North Carolina Newspapers

at MocksvilV next .lay by 6 Att-.v P m Fr-v nkin, l.v Slate IMad. Jwoar- r r:.-n nn;l I-iuri l Branch, to Cherry Ln, 2-1 milt and back, once . wefk. Leavo Klkiii Friday ut ; a i.i: Arrive it Cherry Lane by 12 m; Liy? Ci'prry ltn Friday at 1 i in Arri.-c nl Eifiiu by 7 p m. i required wilh bid, $200. Fh.m "Vila ;!:;, by Roaring Riv tr. ioMaa iMn. and UU3K, to Dc''i, 33 ni!s and back, ouce a wee k. Leave Uol!aj!an? Vrednesday at 1 p m; Arrive r.t Dolro'i next day by 12 ra; Leave . s. :t TmrvJav I p rn Arrive at De'.Iar-'ane next day by 12 m. Bond reccirecl with bid. $300 ini' Frn Iluntw:!'-.. b- Yt'tkfnvtUo, Cfce-nut idk'e. -.iid J'c?STi:?-, to Eauci? miles -ii k llre tirr- m. ?eck. ii.r nriuvii;. r-- -t. TauMday, and !. 5 'i n 3:nurl Wednesday, and Fri lly rti a u:; ixr:ve U Irti:ia . f-r. 1S1I8 From ILnKVtu.'l'- T v Castl atid lx-ilaplaue. to 'VA'WJrough, 2G miles and ,'Ack, twt-c 3 refc. 2xre Han : v. Us Tueadiy and TjuraJar at 7 am: . " Arrive t 7vv" "val7 i, x; I-AV9 V ie"or xijja YTeuafcUj nd Fri day t 7 : i ; Xxrtv e . 13' :tits ii" rrj 5 p m.' 5n 4-'j i.r.vl 7 fid. X. 18519 TT jiu :Uit'i :cvi' iy Z'OIW t'dlotf Grova, JtuniiU t.La. l-'e IT-Tpe, Io:ni Pia gva, i"t C-.tegiato. tnstinte, to liyi- r&viLe, 1 J xai: and back, once a irtck. I . Jia.i'i t-r viT'e cLr.rd it 7 a in; Ariive it i'a; lr U cj C fc-. ; L ive T'jl-Tsil.e trM ,-.y n'. "it. n:; .Vrr-v t Han iivtij by f p n.'. . Ii.-: -i r-. ::r. . 1tii b-, S4', IJoi) :lrr"; -. .;; , ilic T YiuAinrUIl, 8 OlilCS a iil lr.-! . ce j. Ia.- !iaiov:irvJ' Mite-drr MSaia; ArriVo j.; V.. 1 j i !o t;H u; I-.v v .... ."t.vr'I-r -vip m; i.rriv at !Iiii.t.tj t p m. IS3il I'riui A";ll-'c-f'v ' ' y Ilivilia, Fort De--.r.c. Lsu-'-.r u'j' Crots lt?d, an CX;p tiL.a: . .".LiiiJ:ou, 48 miies and L' tv .v.; i : lx r- ' 'i ' "Cr r.t lie; Arr-vp a; . i ;- . . iitii tiy y 7 p no. Y.r nU ro.ji:'- '1 1 -;'.' iu : ir; i .a. '' ' C'.'.i. " i.-n (. S-.-f-",'-l- r: ilcs .-.ad "jack. 1 ? nxt cay P .-S6i. :.; uy n.. ry. JTa"J a . vd Not , L J mile i;.y iio32 .m. So:. ' if Arr:t at i. . : fctucy ' ?r-! - .,,r", ; . " ,- - T si; a j .e-.t 'If. j by 5 P 0 an: y 12 m. "J.I 'Utf, .. Lo 'i, cure j . A:. ''.u T"i..-r':. Jr to J. r a-, ii-.- . . -..- .ctsey. irif at :7f i 'i f Li?ak ".ii'a . i-..' uilii -' J.'. 7 "II., ..-. . ivc it Til: c.ji. : i r:.: .rjtay, aud tb Tr1 "V-5i -, ' . i'..:ll"C,rUir. to Ulln, 27 V .11 t v.-: 1.', is . 1 rr: - t Ltisa v. A -l .- .-. I .'i i i jt Ar.r.e . ; Arr.ve a: a ni; 1X7 nl b.-.ck, I s 1 a ni ; ' :.' J.lili. i- r-a.-l:. orei- week. C ! ; - ' ' v -t-: : i'l!ir.'.;-ky ft. 6 a ra. ?.rne .- v i'.rx. Lt":1. -. -. r . '. Ar . r ; I Fr- - . " , : i. b iiiilcs and rci. iieJ;'ry i d Saturday at 7 Arrtr J ur'-'- A.: . . and Sat- r r in. v 'U , $ .VJ. i" rtcrk, 9i inl23 and '' ' " ra; . Ipn; . . .. ( .'.cctKLsy at 1 p m; . f - Bona i w : . r u 31 vr- ii . i-- t-iiady Sprirgs, Elk S7 :-'- end Boone, 'j, j.'.. laJcsaud back, once - rs.'aT at 7 a m; . -..