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SENATE.]

Duty on Salt.-James Monroe.--Post Office Investigation.

DUTY ON SALT.

Mr. BENTON gave notice, that to-morrow he should ask leave to bring in a bill to abrogate the duty on salt.

JAMES MONROE.

The bill for the adjustment of the claim of James Monroe, passed in the other House, was read a first time, and laid on the table until to-morrow, at the suggestion of Mr. POINDEXTER, who wished time to prepare an amend

ment to it.

POST OFFICE INVESTIGATION.

[FEB. 7, 1831.

A full examination was had,

President of his innocence.
the guilt proved, and the officer removed. I state this
case, sir, to show that any apparent reluctance of the
Postmaster General to submit to this examination, or any
disposition to limit or restrict it, will be ground of suspicion
against him before the American people.

But, say gentlemen, we are prejudging a case which we may be called to try as a high court of impeachment. We answer-our duties are legislative, executive, and judicial; and shall we refuse to perform one class of these duties, because it may conflict with the others? If we are never to perform legislation, lest by possibility we should The resolution of Mr. GRUNDY, declaring that the meet with impeachable matter, there are few cases where select committee, appointed to examine into the present we can act at all. In all this, however, our course is a condition of the Post Office Department, are not autho- very plain one. The framers of the constitution supposed rized to call witnesses who have been removed before the cases of impeachment would rarely occur, and they them for the purpose of ascertaining the causes of their judged correctly. It was never expected or intended that removal, being again taken up-this power should in the least control or restrain our le

Mr. HOLMES rose, and resumed the remarks which gislative duties. In the course of inquiry into facts or he commenced when the subject was last under consider- conduct as a basis of legislation, we are never to anticipate ation. I confess, said Mr. H., that since our last adjourn high misdemeanors or impeachable matter; and it is the ment, my surprise has been increased, rather than dimin-same with our executive duties. Suppose a district judge, ished, at the objection to the inquiry. What possible rea- while under impeachment in the other House, should be son can there be why the Senate should not have an an-nominated to the Senate for a justice of the Supreme Court, swer to this question—“for what cause or causes were must we not inquire into his qualifications, and conseyou removed from office?" It cannot arise from a sym- quently into the offence of which he stands charged? Or pathy for the witness. If the answer would criminate are we to translate him to the Supreme bench, without him, he has a right to withhold it. The question is, ne-noticing the fact that he stands charged with official tyvertheless, proper, whether he can exculpate or is willing ranny or corruption by the grand inquest of the nation? to criminate himself, or refuses to answer at all. In every judicial tribunal, a question which may possibly, or will probably, criminate the witness, is always proper, but the obligation to answer is another affair.

But here the witness does not object, but is willing to answer. Every obstacle in regard to the witness is, therefore, removed. Why, then, is this merely preliminary question to be refused?

Sir, it appears to me there is in this an affectation of delicacy--a morbid sensibility--it is altogether new; the Senate has never hesitated to inquire into official misconduct, the better to enable them to perform legislative or executive duties. Let me instance a distinguished casethat of the Seminole war. A committee of the Senate was elected by ballot purposely to investigate the conduct of General Jackson in that war. This investigation involvIs the Postmaster General afraid of the answer? Hased the questions whether the commander of the army had he been consulted, and does he think it most prudent to violated the constitution of the United States, in waging object? If so, there is strong ground to suspect him. What high-minded, honorable, and honest man would fear an answer to such a question? Is he afraid or ashamed that the people of the United States should know the principles by which he acts?

war against a foreign Power; and, if so, whether he could be justified by orders from the President or Secretary of War. This was looking into impeachable matter which might involve the Secretary of War, and even the President; both, by the constitution, impeachable officers. The committee were not restricted in that case, but they did investigate, and made a report, which, in explicit and decisive terms, censures the conduct of the commanding general, and this at a time too when the public pulse beat high in his favor.

