REDUCTION OF POSTAGE.

[JANUARY 2, 1833.

is the department enabled to render all this gratuitous service? The answer is obvious. The postage which is reThe Senate resumed the consideration of Mr. SPRAGUE'S ceived on private letters, over and above the fair cost of resolution on the subject of the reduction of postage. their transmission, pays also for the transportation of these Mr. EWING said, that, when this resolution was offer- official letters and documents; or, in other words, those ed by his friend from Maine, he did not himself suppose who write and receive private letters pay a tax for so dothat the opinion of the committee was such as required ing to the amount of $500,000 annually. Now, I do not these special instructions in order to attain the object in deny, that, in cases of great national emergency, when all view. I was well aware (said Mr. E.) that, at the last the resources of the country are required to be called session, a majority of the committee was opposed to a forth, that these also ought to contribute what it may to reduction of the rates of postage; but, since that time, sustain the Government; but surely the transmission of one of its members has ceased to be a member of this knowledge, the transmission of letters of business or of body, and the Senator from Missouri (Mr. BUCKNER) has friendship from one part of the Union to another, should been placed on the committee in his stead. But, since be among the last subjects of taxation to which we should that gentleman has expressed his opinion here so deci- resort. It is not true, in fact, as has been suggested, that it dedly adverse to the proposed reduction, it is clear that is the rich who read and write, and therefore pay this tax; there is the same majority as formerly against it in the and if it were true, it forms no substantial argument in its facommittee; and that, if we have any action on the sub- vor. But the fact is distinctly otherwise: it is to the rich, or ject there, it must come to us charged with instructions those who are comparatively so, that letters, papers, and from the Senate. I, sir, have been, and still am, in favor public documents are sent under official franks, and for of some reduction, and some modification in our rates of the transportation of which those who write and receive postage. I am satisfied that justice and sound policy private letters pay. The man of business pays a large require it; nor do I think that the efficiency of the depart-amount of postage, but it is repaid to him by those who ment, or the fiscal concerns of the country, will be inju- employ him; and the merchant charges his postage as a riously affected by such a measure, if it be judiciously part of the cost of his goods, and his customers pay it; so executed. that at last this burden falls, like most others, upon the mass of the people.

The Senator from Missouri furthest to my left (Mr. BENTON) was right in saying that a reduction of impost In addition to this, the poorest portion of our commuis not always a reduction of revenue. It would not be nity, even the day-laborer who has emigrated from the so here, to the full extent: for, by lessening the postage old to the new States, and who has left parents or friends on letters, you will increase their number; and pack-behind him, pays now a tax to the Government for the ages, also, which, at the present rates of postage, seek privilege of reading or having read to him the news from other modes of conveyance, would be forwarded by mail, his native place, or the simple effusions of parental or fraif it could be done at a reasonable cost. I agree, also,ternal love. Justice, it is true, requires that he should with that gentleman, in the opinion that there is an un-pay the reasonable cost of transmission; but in the present reasonable discrimination between single and double let- state of our finances, there is no reason why he should be ters; and, at the last session, I suggested (in committee) charged beyond it. The same rule applies to all, whata modification which was intended to remove the inequality, but it was not acted on. A letter written upon a large sheet of 'cap paper pays twenty-five cents postage if carried four hundred miles. If it be written on but half a sheet of paper, no matter how thin and light, and contains a separate scrap of paper, however small, it pays double; if it contains two bank notes, which do not add perceptibly to its weight, it pays treble postage. Now there is no goo reason for this, the bandage (to use a term of art) on each letter is the same, the weight of the double or treble letter is often much less than that of the single one, and yet it pays twice or three times as much. This is manifestly unj ust, and requires correction.

From this concurrence of opinions as to the premises, I confidently expected that the Senator from Missouri would arrive at the same conclusion with myself; but in this I was mistaken. I will not quarrel with his logic, though I cannot assent to its correctness.

ever be their condition. The transmission of intelligence, the interchange of opinions and affections between indi|viduals in different sections of the Union, should be countenanced rather than discouraged; and a tax imposed upon these, for any purpose, except in cases of necessity, is injudicious. If I be right in this, and if the chairman be right in his view which he exhibited of the state of the department, the postage ought to be reduced in the aggregate about $500,000--the sum which appears to be levied through the department for the use of the Government.