-, y o p m; . e Friday at 7 a m; by J p iu. . .. bid. $:ioo. ' t tatbun'a Creek. Chest . eavei-siord. to Mouth-of-19 niUcd and back, once a .1 , i'r..:. W.i.. Vtvi. r: '- i "V.'e l;irsday at C a m; V'iisn bv 12 m ; Ic r m-ji-Wuson Wi-dncsday at 1 p ni ; A: t.i' .. . . . ' v by 7 p in. ! :. ireu irtth bid. $200. I si;i to llorse Creek, 14 miles ti-.u " . ':. t .ice a wwk. L - e . '.-ju Saturday at 1 p ni; Axri fe Jior.i Creek by 6 p ni ; Loavc ii... -o Oreek Saturday at 6 a m; Arri v at Jefferson by 11 a m. liiad roijaired with bid, $ 2V. Troui JiaVrou, by Walnut Hill, to Holton, 11 uiiii-s and ba-k. ouce a wrek. Leave JiTTi ru Saturday at 12 in; Arrive at Helton by 1 p in: Leave Helton Saturday at 7 a in; Arrive at Jefferson by 11a in. Ik rid rc-iulroil with bid. f 1n). 13J From Helton to Mouth-of-Wilson (a.), 9 I.iil. s ar. l baei. u.v a week. L-a. e Helton Tburday at 7 a ni; Arrive at Mouth-l-Wuson by 10 air.; Leave M ntn-of-Wilson Tbursday at 11 am; Arrive at Helton by J p m. Ik'ud required Willi bi . $100. lliJo Friu Biirimvdie, by lay Hook, Green M aintain. Ked Hill. Fork Mountain, limestone Cove (Tenn.). Hampton, and (lap Hun. to FJizabethton, 51 miles auJ back, i-nee a wetk. I-ave Uurusville Tbursday at C a m: Arrive at Elizabetbton next day by I'i m ; Ixave ElizaWtbton Friday at 1 p iu Arrive at IV.irnsville next day by 6 pm. li-.nd required itb bid. 500. lx;" From H irn-vil!e. by Il3ld Crek, Ir. Dem- "crat. Lx kl:art." StoeksviLle, anil Wea- v-. ril'.e, t. Asbevillo, G3 milus aud back, twice a v. ek. Leave Hurtisviile Tncs.lay and Friday at 6 a in ; Arrive at Abbeville by C p m; Leave Abi illc Wednesday and Saturday at 6 a in : Arrive at H.imavilV bv6 p ni. lV'tvl r.xi.iiri,l with bid. $70O. 1333S Fr- in r.nm-iH by Micaville. Flinty li.-aueh. Sj th. . Tine. t;ra.-9V Creek, and Mica, t Mirti-u, 33 miles and back, twice a week. Lrate Lnnville Tuesday and Friday at 7 a in: Arrive at Marion hy 7pm; Lrave Mariou Wednesday and Saturday at 7 a in: Arrive at BurrsvilJe by 7 p m. T-1J'nd r,1,lirt11 wit'a'bid. $7.x 13333 Fmm Bak-rsvn;?. bv Ixdc"r. to Burnsvillc. 16 mil. s an I back, once a wet k. Leave Bakervibe WedneklaT at 2 p m; Arrive at Bamaville by 7 p ui- Leave iMrasvalle W.Mnesday at 7 a m; Arrive at Bakerille by 12 m. Bond required with bid, $ 00. 1-044 "Frum Baker9Nili. ,by Hawk Xline and Plum tree, to Crar.borry Forge, 21 miles and back, once a week. Leave Bakersrille Wednesday at 6 a in; Arrive at Cranberry Forge by 6 p m; ' Leave Cranberry Forjje Thursday at 6 a m- Arnve at BakersvUle by 6 p m. li -,1J'jntl rel'ured with bid, $JiX). Frm BakersviUe. by Little Rock Creek nd Fork Mountain, to Johnson City (Tenn ). 38 miles and back, twice a week. a5m-UakC"ViUe Monday anJ Friday at 5 Te tl,uuna Ci ty by 5 p m : at 6 a m"'U CUy Ta,:,1u and Saturday Arrive t rv . uma reouireil wit?. S-.-. Xt!T. 1 crnbcrry Forge, 22 mild .- , xi ce a week it Craaberry Forge by 4 p a J " Leare Cranberry Fortfe ITiday at 8 a m; Arrive at Mica by 4 p m. Bond required with bid, $200. 