Is this objection without his consent? If so, it is surely using him unfairly; and, if it came from a political foc, might be just ground of complaint. But public opinion will, at any rate, ascribe this reluctance at inquiry to him. The resolution to trammel the inquiry comes from his personal and political friends, and it will be believed that it is But, sir, this objection proves too much. There is by his consent, and at his request. Why, it will be in- scarcely a branch of the resolution of inquiry but is liable quired, do you suppress an answer to such a question? If to the same. The present condition and entire managethis officer removed does not, in his answer, give the true ment of this department gives us a broad commission incause, cannot you? Do you fear his perjury? You have deed, and we cannot move a single step without being the means to answer and detect him. Do you fear his exposed to meet, by possibility, impeachable matter. The truth? That is just what we want. A witness who has been Assistant Postmaster General thirty years, and against whom no official misconduct has been alleged, is not to be lightly esteemed. His testimony would be believed quite as soon as that of the Postmaster General himself.

Senator from New Hampshire is willing for general, but not for particular inquiry as a basis of legislation. What can he mean? What would be general enough to suit him? Is an inquiry into the causes of removal too particular?" How are we to inquire into the entire management of the Post Office Department," without going into particulars? What prudent man would be satisfied with the concerns of his farm or plantation, without examining the

I remember that an officer, a friend of mine, of high respectability, was accused of misconduct, and the charges were grave and serious. They were made to President Monroe at the close of his administration, and he left them detail? to his successor. I expressed to Mr. Adams a strong belief The Senator from Tennessee insinuates strongly that the of the innocence of my friend, and insisted that at least he question which so much afflicts him and his friend, the Postought to be heard in his own defence. To this request master General, is "unbecoming, and calculated to convey in his behalf the President assented--a commission was false impressions." With all due deference to that Senainstituted to hear the parties and evidence. On my return tor, I must take the liberty to be my own judge of prohome, I informed my friend that an inquiry was directed, priety, subject, however, to the discipline which the rules at my request, at which he seemed dissatisfied, and to of the Senate prescribe. Unbecoming! Not suitably rethink it was unnecessary. From that time I began to sus-spectful, I suppose, to the high dignitary to whom it repect, and to regret that I had spoken so confidently to the flated! Unbecoming to inquire of a witness, why this dig

FEB. 7, 1831.]

Post Office Investigation.

[SENATE.

nitary did a certain official act? And has it come to this rendered as available funds. Now, were it true that Mr. so soon? Sir, if decorum is to be properly graduated, let McLean had reduced the funds $74,714 15, and had calthis clerk of the President, this new fledged head of a culated $26, 541 88 as good, which afterwards turned out department, always solicit, and with all humility, that this to be bad, still is it fair to charge Mr. McLean with an Senate will charitably examine his case, and hear his rea- expenditure of $101,256 03 over his income? But Mr. sons or his excuses. Calculated to convey false impressions! Barry's excess of expenditure over his income from July, How? Impressions are made every where that these re- 1829, to July, 1830, is movals are persecutions. Are these impressions correct or false? If false, how can an inquiry into the true cause make them more false than they are?

Add to this the sum expended by him from April to
July, which he has included in the $74,714 15,
charged to Mr. McLean's administration,
Add, moreover, as in the general appropriation
bill,

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$82,000

32,000

60,640

174,640

These removals may have been made purposely to increase Executive power and patronage. If so, a bill like that of 1826 may be reported to correct this abuse. If, then, when no proscription in that department had been And you will find that in the first five quarters of felt or even suspected, it was deemed necessary to pre- Mr. Barry's administration, he has expended vent even the possibility of post office patronage, how over and above the income, much more is it now necessary to interpose, when every This is not all. Under the act of May, 1828, there one opposed or even suspected is swept off as with a were established two hundred and thirty additional post whirlwind? Then no post office patronage had been felt; routes, at an expense, probably, of $40,000. More than even jealousy had scarcely imagined it. Then the Post- half of this expense was, probably, incurred by Mr. master General had not subscribed to the proscription sys- McLean. These routes went into operation in January, tem. The late Postmaster General had never deemed it 1829, and the profits of the first quarter did not fall due consistent with his official duty to require a political creed until April, and were, consequently, not paid in to Mr. as a qualification for office. His inquiries were, "is he McLean, but to Mr. Barry. He admits, also, that the inhonest, capable, and faithful to the constitution?" Adams come from the office has increased in the last year about or Jackson were no questions with him; and had it not $150,000. Now, the appropriation bill of the first year been for this his Roman virtue, he would still have been of Mr. Barry paid him about $10,000 more than it did in retained-the managers had need of his character and in- the last year of Mr. McLean; and with all these facilities, fluence, but they were afraid of his integrity. To keep how does it happen that Mr. Barry has consumed, in five him, they made his department a constituent part of the quarters, $114,000 of the Post Office funds over and above cabinet, that his acts may be under its control. If they the income, received upwards of $10,000 from the genecould get him in their team, they might use him to their ral appropriation bill above the former year, the avails of purpose. But Mr. McLean had too much integrity and the whole first quarter of the new routes established in independence of character to become a machine to execute May, 1828, $150,000 of additional revenue, and yet that a system which he abhorred; he was not proscribed, but the available funds, which, in 1828, were $332,000, should, laid on the political shelf. Removals from office are to be in 1830, be down to $148,000? Should we this year apmade for the benefit of the people, for whose protection propriate no more than the $60,640, (the appropriation and safety these officers are established. If officers who of the last,) and the draft upon the surplus fund should were unworthy should have been retained, the error be no greater than for the year 1830, $82,000, the expenshould be corrected; if officers worthy should have been diture for 1831 would consume the whole amount of this displaced for the purpose of providing for others less surplus fund, and the department will be literally bankqualified or vicious, why should not this mischief require rupt. That is, for the first time since its establishment, a remedy? In the case before us, it may be that the re-it will fail to support itself. movals in the Post Office Department have created the embarrassment--that there are embarrassments, we have no reason to doubt.

