The First Of These Is That Class Which Is Paid By Weekly
Wages, Such As Letter-Carriers And Porters.
Their remuneration is
of course ruled by the rate of ordinary wages in the country; and as
ordinary wages are higher in the States than with us, such men are
paid accordingly.
The other class is that of postmasters at second-
rate towns. They receive the same compensation as those at the
largest towns - unless indeed there be other compensations than those
written in the books at Washington. A postmaster is paid a certain
commission on letters, till it amounts to 400l. per annum: all above
that going back to the government. So also out of the fees paid for
boxes at the window he receives any amount forthcoming not exceeding
400l. a year; making in all a maximum of 800l. The postmaster of
New York can get no more; but any moderately large town will give as
much, and in this way an amount of patronage is provided which in a
political view is really valuable.
But with all this the people have made their way, because they have
been intelligent, industrious, and in earnest. And as the people
have made their way, so has the post-office. The number of its
offices, the mileage it covers, its extraordinary cheapness, the
rapidity with which it has been developed, are all proofs of great
things done; and it is by no means standing still even in these evil
days of war.
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