13343 From Ivy. by Walnut Mountain and X'ttte Creek, to Flag Pond Tenn.), 1 ile and back, once a week. , Leave Ivy Monday at 6 a m ; , t . Arrive at Flair Pond by 12 m ; Leave Flag Pond Monday at 1 p m: Arrive at Ivy by 7 p m: , Bond required with bid, $100. 13344 From Day Book, by Ramsey Town, and Hollow Poplar, to 8wingleville (Tenn.). 25 miles and ba k. once a week. Iyave Day Book Monday at 7 a to; Arrive at Swingle ville by 5 p ro; Leave Swingleville Tuesday at 7 a m; Arrive at Day Buok by 5 p m. Brml rrooirtd with bid, $2U0. 13:145 Froni'IiamBytown, by Bee Log, to Bald Creek, 15 in ilea and back, once a week. Leave Katnseytown Monday at 7 a m; Arrive at Bald Creek by 12 m; Leave BaUl Creek Monday at 1 p mj Arrive at Eamaeytown by 6 p m. Bond required with bid. $200. 13343 From Forks-of-Pigeon to Pigeon River, miles and back, once a week. ' Leave Forks-of-Pisreon Friday at 6 a m; Arrive at Pigeon liiver by 8 a m ; Leave Pigeon River Friday at 9 a m; Arrive at Forks-of-Pigeon by. 11 a ra. Bond required with bid, $100. 13347 From Stony Fork, by Soda Hill, to Trade (Tenn.), 22 miles and back, once a week. Leave Stony Fork Wednesday at 11 a m; Arrive at Trade by p m ; Leave Trade Thursday at 7 a m ; Arrive at Stony Fork by 2p m. Bond required with bid, $200. 13343 From Soutnde to Trade (Tenn.), 12 miles and back, once a week. Leave Solitude Monday at 7 a xn; Arrive at Trade by 12 m; Leave Trade Monday at 1 p m; Arrive at Solitude by 6 p m. Bond required with bid, $200. 13349 From East Laporte to Cherryneld. 35 miles and back, once a week. Leave East Laporte Thursday at 6 s m; Arrive at Cherryneld by 6 p m ; Leave Cherryneld Friday at 6 a m ; Arrive at East Laporte by 6 p m. Bond required with bid, $300. 13350 From Hendersonrille, by Bomia's Bluff, OUionn. Davidson's River, Brevard, Catb eys Creek, Cherryfleld, and Hogback Val ley, to Casher's Valley, 55 miles and back, once a week. Ivave Hendersonville Thursday at 71" m; Arrive at Casher's Valley next day by 12 m; Leave Casher's Valley Friday at 1pm; Arrive at Hendersonville next day by 7 p m. Bond required with bid, $500. 13351 From Hendersonville to Forks-of-Piireon. 43 miles ana Dack, once a week. Leave Hendersonville Monday at 12 m; Arnve at Forks-of-Pigeou next day by 5 pm ; Leave Forks-of-Pigeon Wednesday at 7 a m; Arrive at Hendersonville next day by 12 m. Bond required with bid, $400. 13352 rr m Hendersonville, byTryon, Columbus, Mills Spring, Bear Wallow. Ednevville. c uu Blue Ridge, to Hendersonville, equal vo ZOti miles and back, once a week. Leave Hendersonville Monday at 7 a m: rrive at Columbus Tuesday by 10 am; Leave Columbus Tuesday at 1 1 a m ; Arrivo at Hendersonville by 7 pm. Bond required with bid, 300. 13G53 From Hendersonville to Cedar Mountain, 22 miles and back, once a w eek. Lecve Hendersonville Friday at 10 a m : Arrive at Cedar Mountain by 5 p m; Leave Cedar Mountain Saturday at 7 a m ; Arrive at Hendersonville by 2 p m. Bond required with bid, 200. 