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Editorial
September 16, 1806
The Enquirer
Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Editorial criticizes the excessive patronage power of the U.S. Post-Master-General over nearly 2000 offices with salaries from $200 to $6000, noting its unconstitutionally centralized nature. Proposes decentralizing to state or district post-offices appointed by President and Senate for republican conformity, urging reform of growing evils.
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It is a FACT, that the patronage of the Post-Master-General of the United States embraces offices of various salaries, from 6000 dolls. a year, to 200 dolls.
It is a FACT, that the number of these offices, comprehending contractors for carrying the mail, &c. is not far short of 2000.
It is a FACT, that the amount of salary and the number of offices, is annually increasing from the opening of new post-roads, and the establishing of new post-offices.
It is a FACT, that the exclusive appointment to these offices, resides in the Post-Master-General; the President's sanction not being required thro' necessity or usage.
It is a FACT, that under a republican government no one individual ought to be intrusted with more power, than is consistent with the object for which it is conferred.
It is a FACT. that the establishment of one general post-office, is not a constitutional requisition; the constitution having simply invested congress with a right "to establish post-offices and post-roads;" of course leaving to their discretion the particular manner of exercising this power.
Is it not then a FACT that the object to be obtained by the establishment of one general post-office would be as completely obtained by the establishment of one post-office in each state or in certain districts to be designated by law; the appointment of these offices being exclusively allotted to the President and the Senate; and the settlement of their respective accounts reserved to the Treasury Department? Would not this method of organizing the post-office establishment be more conformable to the spirit of a republican government?
This hint is thrown out, only to encourage some enquiry into the subject. Whether the plan here alluded to, is the best that could be devised for removing the evils of the present post-office establishment, is a matter of extreme doubt even to the proposer. But it is no longer a doubt, that the evils of the present organization, are great; that they are yearly increasing; and that some reform ought, if possible, to be attempted.
It is a FACT, that the number of these offices, comprehending contractors for carrying the mail, &c. is not far short of 2000.
It is a FACT, that the amount of salary and the number of offices, is annually increasing from the opening of new post-roads, and the establishing of new post-offices.
It is a FACT, that the exclusive appointment to these offices, resides in the Post-Master-General; the President's sanction not being required thro' necessity or usage.
It is a FACT, that under a republican government no one individual ought to be intrusted with more power, than is consistent with the object for which it is conferred.
It is a FACT. that the establishment of one general post-office, is not a constitutional requisition; the constitution having simply invested congress with a right "to establish post-offices and post-roads;" of course leaving to their discretion the particular manner of exercising this power.
Is it not then a FACT that the object to be obtained by the establishment of one general post-office would be as completely obtained by the establishment of one post-office in each state or in certain districts to be designated by law; the appointment of these offices being exclusively allotted to the President and the Senate; and the settlement of their respective accounts reserved to the Treasury Department? Would not this method of organizing the post-office establishment be more conformable to the spirit of a republican government?
This hint is thrown out, only to encourage some enquiry into the subject. Whether the plan here alluded to, is the best that could be devised for removing the evils of the present post-office establishment, is a matter of extreme doubt even to the proposer. But it is no longer a doubt, that the evils of the present organization, are great; that they are yearly increasing; and that some reform ought, if possible, to be attempted.
What sub-type of article is it?
Constitutional
Legal Reform
What keywords are associated?
Post Office Reform
Patronage Power
Constitutional Post Roads
Republican Government
Centralized Appointment
Administrative Evils
What entities or persons were involved?
Post Master General
President
Senate
Congress
Treasury Department
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Reform Of Post Office Patronage And Centralization
Stance / Tone
Critical Of Centralized Power, Proposing Republican Reform
Key Figures
Post Master General
President
Senate
Congress
Treasury Department
Key Arguments
Patronage Includes Offices From $6000 To $200 Salary
Nearly 2000 Offices Under Post Master General's Exclusive Appointment
Number And Salaries Increasing Annually
No Constitutional Requirement For Single General Post Office
Republican Government Limits Individual Power To Necessary Objects
Decentralize To State/District Offices Appointed By President And Senate
Account Settlement By Treasury Department
Current System Has Great And Increasing Evils Needing Reform