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Now, this aspect of affairs may be erroneous, but I can see no error. It presents at least a subject of inquiry. We would examine if these things are so! and, if they are, whether the changes of the officers may not have produced this effect. If Mr. McLean had retained six hundred bad officers, so bad that they deserved to be removed even without notice, and his successor had substituted as many faithful men in their stead, it would seem a little strange that while the officers were becoming better, the office was growing worse. In the first aspect of this affair, it would seem that in these exchanges we had made a bad bargain.

The late Postmaster General had never proscribed-and never inquired of the party feelings of an officer or a candidate. Yet, it is believed that, when the present Chief Magistrate came into office, a decided majority of the postmasters were in his favor. I do not ascribe this majority to any sinister conduct of the late Postmaster General; it was probably because it was the settled plan of the supporters of General Jackson's election, that they took care, and were on the alert, to recommend one of his partisans to fill every vacant office. Take an example in Maine: in the county of York, my own county, there were thirty-one postmasters--Jackson twentythree, Adams eight. One would have supposed that the proportion of twenty-three to eight, in a district that chose an Adams elector, would have satisfied the most insatiable and vindictive persecutor; especially as the remaining eight were offices so insignificant, that they were scarcely worth holding, and most of them, probably, more trouble

SENATE.]

Post Office Investigation.

[FEB. 7, 1831.

than profit. But no! the knife was applied even here: made to sanctify the means. When Constantinople was three of these have been removed, two resigned "to save taken by the Turks, Irene, a beautiful Grecian lady, of the trouble," and one remains; and of the remaining two an illustrious family, fell into the hands of Mahomet the I am not certain. Thus we see in a single congressional Second, then in the prime of youth and glory. His sadistrict, the whole post office influence, with custom-vage heart was subdued by her charms; he made her his house officers and all others, brought to bear on the wife, and secluded himself with her, denying access even freedom of election, and then the administration will boast to his ministers. The soldiers, accustomed to activity and of success! An army of officers let loose to dragoon the plunder, began to murmur, and the infection soon spread people, the election is carried, and then you stand upon even among the commanders. The Pacha Mustapha was public opinion. Now, this is the very evil that the inquiry the first to acquaint his master of stories told publicly to is intended to remedy. It is the abuse of public opinion; the prejudice of his glory. The tyrant, after an awful it is the morbid state of the body politic, produced by this pause, formed his resolution: he ordered Mustapha to asdeleterious influence by a subsidized press and a corrupt semble the army, and then retired to Irene's apartment. post office, which we deprecate. "Never before," says the historian, "did that princess In New Hampshire there are two hundred and thirty- appear so charming; never before was the prince so apsix postmasters, and between the 4th of March, 1829, parently kind and affectionate." He ordered her maidens and the 22d March, 1830, forty-five had been removed; to dress her in the most splendid and costly attire--led her and without any notice, as I am told, of the least com- into the midst of the army, and, taking off her veil, deplaint against them, except they would not obey your manded of his officers if they had ever beheld such a god, nor worship the image which ye have set up. It is beauty? Then drawing his cimeter, and seizing her by reported to me, and from a source entitled to full credit, her locks, he severed her head from her body at one that a certain distinguished officer of the palace, upon stroke! Then, turning to his grandees, with eyes wild whom this Senate has since stamped its veto, presented on and furious, with the gasping head in one hand, and the one morning a proscription list containing twenty-five, bloody sword in the other-"This sword," he exclaimed, with an order that they should be removed, and, without "when it is my will, knows how to cut the bands of love!" examination or scruple, they were all struck from the Thus does a mad ambition extinguish all the tender symrolls at a single dash. Sir, it is said that the chief of the pathies and endearing charities of social and domestic life. Cyclops, Polyphemus, would be satisfied with two full Your sword of proscription, regardless of them all, is now grown Greeks for his supper, including flesh, blood, and brandished, reeking with blood. The charms of virtue, bones; but your Postmaster General must, to satisfy his the ties of friendship, the sufferings of revolutionary pamaw, devour twenty-five Yankees at a breakfast! Only triotism, are no protection, no security against this rethink! Insatiable! unconscionable! Twenty-five full lentless monster, proscription. blooded New Hampshire Yankees at a single meal! Such

