importance OF tbs annlhl!stlon Of
time and the reduction OF space in the rapidly
Increasing wants OF great people living in a
Z progressive age
As the mail facilities furnished by the oTdi-
( nary baggage-car threw in the dim distance
those enjoyed by the preceding generations
! through the old mail-eoach, so now the advan-
tages OF the ordinary baggage-car in the mall
service OF the country are eclipsed by those OF
the postal-car.
Senator Mitchell intends to devote a
large portion of his time during recess
to the investigation Of this subject, and,
if possible, frame law that shall be just
both to the Government and railroad
companies. He is rapidly proving his en-
ergy and ability in the peoples service.