The Petition of the undersigned citizens of the Borough of Northumberland, in the State of Pennsylvania, and vicinity, respectfully represents, that the Post Office, at Northumberland, is a distributing office of the most laborious character,—six mail routes, centering there,—three of them arriving in the night:— that the duties of the same are exceedingly onerous, requiring the Post Master to keep a clerk, (in fact, two being necessary to prevent the delay of mails)—and occupying his own time, night and day, entirely to the exclusion of all other business:— that the emoluments of the office do not exceed $350,—being less than is received at either of the neighbouring offices, viz. Danville, Lewisburg, Milton & Sunbury, tho. the labour performed is greater than at all these, combined.

Under the old law, the proceeds of this office amounted to at least $600, yet they were deemed insufficient by those fulfilling its duties.—Such being the case, your petitioners are apprehensive that under existing circumstances, no competent person could be induced to assume the important responsibilities of the station, should the present incumbent resign, as he is likely to do if the compensation be not increased.

They therefore pray your honourable committee to recommend to Congress, the passage of a law, fixing the salary of the Post Master at Northumberland, at $1000. per annum,—it being in their opinion, a reasonable and just remuneration.