And rivals, sir, when they can agree in a distribution of

a monster can scarcely be found even in the regions of power, will each claim to be allowed his proscription list. fiction; but this is a horrid reality.

The triumvirate agreed to divide the Roman Empire, and But every thing is done now upon "high responsi- each to take his share-I do not allude to the first triumbility." This panoply of oppression and fraud is to shield virate, composed of Julius Cæsar, Pompey, and Crassus: the subordinate officers as well as the President. Every I mean the last-Lepidus, Mark Antony, and Octavius. It petty tyrant is to cover his crimes by this ægis. No, sir, was concluded to meet on an island in the Rhine to settle the truth must be that neither the President nor his mi- the compact. Each was to be protected by a selected nions can give any good reason for these corrupt and cor- guard, and such is the jealousy of rival politicians, that, rupting measures, and they, therefore, have to resort to in this case, the island must first be searched, to ascertain silence as their only defence against an indignant and in- if assassins were lurking there; next, each of their persulted people. They know, and every one here knows, sons must be examined, to see if there were daggers that the removals have been chiefly made to provide for concealed in their clothes. Finding all safe in these particupartisans, and they are ashamed to acknowledge it. Sir, lars, they proceeded to divide the empire. Both Antony it must be so; for what rational man would not even volun- and Octavius considered Lepidus a sort of dead weight, a teer his reasons, where his motives were just and honora- millstone about their neck; and, to get rid of him, they ble? A gentleman was waked in the night by some one assigned him the West, including Spain, where the Roin his cellar stealing his meat; he jumped out of bed, and man authority was very precarious. Mark Antony's went and opened his cellar door. It was all dark: he share was the North, including Gaul; and Octavius took listened; all was still as death. "Who is there?" he in- the South, including Africa, the islands, and the south part quired. No answer. "What are you doing in my cel- of Italy, embracing Rome. lar?" Not a word. "Why don't you speak?" "Why, This being settled, each presented his proscription list faith, sir," replied the other, "it is because I don't know of those who were to become the victims of this very dis what to say. Now, these men have got into the people's interested, patriotic distribution of the republic. When cellar, and are making dreadful havoc with the meat, and Octavius saw Cicero, his old friend and preceptor, stand they won't speak, because they don't know what to say. at the head of Antony's list, his youthful heart was horLast session we predicted that irresponsibility, which is ror struck, and he vehemently and peremptorily protested the legitimate meaning of "high responsibility," would against the barbarous deed. But all would not do; it was descend to the subordinate officers of the Executive de-a sine qua non, and ambition at last yielded to the demand; partments; that espionage and proscription would be the lists were all confirmed, and, in consequence, there pursued with a corrupt and cruel hand; and, not being a were assassinated in one night three hundred Senators, subject of inquiry, it would be beyond the people's reach, and two thousand Roman Knights! Proscription here is because it was beyond their means of knowledge. You not yet quite so bloody, nor do I know that each of any see, then, the principle which this resolution involves-triumvirate here has presented his list. In looking round a principle fit only for tyrants--a rod fit only for slaves. us, however, it would not, I think, require a very fertile Pass this resolution, and you make proscription a legiti- fancy to find an analogy to this triumvirate to which I have mate work. Pass this resolution, and it is fair to infer referred. You recollect the catastrophe there; I express that each petty officer of the President will become a no wish in regard to the result here. I should prefer that partisan tyrant, beyond the reach of the representatives some Brutus should be found to succeed against the whole of the people, and answerable to no human tribunal. coalition. But if not, if the result is to be the same, and