I cannot concur with gentlemen who think that it would occasion extravagance of expenditures, if the department were permitted to receive through the treasury any portion of its support. The honorable chairman has said, that, of all the departments of the Government, this is the most unmanageable. If, by this, he means the least responsible, I concur with him. Sir, there is more than two I was not a little struck with the views of the Senator millions of dollars annually received there, and disbursed, from Kentucky, [Mr. BIBB.] That gentleman moved a we know not how. It is true, we are told in the reports resolution at the last session to abolish the duty on news- of the Postmaster General that this aggregate sum, or papers: he is still in favor of that proposition, but is unwil-near it, is expended in the transmission of the mails; but ling to leave the matter, or reduction generally, to the the precise manner is not at all disclosed to us. We know committee: it were, he says, intrusting them with too ex-not how much is sunk in affording those unreasonable fatensive powers. He therefore goes for the amendment cilities which the honorable chairman says are so often which instructs them to inquire into the expediency of asked, and are pressed for with such earnestness that they reducing, and thereby leaves their powers wholly unli- can be limited only by limiting the means of the departmited. ment. How much in extra allowances to contractors, and The facts communicated by the honorable chairman of how much in changes of contracts from hand to hand, on the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads furnish terms disadvantageous to the Government! We know nostrong reasons for the adoption of this resolution. He thing of this, nor can we ever know, while the present tells us, and I rely implicitly on his authority, that the de-system remains untouched, and the committee unchanged. partment now not only sustains itself with its own income, As a matter of theory, the Committee on the Post Office but that it performs services for the United States to the and Post Roads, to which I belong, have a right to inquire value of more than $500,000 yearly in the transmission of into these things; and if there be improvidence and waste, official letters and documents free of postage. Now, how or misapplication of the funds of the department, to dis

close it to this body, that it may be exposed to the public. vorable to the object, it would be easy to move to refer But our excellent chairman, tender of the labor of some that report to the Judiciary Committee, where its errors of his committee, and prodigal of his own, has been a kind might be revised and corrected. The other mode was to of middle man between us and the department, and has introduce a bill on leave, stating the amount and mode of dealt out to us just so much information as he considered reduction; that bill would be sent to the committee, and if salutary and suitable for us to receive. Over and again they reported against it, their report would come up behas it been attempted in this body to look into the affairs of fore the Senate, where it would be reversed if wrong, and the department, but always has the honorable chairman confirmed if right. He was prepared to vote for the amendextended his broad ægis over them, and all beneath has ment, or he was willing to refer the subject to a select combeen thus far sheltered by its ample shade. In truth, sir, mittee, for the purpose of inquiry, but he was not prepared as long as this department shall be sustained entirely by to set up his opinion against that of the committee. If its own receipts, without resort to the treasury, there will he was in possession of sufficient data, he would have no be an indisposition here to scrutinize its disbursements. objection to vote for a peremptory instruction. And it is unsafe, and contrary to the whole theory of our Mr. BUCKNER commenced a series of observations Government, to intrust to any officer the disbursement of by disclaiming all sectional feelings and views, which he large sums of the public money without accountability, declared he had never allowed to influence his opinions and without scrutiny. I bring no charge against the pre- and actions, and he hoped he never should. On the consent head of this department. I rest my views on general trary, he was in favor of every thing, the tendency of principles, and hold it most certain that if there be not which was to promote the interests of the whole. The now waste and mismanagement there, there will be; for it is hasty remarks which he had made when this subject was inherent in the very nature of the system, as it now exists. before the Senate on a former day, had not been dictated But, sir, if the rates of postage were so modified that by a spirit of envy or jealousy. In reference to the effect the department must resort to the treasury annually for a which this resolution would have on the interests of the sum about equivalent to the value of the services which West, he had spoken of it as unreasonable that the memit renders, (and. I would not consent to go beyond this bers from that section of country should vote for a propopoint,) the amount and the manner of its expenditures sition which bore injuriously upon their own constituents; would become a subject of investigation before the com- but he merely intended by these observations to stand by mittees of Congress. We always realize the fact that the the interests of those he represented, as other gentlemen money in the treasury is the public money, while the pub- from other sections of the country would feel disposed to lic money in the hands of the Postmaster General is, I do. He had stated that he was opposed to a resolution know not why, looked upon as the money of the department. There would, therefore, be more restraint and less danger of extravagant expenditures in that, than in the existing state of things.

