Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-01-21

it is a regulation and therefore
within the power to regulate; and We here
add without hesitation that we consider 1t
not only the most just but the most expe-
dent of all possible regulations. Any at
tempt to regulate the commerce which
stops short of prohibition of extortion IN
all charges, must prove altogether inefiec-
tual as remedy for existing evils. Ii IS
now well proven that the States can put no
limit upon these charges. Let it also be
acknowledged that Congress cannot do so,
and the evil which will result can be
measured only by the selfishness, ayariee,
and cupidity which can exist in number
of great corporate monopolies combining
for their common interest and controlled
by no law whatever.
Reply of the Postmaster General ON
the Franking Privilege.
The Postmaster General has replied to
resolution of the Senate with regard to the
fianking privilege. He says the net sales
of official stamps for the next fscal year to
cover transmission of matter formerly sent
thrOugh.the mails under franks of heads OF
departments are estimated at $2,25O,OOO.
A comparison of the receipts on four items
during the quarter ended Sept. 30, 1873,
with those on the same items for the cor
responding quarter of the preceding year,
shows an aggregate increase of 81 Cos, 40,
and increase, exclusive of official stamps, OF
$614,912. Thoroughly impressed as he is
with the belief that the repeal OF the frank
ing privilege was a wise measure and
will be productive of the best results
in the postal service, he earnestly
recommends that it be not restored until at
least a fair trial can be made. In his last
report he recommended a reduction of
postage on books to cent for 2 ounces.
If that suggestion should be adopted, he
cannot see why postage should not be paid
upon Congressional documents, as well as
upon department matter. In case of a re-
turn to the distribution of field and garden
seeds and public documents, the Postmas-
ter General recommends that they be trans
ported as freight in other than mail cars.
He also recommends the free transportation
of weekly newspapers within counties of
their publication, which he before sug-
gested.
The question of the right of the Secretary
of the Treasury to draw on the S44,OO0,OO0
reserve has been discussed by the Commit
tee on Ways and Means, who have agreed
to present the subject to the House and
have it settled there. They will present
resolution, however, fixing the limit in
national legal tender currency at 500, ,OOO,-
600. This will prevent a return to the
Treasury of any of the S44, 900 that has
been paid out.
Benjamin and sIideIi.
In the Supreme Court to-day in the case
of Day VS.. Micon ct ais, the court holds
that in the proceedings in cOnfiScating the
property of Judah p. Benjamin, Of COnfede-
rate nOtOriety there was not sufficient note
to Benjamin's mortgage, and therefore
judgment below sustaining the title of the
mortgage and as against Day, the purchaser
under proceedings. In the case Of BOugh-
riel VS.. John Slidell, also known in Con-
federate history, and others, decision af-
firms the judgment below, holding thatcon-
fiscation of property of Slidell passed only
a life estate, and did not affect the title Of
his children as heirs.