When ambition is set upon its purpose, the end is always young Octavius is to subdue his rivals, and to become the

FEB. 7, 1831.]

Post Office Investigation.

[SENATE.

Augustus, I should rejoice, at least, that the temple of that his senior partner has acquired an entire ascendency Janus was to be shut.

over him; and by this means I account for many things Sir, when this resolution was offered, I was reading the which I now see and hear, so entirely inconsistent with important news which I had just received of the revolu- that gentleman's former political course. Our separation tion in Poland, and was exulting in the glorious event. In must be perpetual; and I can only now look back with a half reverie, my mind was ruminating on the vicissitudes pride and pleasure at what he once was, while I contemwhich that gallant people had experienced; the barbarous plate with pain and grief what he now is. and despotic partition, when the unfortunate Stanislaus Before I proceed to answer the arguments of gentlewas compelled by the Cazarina, Maria Theresa, and Fre-men, the Senate will indulge me in presenting to them a derick, to surrender the best part of his dominions. I true account of the fiscal operations of the Post Office then glanced on more modern times, when another parti- Department, so far as may be necessary to a right undertion had completed the catastrophe. I thought, too, of a standing of the conduct of its present presiding officer. Kosciusko, a Pulaski, and a Poniatowski. In this state of The charge against him is, that in the last fiscal year, endmind, I heard read a resolution from a republican Senator, ing the 1st July, 1830, he has expended one hundred and going to establish a principle that a subordinate executive fifty thousand dollars more than has been expended in the officer was not to answer an inquiry into his official con- same time at any former period. This is a fact; and its duct. The contrast was so impressive, that, I confess, a existence is eagerly seized, and presented as evidence of chill struck me to the heart. When all Europe is alive to a profligate waste of the public money. If the fact stood popular rights, and the people are every where demand-alone, and unaccompanied by any explanation, it might be ing a surrender or restriction of Executive power, that entitled to some consideration; but when it shall be seen not only we the people, and we the representatives of the that this expenditure has been produced by contracts not people, but we the Senate of the United States, "most made by the present incumbent, but by his predecessor-potent, grave, and reverend seignors," are to go in a body contracts not improvidently made, but made advantageand surrender our liberties, and those of our constituents, ously and beneficially for the country--when it shall apnot merely at the foot of the throne, but at the feet of a pear that portions of this money have been expended in petty subdelegate! increasing mail facilities, in changing horse to stage routes, Mr. President, it is in vain to expect a full exposition in accelerating the mails from twice and three times a of the affairs of this department--and I now forewars my week to daily mails, through the great arteries of the friend, the chairman, that his honest zeal will be disap-country, and extending it to every newly created seat of pointed. I have seen enough already to convince me that justice in the Union; and when it shall also appear that a full and fair report is not to be had. If the Postmaster this increased expenditure has been accompanied by a General asks for limits to the investigation, his friends on corresponding revenue to the department, it would seem the committee will indulge him, and eventually he will to me that a sense of justice should induce the gentlemen succeed where he wishes in shutting out inquiry. In this, on the other side to suspend, at least, a portion of their I cast no imputation upon any of the committee or the censure. Senate--the effect which I predict may perhaps arise from an honest, though, I fear, a premature confidence in the intelligence and fidelity of that officer. I repeat, a full and fair report of the entire management of this department is not to be expected this session, if ever. With out the inquiry into the causes of removal, it is impossi- able to the Postmaster General, that a far less sum, in the ble. aggregate, is now allowed, than the law warranted him Sir, I have done. In times when some New England in giving. States indicated a wish to nullify the acts of the General I will now proceed to show to the Senate a history of the Government, the Senator from Tennessee [Mr. GRUNDY] expenditure complained of. For the year ending 1st July, and myself took sweet counsel together, and reprobated such infatuation. Now, when Georgia and South Carolina from Maine, which makes it to consist of James Madison, are still more infatuated, he abandons the old ground. Felix Grundy, his Satanic Majesty, and John Holmes. Would that this were all. But it seems to me he has come to this absurdity--Independent States beyond federal control, and a federal Executive above responsibility! "Oh world, thy slippery turns!"