which compelled the West to pay the postage of the East. So far from intending an appeal to the West, it was his object to address himself to the generosity of the East, and to invoke their feelings of magnanimity in aid of his Mr. KANE then rose to state his objections to the reso- views. He did not desire the West to be influenced by. lution in the form in which it was offered by the Senator sordid prejudices; but that the East should be actuated from Maine. In that form it gave no discretion to the by noble views. The Senator from Maine had sa'd that committee to deviate from the peremptory instructions of he was desirous to dffuse knowledge and dispel ignothe resolution. It did not give the power to inquire into rance. He also was willing to diffuse knowledge and disany abuses which might exist; it gave none to equalize pel ignorance; but he would not put his hand in another the rates of postage. What, in fact, was it? The original man's pocket for the purpose of showing his charity. He resolution directs the committee to bring in a bill nolens would not put his arm, up to the elbow, into the treavolens, and without saying why, to reduce the rates of sury, to display his kindness to any particular part of the postage. And the Senate were now called on to say, not whether the committee should go into an inquiry on the subject, but whether the rates of postage should be reduced or not. He said that he was not prepared to give his vote on a question of so much importance.

Union. How was this proposition to be considered? The gentleman from Maine propo-ed, not that every man should pay for his own learning, but that the poor and honest yeomanry should be taxed in order to accommo. date the rest of the community. Was this the way to He admitted that there was one point on which all seem- diffuse knowledge? Every man ought to pay for what ed to agree. If the rates of postage could be reduced he received; and to tax another for it was unjust. If the consistently with the means of the department, and with-East paid the greatest share of the tax, it was because it out embarrassing its operations in any degree, all were had the greatest share of advantage. He who received willing that the reduction should take place. And there the greatest benefit ought to pay the greatest share of was a class of Senators who were willing to make the re- the cost. ductions, even if the operations of the department could He went on to state that where there was most traffic be carried on with the assistance of the treasury. He did there was the greatest necessity for the information circunot belong to the latter class, although he was one of those lated through the post office, and there the greatest who agreed that if the rates could be reduced without em- amount of postage should be paid. The East had the barrassing the means of the department, it ought to be greatest share of trade, and if it was taxed the most heavidone. But unless he was prepared to admit that the ad- ly, it was to pay for its own postage, and not the postage ministration of the department hitherto had been corrupt, of the West. He expressed his regret that any proposi and its expenditures characterized by profligacy, he tion should be introduced at this time, the tendency of could not vote for the resolution in its original form. Be- which was to increase the agitations which now disturbed cause the committee at the last session had come to the the country. While he was one who would not add to conclusion that there ought to be no reduction of the rates the present excitement, he would not be induced to reof postage, it had been contended that there was no way frain from taking every step necessary for the public inleft but to give a peremptory instruction to report a bill. terest, but, at the same time, he would not sanction the He was not prepared, unless without further investiga-introduction of new schemes. He was not one of those tion, to set up his opinion against those of the committee, who imagined that any great danger now be set the Union, whose attention had been long and sedulously addressed or that the moment had arrived when this fair fabric of to the subject. It was easy for gentlemen to get at their human wisdom was about to be destroyed; for he looked object, and it might be done in one of two ways: in the to the operation of a redeeming principle which existed first place, if the committee should make a report unfa-in it. He relied, in a great measure, on the chief mag

SENATE.]

Reduction of Postage.

[JANUARY 2, 1833.

