392 INDIANA HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS 



I do not expect to see a reform of this great national 

 abuse, during the present Congress, for whoever heard 

 of those now calling themselves "Democrats," feeling a 

 disposition to do anything for the relief of the needy 

 members of our community; but let the next Congress 

 be elected with this express understanding, let the watch- 

 word of the Whigs be "Reform of the P. 0. Department." 

 Of course the Locofocos will oppose it, but if Editors will 

 take hold in the right spirit, we can carry it. 



I make this bold assertion, and would willingly pledge 

 my life upon it, that if Congress will repeal all Post Of- 

 fice laws, and charter a private company for that pur- 

 pose, that the community shall be better served with mail 

 accommodation, than they now are, for 5 cents postage 

 on all letters, and 1 cent on all papers, or an equal amount 

 of printed matter of that in the Cincinnati Gazette. This 

 is fact, perfectly indisputable fact — and to the shame of 

 our "democratic" government, be it said, that they main- 

 tain an odious monopoly, that makes this a fact, and by 

 means of which thousands of American Tnothers are actu- 

 ally legislated out of the privilege of even hearing from 

 an only child. 



It is "a case of wrong, so palpable," that it ought to 

 kill any political party, that has the power and not the 

 will to abolish the wrong. 



Let the watchword then be in all coming Congressional 

 elections, "Down with the P. 0. monopoly, a reform of 

 its abuses." 



Perhaps I have said enough, I cannot well say more; 

 for this sheet is full, and I cannot afford to pay two shil- 

 lings for the privilege of putting a wrapper over it. It 

 is for the same reason that you do not more frequently 

 hear from me. The abominable postage tax upon all the 

 warm impulses of the heart, is calculated to dry them up, 

 and make bad citizens of those that would be good if 

 properly encouraged. 1 I remain most respectfuly, your 

 old friend, S. R. 



1 From 1816 to 1845 postage on a single sheet of paper not going 

 over 30 miles was 6 cents; not more than 80 miles, 10 cents; not 



