The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-03-27
Postal Telegraphy.

The following is a synopsis OF the bill known
a. the Hubbard Postal Telegraph Scheme
which provides for the incorporation OF a 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 a material extension OF the adj
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 a 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 Postmas ter en-
eral shall establish telegraph offices at all
Postottces on telegraphic circuits, and at all
other Postoflices 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, III hls 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,
80 cents when over 500 and under $50 miles,
rs cents; when over $50 and under l. 900
miles 81; for all greater distances 81 25 !:
for kilograms directed to be transmitted by
night ] 900 miles or less, 80 cents for greater
distances, 80 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 with
in half mile of the telegraph office. Gov
ernmental 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
rs cents if sent by night and 81 by day but
Whan COnia9 Of a a
off at one or more offices the rate for each
Office shall not exceed so cents by night and
rs 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 4 authorizes the Postmaster Gen-
eral to contract with the Postal Telegraph
Company for the transportation of correspond
ence by telegraph az 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
its 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-Ge
Section provides that the Postmaster Gen
eral shall supply stamps OF the proper de-
nomination, make proper rules and regula-
tons, 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
any State or Territory which may levy any tax
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 Postmaster-General is directed to
ment Of the amount of telegraphc 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 powers 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 APP
proval Of the Postmaster General.
Section authorizes said company to estab-
lish and maintain at it's own expense other
telegraph Offices in addition to those that may
be established by the Postmas ter 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 aud determine.
Section IL gives Congress the power at any
time TO repeal, alter or amend the act