trate, who had sworn to support, and who would maintain pacific in its character, has been assailed by a most exthe constitution; and most of all, he relied on the patriot-traordinary course of argument. Its friends have been ism of the people; but he was not disposed to throw an charged with an almo t treasonable conspiracy to keep additional firebrand to destroy the harmony of the coun- on the tariff, and to continue the present price of the try. There were two great objects which seemed to be public lands. We have been directly informed, that the kept in view by one of the great parties, to prevent any tariff and this price must come down; that we are not to reduction of the tariff duties, and to keep up the price flinch from it, for the people demand it. Sir, does the of the public lands. One part of the country was op-resolution on your table, when duly considered, touch posed to the first measure, and another section to the last. either of those subjects? or are we justly chargeable it was not to be expected that members from the South with aggravating the excitement of this too much agitated and the West, who believed the salvation of the Union country? Why, Mr. President, so far as honorable gendepended on the reduction of the tariff, and the price of tlemen have given us their views on the proposition, the public lands, would vote for any of those measures which most of them, and some from the far West too, are friendthrew additional burdens on the treasury. Such were ly to the reduction of the postage, if it can be safely made. his views; and no ingenuity, no argum nt, no sophistry, Why then should a plain question of practical expedienwould induce him to move from the course which his duty cy be distracted in its discussion, by imputations of hosenjoined on him to pursue. His mind was made up. It tility to the wishes of a part of the country in the matters was unnecessary for him to disguise himself; the time had of the tariff and the public lands? Sir, no Senator come when the tariff and the price of pub ic lands must will be driven from his duty; no one, it is hoped, means be reduced; and all the schemes to keep them up to their to evade the tariff question, or flinch in the discharge of present scale could not succeed. The tariff must and his official obligations, when it comes up for our delibewould come down; and they could not consent to put the ration. But, said Mr. F., all we ask is, that it may wait public lands on the treasury. It was necessary to see its time; and not that it should embarrass all our legisla where retrenchment could be made, in order that all un- tion, and be raised up, by way of terror, against any and necessary burdens might be abolished. every measure that, by its own distinct merits, claims our distinct consideration,

Returning to the subject of the post office, he said it might be true that the East paid more for the facilities af- Then, sir, as it regards the resolution now before us, forded by the post office than the West. But suppose it is worthy of notice, that the present rates of postage it were so; were there not other points where the East have been established for more than twenty years. The received more than a quid pro quo? was this no consider- great increase of commercial business, and of the literary, ation? The greater part of the pension money was expended there. True, it was said, there was more patriot ism, more industry, in that part of the country, and it might be so. The West made no complaint; but how many citizens of Missouri, or of Indiana, were employed by the Government, or supported by the public treasury? The advantages of the post office to the West were more than compensated by the greater advantages enjoyed by

the East.

political, and friendly intercourse of our fellow-citizens in that period, have vastly augmented the powers and enlarged the means of this department. I should probably be on this side of the fact, to set down these resources at an ncrease of tenfold? We are also to take into our reflect ons another incident: that in the principal commercia. routes of the mail, from Boston through to Baltimore for example, the cost of transportation has not advanced a dollar in all the time of the present rates; The gentleman from Ohio had said that the committee nay indeed, si, by the facilities of steamboat carriage, he'd the same opinions on the subject of reduction now, it has sensibly diminished. Then I submit it to the calm which they held last year. How the gentleman came to discretion of the Senate, whether the occasion has not this conclusion, he did not know. This was not the same reached us, when it is fit, and a most appropriate duty, proposition as was before the committee last year. There to give attention to the strong claims of those who chiefly was a great d fference between taking the postage from endure this burden, and extend some seasonable relief? newspapers and reducing the postage on letters. By the But it has been urged in opposition to the measure, adoption of this resolution, the Senate did not ask the that we shall thereby cripple the department, and that committee if it was necessary to reduce the rat s, but they the Postmaster General should not be restricted in his decided that it was necessary, and that they should be re-operations. This argument, said Mr. F., is pressed too duced. No discretion whatever was allowed to the com- far. When it is seen from the report of the head of this mittee, although they would be enabled to give that department, that during a single year, and that the last, information which would satisfy the Senate as to the pro- the travel of the mail has been increased exceeding priety of reduction. He desired to send the subject to 8,156,000 miles, while it reflects great credit upon the the committee, and, after they had reported, the Senate activity and promptitude of the department, yet Mr. could dispose of the report as they might decide. He President, do not such numbers as these justify the opiconsidered the views taken by the Senator from Ohio, of nion, in the view of the heavy rates of postage, that the oppressiveness of this tax upon the poor man, by some restriction may be not only quite safe but very compelling him to pay a portion of the Government pos- prudent? tage, to be a fallacious one. The burden fell very lightly on the poor man, who did not get a letter once in six months; the poor well understood the matter; they had both heads and hearts; they knew when they asked for a fish, and received a stone.

Again: we are told that the post office must not be made a drain upon the treasury, but be left to sustain itself. This plea is fallacious, and the mere magic of phrases may mislead us.