The report which the committee expect from the department will show the original contracts, and the increased labor imposed on the contractors, and the additional sums agreed to be given by the department for the additional duties required: and it is a fact highly credit

"I was honored too much when my name was inserted in the title of the firm. I never had, nor have I now, capital or capacity for business sufficient to entitle me to such distinction; and, therefore, in the new arrangement Mr. GRUNDY again rose. The Senator from Maine, about to be made, my name will not be inserted, either in said Mr. G., has thought proper, in his concluding re- the title of the firm, or upon the sign-board. Mr. Madimarks, to remind me of our ancient association, and of son has become old and rich; for an honest and well-earned that period when we struggled together in behalf of our fame is a politician's wealth. He has retired from busicountry. It is true, sir, there was a time when that Sena-ness, and Andrew Jackson has taken his place; the busitor and myself held full political communion together, ness will, hereafter, be conducted under the name and and stood side by side against those whom we considered style of Andrew Jackson and Company. Of this firm I hostile to the interests of our country. But these times will be an humble and unnamed partner. The gentleman have passed by. Men and things have changed; and, from Maine will not assist in conducting the business of perhaps, no two men now stand more apart and farther this firm, and the third person named has a violent antipaseparated from each other. This was announced at the thy to it. Therefore, the best thing that can be done, is last session, when, in the presence of this Senate, a solemn to dissolve the partnership, and let the two characters last dissolution and severance of our political connexion took named establish a new firm, under the name and style of place. I then apprehended, and I now see with sorrow, -, [meaning the Devil and John Holmes.] In making this division, great reliance is placed on the many excelThis has allusion to the following extract from Mr.lent qualities and superlative virtues of the gentleman Grundy's speech on Mr. Foot's resolution, at the last session:

"The Senate will excuse me for saying a few words in relation to the partnership made up by the Boston parson, during the last war, and now added to by the gentleman

from Maine, which will enable him to keep the senior member of the firm in order, should he prove refractory. To this dissolution of the old firm, and the establishment of the two new ones, I call all these Senators to bear tesmony."

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miles.

[FEB. 7, 1831.

The existing contracts for transporting the mail in the Southern division, embracing the States of Virgina, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and the Territory of Florida, will expire with the current year. In the renewal of these contracts, provision has been made for extending stage accommodations over 1502 miles of post roads, on which the mail has hitherto been carried on horses only, or in sulkies, and on which the annual transportation in stages will, from the 1st of January next, amount to 278,656 miles. The frequency of trips will also be increased on 894 miles of existing stage routes, to the annual increase of 138,358 miles; making, together, an increase of stage transportation of the mail, from the 1st of January next, of 417,014 miles a year.

1828, the expenditures exceeded the receipts $25,015 85. transportation, equal to 812,871 miles a year, beyond the For the year ending 1st July, 1829, the expenditures ex- amount of any former period." ceeded the receipts $74,714 15. And this is alleged as The annual transportation of the mail on the 1st of July cause of accusation against the Postmaster General. Let last, was about 9,531,577 miles in stages; and the whole it be recollected, that the present Postmaster General yearly transportation in coaches, steamboats, sulkies, and came into office on the 6th day of April, 1829, and had on horseback, amounted at that period to about 14,500,000 made no contracts, payments for which could have fallen due on the 1st July, 1829, every contract having been made by his predecessor. He was merely fulfilling prior engagements, and is entitled neither to censure nor praise for the effects of contracts made before he came into office. The excess of expenditure for the year ending on 1st July, 1830, was $82,124 85. For the first half of this year, the whole transportation of the mail was under contracts made by Judge McLean; and for the last half of the year, threefourths of the preceding contracts continued, the western contracts only having terminated. It should be noticed that the expenditures for the second half year of 1829 were $948,366 74; and the receipts in the same period $892,827 60; producing an excess of expenditures for that half year of $55,539 14. The expenditures for the first half year of 1830 were $984,341 21; the receipts for: the same period $957,755 50; leaving an excess for the last half year of $26,585 71; and it appears from the re- Increase of trips on horse routes, 31,824 miles a year; port at the commencement of the present session, that the increase of trips on existing routes, changed from horse to excess of this last half year was actually but $17,019 16; stage routes, 118,456 miles a year; increase of trips on a portion of the current expenditures that were made in stage routes, 138,358 miles a year; making, together, a the preceding year having been entered in the accounts total increase of 288,628 miles of transportation of mails of the first half of the year 1830-apparently increasing in a year, beyond the amount of present transportation the excess of this half year to $26,585 71. Thus it ap-in that division, besides the improvement of substituting pears, that in the first half year, after the contracts of the stages for horse transportation.

