Connecticut western news., 1874-04-24
Postal TeIegraphv.

The following is synopsis of the bill known as the Hubbard Postal Telegraph Scheme, which provides for the incorporation of pri- vate company to perform the work of postal telegraphy under contract with the Postmas- ter-General. It will be seen that the scheme contemphtes 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 8 heavy burden. The plan contemplates no additional expense to the department, and seems to carefully pro- vide for the regulation of charges etc.:
 Section l provides that the Postrnaster-General shall establish telegraph offices at all Postofces on telegraphic circuits, and at all other Postofices the Postmaster is not less than $500 per apnum and at such other places as in his judgment the wants of the people may require
 Section provides that the charges for the trans mission of teegrams, excepting service and Govern ment telegrams, shall be prepaid by stamps and at the following rates for teegrams twenty words or less: When the distance of transmission is under 200 miles, 30 cents; when 200 miles and under 500 miles, 50 cents; when over 500 and under 75O miles, $1 for ali greater distances, s1 25 for tele- grams directed to be transmitted by night 1000 miles or less, 30 cents for greater distances, 50 cents. All words shall be counted and for every five additional words or less one-ffth additional rate shall be charged. These rates to cover delivery within half mile of the telegraph office. Govern mental and service telegrams to have priority in transmission.
 Section fixes the rate for special dispatches to newspapers and commercial associations as folows For each 100 words less for each circuit of 250 miles, shall not exceed 75 cents if sent by night and $l by day but when copies of the dispatch are dropped off at more offices the rate for each office shall exceed 50 cents by night and 75 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 ceiving it.
 Section authorizes the Postnaster-General to contract with the Postal Telegraph Company for the transportation of correspondence by telegraph as his agent for that purpose; such contract to be T1o DocH master-General to furnish suitable accommodation for the employees and instruments of the company said company to have the right all post roads to keep it's lines in good working order, and promptly transmit all telegrams After the payment of 10 per cent per annum upon it's capital stock it's profits to be appropriated to the construction and the exten sion of its nes and to the reduction of rates under the direction of the Postmaster-General.
 Section 5 provides that the Postmaster-General shall supply stamps of the proper denomination make proper rules and regulations, defines the punishment to be inflicted upon those who interfere with the lines or the working thereof, or who di- vuge the contents of any message that may be trans mitted.
 increase the rate of transmission in any State Territory which may levy any tax or assessment upon the company until the increased amount real 1Zed by the company equals such tax or license. It also provides for monthly statements from all Post masters, and the Postmaster is directed to cause to be prepared for the company statement of the amount of telegraphic stamps sold, and of all other sums received for the transmission of tele- grams, and of the number of telegrans received by the department, and their stamped value, an after deducting five cents each telegram transmitted, shall pay the remainder of such receipts to said pany full compensation for it's services under said contract.
 Section the corporators and defines the powers and duties of the company.
 Section authorizes the company to purchase any lines of telegraph that may be in operation at the date of the approval of the ac provided such pur- chase receives the approval of the Postmaster General.
 Section authorizes said company to establish and maintain at it's 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 re- fuse to enter into contract with the Postmaster rights obtained thereby shall cease and determine Section Il gives Congress the power at any time to repeal, alter, or amend the act.