Sir, what is intended by the department sustaining Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN said the resolution of his honor- itself? It has no means but those furnished by taxation. able friend from Maine submitted to the opinion of the It is the people that sustain the department: and thereSenate the simple proposition, that the rates of postage fore, when in our judgment the amount of support afought to be reduced. It prescribed neither the mode, forded becomes greater than the just wants of public amount, nor time of reduction; but in the present condi- convenience, or the fair and equal proportion of burdens tion of the Post Office Department, with all its facilities that should be assessed upon those who pay-why, if, and receipts, the resolution sought of the Senate an ex- notwithstanding this, gentlemen mean, by sustaining itself, pression favorable to some alleviation of a very onerous that it is to use up all the funds that flow into it, be they and unequal tax upon the business part of the communi- what they may, sir, all must feel that such an argument ty. Yet, Mr. President, this proposition, so general and is without weight or reason. We must look beyond the

JANUARY 2, 1833.]

Reduction of Postage.

[SENATE.

post office; to those who contribute its means, and by if the amendment was adopted, what then? He thought righteous measures, apportion their burdens. the committee, if they were of opinion that reductions conMoreover, Mr. President, this establishment, immensely sistent with the means of the department could be made, enlarged as it has been, does sustain itself and more. would report a bill making such reductions as would We have the statement, on the official authority of the leave no funds at the discretion of the department. But Postmaster General, that for the last year, notwithstand- if they were ordered in the peremptory terms of the reing the multiplication of mail routes, far surpassing any solution, the committee could not fail to report a substanformer year, the nett receipts have exceeded those of tial reduction, even if it should take half a million or a the year preceding $260,000, and which sum will ex-million out of the treasury.

ceed the additional amount required for transportation by Mr. BIBB, in rising, said he did not design to take any more than a $100,000. With such abundant prosperity, further part in the general discussion. The argument why should we hesitate to consider and act in this matter, was now reduced to a single point, and every Senator had when gentlemen who oppose profess entire willing to make up his opinion on the alternative, whether the ness to reduce the postage, if the department can bear it? department should be burdened on the treasury, or susIt was insisted in further objection to the resolution, tained by its own funds. According to the report of the that it left but little discretion to the Post Office Com-Postmaster General, there was now a surplus of $100,000 mittee; and, indeed, restrained it to a degree almost dis-over the expenses of the department, and this calculation respectful. Why, sir, this is urging difficulties a great was bottomed on the account of the whole postage reway. The proposition is of most general import. The ceipts without diminution, leaving nothing for losses or Senate will fix nothing but the propriety of a reduction, deficiencies, and it was allowed on the understanding that and then refer over to the committee the entire subject, no new mail routes were to be established. Without with all its details. It will leave them to arrange the rates looking to contingencies or future extension, we are now to after juster proportions, to report on what items a re-dispose of this $100,000. The whole revenue of the deduction should be made, and to ascertain the amount. partment appeared to be about $2,200,000, and upon And if there be a majority of the Senate in favor of the this sum a reduction to the amount of $100,000 would be proposition, it is surely desirable, even to the committee, in the proportion of about four and a half per cent. This that it should be known; as we now understand, that no was all which could be touched. They were now rebill for a reduction of the postage will be reported from quired to take off a cent from every six cents postage, that committee, unless upon such a resolution as is under and they would thus be going into fractional reductions consideration. which would be productive of great inconvenience, both And, in conclusion, to evince the pacific character of to the individual and to the department. He would ask the resolution, in defence against the charge of harsh in- if it was proper for the Senate to legislate for the purterference with the duties of the department and the com-pose of making a reduction of four and a half per cent. mittee, take the case of postage on single and double let-It was too small a subject for legislation. He had last ters. Why, there is no one who doubts the arbitrary session been in favor of a reduction of the postage on disproportion of the assessment. That a letter paying newspapers, but it was a definite reduction, which left it twenty-five cents postage should pay fifty for another clear what amount would remain in the department. In leaf, or even any small fragment of it, is an inequality the present case, no one could tell the effect of the rethat can be justified on no principle; and so it has been ductions, or how much the reductions were to be. He conceded in argument at this time. Then, Mr. Presi- could not vote for so indefinite a proposition. dent, a reduction of this rate should the committee be unwilling to go further, would meet and justify the whole presented on a former day in favor of the original resoluscope of the resolution. The truth is, there are no serious tion, had, in his opinion, received no satisfactory answer. difficulties whatever in the way of a proper adjustment, He did not now intend to recapitulate them, but merely and he hoped that the amendment would not prevail, but to notice, very briefly, the remarks which had just been a distinct instruction be sent to the committee for a bill to offered in favor of the amendment. The gentleman from reduce the rates of postage. Kentucky [Mr. BIBB] says that a reduction of four and Mr. POINDEXTER said that in order to prevent any a half per cent. would be but a very trifling affair, unmisapprehension as to his vote, he wished to state that in worthy of attention and inconvenient in its operation. voting against the amendment, and for the original resolu-But who has proposed such a reduction? Not my resolution, he did not intend to commit himself to vote for any tion, nor any gentleman who has sustained it; nobody but bill which might be reported. He thought some reduc- the honorable member himself has suggested four and a tions of the rates of postage necessary. The bill would half per cent. as the extent of the diminution. It is his be of course reported in blank, and it would be for the Senate to fill up the blanks. He should, therefore, without entering into the various topics which had been brought into this discussion, vote for the instruction, leaving it to be determined hereafter how far reduction ought to be carried. The subjects of the tariff and the public lands, which had been mixed up with this debate, he considered as extraneous. Whenever those subjects should come up, he would be prepared to give his vote upon them. For the present, without entering into any of the details of the subject, he should vote for the resolution in its original form.