Provision is also made for the more frequent transporta. tion of the mail on different routes, as follows:

which are to run twice a week each way. These arrangements will complete the regular communication, by steamboats and stages, between Baltimore, Maryland, and Charleston, South Carolina; along the seaboard, by way of Norfolk, Virginia, Elizabeth City, Edenton, Washington, Newbern, Wilmington, and Smithville, North Carolina, and Georgetown, South Carolina; an accommodation desired alike by the public and the department.

present Postmaster General began to operate, there was Among these improvements are included a line of stages a great saving to the Government. I do not urge this as from Edenton to Washington, North Carolina; from Newcause of censure against the predecessor of the present bern to Wilmington, North Carolina; a steamboat line from incumbent. He was an able and upright officer; he made Wilmington to Smithville; and a line of stages from Smithvaluable improvements in the department; and it is no ville, North Carolina, to Georgetown, South Carolina; all of reflection upon him to say, that his improvements have been improved upon, and that others have originated with the present head of that department, calculated to produce much public benefit. As an evidence that the condition of the department has improved since he came into office, I will merely state the fact, that the whole amount of postages from the 1st July, 1828, to the 1st July, 1829, was $1,707,418 42; and the amount of postages from the 1st July, 1829, to the 1st July, 1830, is $1,850,583 10, Provision is also made for expediting the mail on many giving an increase in the first year of $143,164 68. This important routes; among which is the whole route beis an unprecedented increase of revenue in the history of tween this place and Fort Mitchell, via Richmond, Virthis department. ginia, Raleigh, North Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, Notwithstanding these facts are known and exhibited to and Milledgeville, Georgia; which line will be traversed public view, and to the inspection of gentlemen on the in two days less time than at present; so that the mail will other side, still they say this Executive Department is go-run from this city to New Orleans in thirteen days after ing to ruin. Facts appear to have no effect on their minds; the 1st of January next.

arithmetical demonstration produces no conviction, so de- Allowing the average expense of transportation, by termined do they seem on effecting the destruction of this horse or sulky, to be five cents per mile, and by stages to officer. This investigation has produced a very different be thirteen cents per mile, which is about the mean rate impression on my mind. I viewed the present Postmaster paid in the Southern division, the value of these improveGeneral chiefly as a man of general talents, an able and ments, exclusive of the value of increased expedition, will eloquent advocate; but I now perceive him to be the be as follows:

practical man--the able man of business--capable of Annual amount of transportation changed
grasping, with ease, the vast system, and comprehending
the intricate machinery of this department, and of direct-
ing its energies to the greatest benefit of the country.

There is now of available funds at the disposal of the department, the sum of $143,724 22. As a further evidence of the increasing prosperity of this department, I will read from the report accompanying the President's message, so much as will show some of the improvements which have been made by the present Postmaster Gene

ral:

"Between the 1st of July, 1829, and the 1st of July, 1830, the transportation of the mail was increased, in stages, equal to 755,767 miles a year; on horseback and in sulkies, 67,104 miles a year; making an annual increase of

from horses to stages, 278,656 miles, at 8
cents per mile, (the mean difference,)
To be added for increased number of trips
on the same, amounting, annually, to
118,456 miles, at 5 cents per mile,
Increased number of trips on former stage
routes, amounting, annually, to 138,358
miles, at 13 cents per mile,
Increased number of trips on horse and sulky
routes, amounting, annually, to 31,824
miles, at 5 cents per mile,

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Making the total annual value of the im-
provements,

22,292 48

5,922 80

17,985 54

1,591 20

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$47,793 02

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