Richmond Palladium

Postmaster General's Report.—We think it states that it is not surprising that occasional irregularities should occur in a public service which requires 13,733 postmasters and their clerks; 2,343 contractors and their agents; and 31,835,991 miles of transportation. The amount of mail transportation for the year ending on the 30th June, 1841, was 31,991,525 miles, at a cost of $3,159,375: for the year ending 30th June, 1842, 34,835,991 miles, at a cost of $3,057,795. The report states that great exertions have been made to bring the expenditures within the receipts of the department, for which purpose a variety of measures have been adopted. In the Northwestern and Southwestern Districts, the extent of transportation has been increased, whilst the expenses have been diminished in the sum of $11,277. In consequence of the large number of mail bags on hand, their manufacture has been discontinued, which has effected a considerable saving. The postmaster general thinks that all public officers should be careful of the public property, and when found unfaithful, should be dismissed. The amount of postage received for the year ending 30th June, 1842, is $1,516,216; being an increase over the revenue of last year of $166,928; which increase is attributed to a more systematic and vigilant execution of the law. The expenditures for the same period exceed the receipts by $81,470, which was met by applying a portion of the excess of the appropriation of 1841, of $192,657, to enable the Post Office Department to meet its engagements and pay its debts. Deducting payments on account of old debts, the report states, that the revenue of the year will exceed the expenses by $311,191. It is hoped, the report says, that the department will hereafter be able to sustain itself, but extension of the service is not anticipated, unless Congress shall relieve the department from the heavy demands of rail road companies, and protect it by prohibiting private expresses and rival mail establishments. Accounts of contractors have been punctually discharged, and postmasters have been made to pay up. The report gives a hit at the transportation of "mail matter" on rail road cars, out of the mail—not on the road from Fredericksburg to Richmond, for there he has forbid it—and then desires retrenchment in the franking privilege. With these reforms it is supposed that there might be a reduction of postage. It is recommended that government purchase the right of transportation on rail roads, as a measure of economy, the present cost for this conveyance being $132,563 for 3091 miles. This question of purchase is argued at length.

In relation to the reduction of letter postage, the report states that General Green had been requested to make inquiries in England as to the operation of the system, and reference is made to his report, in a part of which it is stated that the French government is anxious to make a treaty with the United States for an interchange of mail service by the agency of packet and steam ships of the two countries.

It is stated that a City Despatch Post for the city of New York was put into operation in August last, and has been found beneficial—and the propriety of having a similar establishment in each of the large cities is suggested.

The estimated expenditures for the current year are $1,300,000, exclusive of new routes established during the last session. Including these the amount will be $1,520,000.

The amount received for the quarter ending on the 30th Sept. last, is less than that for the corresponding quarter of last year; and it is therefore supposed that the income of the year will fall considerably short of that of the year ending on the 30th June. The postmaster general will put the new routes ordered by Congress into operation; but, should he find the department deficient in means, he will curtail expenses on old routes, equivalent to the cost of the new routes.

Other matters will be submitted in detail to the appropriate committee of Congress.