Mr. SPRAGUE said that the reasons which he had

own proposition, then, which the gentleman pronounces to be insignificant and vexatious, and I certainly have no disposition to interpose between him and his offspring. The chairman of the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads [Mr. GRUNDY] has presented, in various forms, and under all its aspects, the objection that a reduction will involve the necessity of calling upon the national treasury. It is repeated and reiterated that the department should sustain itself; that if you once allow the precedent of calling for any aid from the treasury, no bounds or limits will or can be prescribed to its inroad, and horrible pictures of extravagance and ruin are conjured up Mr. GRUNDY said he did not rise to go into this de- by the affrighted imagination. One would think that to bate again, but merely to express what, in his view, would receive aid from the general funds of the Government be the duty of the committee. Should the amendment be was a violation of uniform practice and fixed principles, rejected, and the resolution be adopted in its original when, in fact, the Post Office Department has, ever since form, the committee, without regard to the means of the the organization of the Government required aid, receivdepartment, would of course report a bill making substan-ed annual appropriations from the national treasury. For tial reductions in the rates of postage. They would be several years last past those demands have averaged nearly compelled to do so, under the mandate of the Senate. But seventy thousand dollars. The new precedent, against

SENATE.]

Reduction of Postage.

(JANUARY 2, 1833.

which the note of alarm is sounded so loudly, is found in ment. It saves that amount to the national treasury. Suptruth to have been the uniform practice from the first days pose, then, that this--the worst consequence that has been of the department to the present moment. This simple apprehended or predicted by any one, the payment from fact, I trust, will be sufficient to dispel extravagant appre- the treasury of the Government postage-should ensue hensions, and enable us to look calmly at the justice and from the proposed reduction of rates, would there be any expediency of the proposed measure. injustice? Nay, sir, is it not necessary, in order to preserve the principles of equal taxation for common benefits?

