Within the last three years the Public have pressed upon Congress the importance and the propriety of cheap Postage And Congress have reduced the rate of Postage.

So far as Post Masters are concerned in the reduction I beg leave respectfully to state, That under the former rates, the allowance made to Post Masters was less than the service rendered was worth. By the reduction the labour to be performed is doubled, and the percentage allowed, does not am^t to as much on the Rect^s of the Office at this time, as it did when half the labor would perform the duties required.

I am aware that an opinion is prevelant that if the present Post Masters should resign the Office, that others would readily be found to fill their places. But I submit, wether it would be wise, to in effect, dismiss tried and faithful Post Masters, and put in their places 14,000 untried men. Is there not danger to be apprehended, that men who at the present allowance would accept the Office, intended to compensate themselves in an unlawful manner. over

Under the old regulations Night Officers were allowed 50 p^r c^t on the first $100 rec^d p^r Q^r[.] under the new law all offices are put on the same footing and nothing extra allowed for night service which in this office requires the aid of an extra clerk

In all of our villages, the Business men inssist that the Post Office be located as near the centre of business as possible and Post Masters find themselves constrained to yield to their wishes and consequently are Obliged to pay an extra am^t for Office Rent

Permit me here to [suggest?] the propriety of allowing to all Offices receiving say 2 or $300 p^r Q^r sutch sum for Office rent as may be thought reasonable. I also urge the propriety of extra allowance for night service [Dir^s?] when the Mail arrives between the hours of 9 P.M. and 5 oclock A.M. Then if 40 p^r c^t is allowed ^on^ the am^t rec^d p^r Q^r deducting $100. at an extra allowance for night service, the increase of business may in the end furnish a moderate compensation to Post Masters.

To any allowance made for Office Rent I think the expence of fuel and lights for Office use should be covered by the appropriation.

The allowance for Rent ought to be graduated By the Am^t received p^r Quarter

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for in a Village where only $200. is received, an Office could be obtained for ¹/3 or ½ the Price demanded when 4 or $500 is rec^d p^r Quarter.