The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1885-07-30
The Error of Postmaster Generals
Decision In the Mail Subsidy.

Marine Journal
The Marine Journal deprecates that char
acter of journalism that is directly or indi-
rectly PERSONAL furthermore, it eschews
even abrupt or harsh criticism of the acts of
public officers, rather being disposed to rem
der judgment in terms of kindness and i'm
partiality, though there are instances when
public servants deserve censure in unmeas-
ured adjective language.
For instance, there is the recent decision
of the Postmaster General RELOCATING the dis
tribution of the mail subsidy fund back to
Congress, which, considered from every
standpoint, is deserving 'of severe censure.
The washing of his hands in the matter can
be. construed in different ways. While his
decision practically fosters foreign shipping
and may entirely destroy our own marine, it
would not be fair to charge Secretary Villas
with more love for European than American
institutions. His course would seem to re-
solve itself in this, that his knowledge in
general lines, especially upon the value of
American shipping is wherein he is sadly
deficient.
Secretary Vilas however, may not be act
ing as his reason dictates, but is the scape-
goat of the entire administration, who adyo-
Gated the laying aside of the appropriation
for the purpose of forcing Congress to dis
tribute it, thereby giving the administration
chance to dodge the responsibility of Of
Tending some one, as the sum appropriated,
he reports, was too small to properly pay all
American Steam Lines for carrying the mails
of the United States, which have been put to
inconvenience and extra expense.
1t is now announced that the Pacific Mail
Steamship Co., intend to withdraw their
steamers from the line between San Francis
co and Australia on Nov. list. Their con-
tract with the Australian Colonies will ex-
pire at that time, and the Colonial govern
ment refuse to renew it unless the United
States agree to divide the expense.
The Postmaster Generals decision brought
about this determination. This route has
never been paying one Congress knew
this, and doubtless desire for continuance
of this important mail communication
prompted the appropriation that has been
laid one side
Four hundred thousand dollars is no doubt
inadequate to compensate all American lines
forth mail service to be performed. Herein
though was the opportunity for brilliant
work, which, had it been seized, would have
contributed in no small way to the populari-
ty of the administration, for the party which
restores American shipping to the dignity it
once held, might retain hold of the govern
ment for an indefinite period as the people
are disposed to reward that party whose ad-
ministration reproductive of the most gener-
al good.
Had the Secretary been far-sighted, and
not lost his patience, probably he could have
brought about an understanding with the
American lines by which they would have
continued the. mail carrying, on pro rata
terms. until Congress convened when the
administration could deXterOusly manipulate
bill to fully compensate those lines insist
ing upon fifty cents per mile for their ser
vice. The ultimatum, however, has been
pronounced by the Secretary, to whom APP
decision to revoke the appropriation. This
indicates that there will be a still further re-
duction of the steam tonnage of this country,
the prospect of which is notifying to patri-
otto Americans.