The original proposition simply and singly declares that there shall be some reduction of the rate of postage. The amount, the mode, the items, and the time, are left The present rates of postage are essentially the same as to the consideration of the committee and the future de- those established forty years ago, in the infancy of the termination of the Senate. Now, sir, to the only objection country; when the wants of the Government were urgent, which has been urged, that the department will not be and the experience of the department nothing; when the able to sustain itself, there are several satisfactory answers: roads were bad, the difficulties of transportation great, First. That a reduction of some of the rates of postage and the business transacted small. Since that time there does not necessarily involve a diminution of the receipts have been, throughout the whole country which was traof the department; on the contrary, there is good reason versed by the mails when the rates were originally estato believe that rendering the transportation cheaper, in blished, a wonderful, an astonishing increase in the facisome particulars would increase the amount. Take, for lities of transportation and the amount of business; and yet example, double and treble letters: the smallest piece of this tax upon the diffusion of light and knowledge is kept paper, a bank bill enclosed, duplicates the tax, without up to its full original amount. And still the department, increasing the labor of transportation. If the expense was which originally sustained itself, cannot now, we are told, less, would not the number be increased? Would not bear a reduction, because, in that event, it will not be able thousands of such letters be put into the mail that are now to stand upon its own revenues. Why will it not be able intrusted to a more precarious and procrastinated con- to stand alone? Because of the continual enlargement of veyance by private hand; and by proper restriction as to facilities and expenses upon unproductive post routes, and weight, public convenience, and the revenue of the de- the extension of the franking privilege. If this argument partment, both be advanced? I might also adduce, in is allowed to be sound, the time can never arrive when further illustration, cases of short distances, and easy com- the citizens of any portion of the country can anticipate a munication, where private, to a degree, supplants public diminution in the onerous burden upon the circulation of conveyance. But the principle that a reduction of the information. No matter what improvements they make, rate of tax may increase the revenue, is too well known at their own expense, in the construction of highways, and established to need illustration; and yet the assump-railroads, and canals; even if they reduce the expense to tion that it must and will certainly diminish the receipts, the Government to less than half its original amount, while is the foundation of the objection to the resolution. the increase of business may more than quadruple the reBut suppose that the revenue from postage should be ceipts from postage, still the money thus drawn from them diminished, it would not necessarily require supplies from will forever be expended by the Postmaster General. the treasury; it might be met by greater economy in the There will always be contractors and agents asking extra disbursements of the department; by a less amount of allowances; there will always be a desire for an extension extra allowances made at the mere discretion and uncon- of the frank; there will always be new, and unprofitable, trolled will of the Postmaster General to contractors; by and unnecessary routes to absorb the whole funds; and a less liberal or lavish expenditure for unprofitable and we shall always be told that the head of the department unnecessary routes. In these respects there has been, has made arrangements to expend the whole revenue; and, and still is, a wide and almost unlimited scope for the therefore, we must never touch the rates of postage. It mere discretion of the Postmaster General. No depart- has been objected that those who receive the benefit of ment of this Government has so much patronage, and so the mails should pay the expense. If so, the Governm little responsibility; and this has arisen from the ideal di- then, should pay for the amount of its accommodation, vorce between this and the other branches of the public and the unproductive routes should meet their own-exservice. "The post office sustains itself," is the reply to penses. But this is more than I ask. As the matter now all complaint, and the shield against all scrutiny. It seems stands, the Government transportation, and the unproalmost to have claimed and enjoyed immunity from inves-ductive mails are both thrown upon the productive routes, tigation, by folding itself in its own robes, and saying it to the subversion of equality and justice. "sustains itself." But how does it sustain itself? Is it The gentleman from Kentucky [Mr. BIBB] has heretonot by a tax upon the people? Is it not by the money of fore strongly advocated an abolition of the postage on our constituents? Shall we not, then, inquire to what ex- newspapers; and, as my proposition is simply that there tent this burden is necessary, and whether it is levied upon shall be some reduction of the rate of postage, I had conprinciples of justice? You or I, sir, and other officers of fidently anticipated that it would conciliate his support. the Government, and the Government itse, enjoy an im- But although still in favor of a reduction, he is opposed to munity from this tax. "Free" is subscribed upon our instructing the committee to reduce, lest they should not communications, and they are transported to the remotest make the particular modification which he has at heart. corners of the Union without charge; but at whose ex- He fears to give the committee so much latitude of dis pense? From whom does the department draw the money cretion, and yet he is in favor of this amendment, which which pays for this transportation? Is it not from the post- has no other effect than to enlarge that discretion. He age paid by private citizens? They then pay not only the will not trust the committee with a limited power as to expense of conveying their own letters and newspapers, the particulars in which the reduction shall be made, but but those of the Government also. The packages, books, prefers a proposition which gives them every latitude, not and documents thus diffused, are not for the benefit merely only as to the items and amount, but whether there shall of those who pay the postage, but of the whole country. be any reduction or not. I had hoped, sir, that the origiThe benefit is general; should not the burden also be ge-nal proposition being single, simple, and unencumbered by details, would command the support of every member

neral?

The postage upon Government documents would be who is in favor of any diminution; and, notwithstanding half a million of dollars a year. This department, then, his argument, I hope we shall yet have the vote even of not merely "sustains itself," but contributes by its labor the Senator from Kentucky himself.

half a million of dollars annually to the aid of the Govern-1 Mr. SMITH rose to move to lay the subject on the ta