13354 Iron Asbeville, by Laurel Fork, Turnpike, IIgeon River, Pigeon Valley, Richland Valley, Waynesville, Caler's Hill, Webster, Franklin, Aquone, Valleytown, Marble Spring, and To ma tola, to Murphy, 123i miles and back, six times a week. Leave Aaheville daily, except Sundav, at 8 a m; Arrive at Murphey by C p m ; Leave Murphey daily, except Sunday, at 7 a ni; Arrive at Asheville by 7 p m. Ilond required with bid, 5,000. 13G55 Trvm Asheville, by Olencoe, Averys Creek, Mill River, Boilston, Claytonville, David son's River, Brevard, Dunn's Rock, Ce dar Mountain, Middle Saluda (8. C), Ma rietta, and White Horse, to Greenville C. IL, 82 miles and back, twice a week. Leave Asheville Monday and Thursday at 5 p m; Arrive at Greenville C. H. Wednesday and Saturday by C p m ; Leave Greenville C. II. Wednesday and Saturday at 7 p m; Arrive at Asheville Monday and Friday by 4 pm. Bond required with bid, $1,000. 13J56 From Asheville, by Leic ester, Sandy Mnsb, ' Cross Rock, Spring Creek, Fine's Creek, Crab Tree, and Jonathan's Creek, to Waynesville, C3 nilled and back, twice a week. Leave Asheville Monday and Thursday at 1 p m; Arrive at Waynesville Wednesday and Sat urday by 1 p m ; Leavo Waynesville Wednesday aiitf Satur day at 1.30pm; Arrive at Asheville Monday and Thursday by 1 p m. Bond required with bid. $800. 13357 From Asbeville, by Paint Gap (n. o.) and Ivy Gap (n. o.), to Burnsville, 36 miles and back, once a week. Leave Asheville Saturday at 6 a m; Arrivt. at Burnsville by C p m; Leave Burnsville Friday at 6 a m; Arrive at Asheville by 6p m. Bond required with bid, $400. 13358 From Marshall, by Walnut Run, Big Lau rel, White Rock, Teach Grove (Tenn ), a lid Unaka, t Greenville, 42 inlfes and back, three times a week. " Leave Marshall Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6 a m ; Arrive at Greenville by 8 p m ; Leave Greenville Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6 a m ; Arrive at Marshall by 8 pm. Bond required with bid $500. ! 13359 From Marshall, by Halewood, Mars Hill, and Grautville, to Stocksville, 20 miles and back, once a week. Leave Marshall Monday at C a m; Arrive at Stocksville by li, in ; Leave Stocksville Monday at 1 p ra Arrive at Marshall by 7 pm. Bond required with bid, $200. 13300 From Warm Springs, by Marshall, French Broad, Riverside, Asheville, Busbee, Shu- fordsville, Hendersonville, Flat Rock. Lima (S. C), Belleview, and Traveller's Rest, to Greenville C. H., iM miles and back, six times a week. Leave Warm Springs daily, except Sunday, at 8 a m; Arrive at Asheville bySpra; Leave Asheville daily, except Sunday, at 8 a m; Arrive at Warm Springs by 6 p m; Leave Asheville daily, except Sunday, at 8 a m; Arrive at Greenville C. H. by 6 p m ; Leave Greenville C. H, dally, except Sun day, at 8 a m; Arrive at Asheville by 6 p m. Bend required with bid, $5,000. 133C1 From Warm Springs, by Lee, to Spring , Creek. 18 miles and back, once a week. Leave Warms Springs Saturday at 6 a m; Arrive at Spring Creeit by 12 m; , ; Leave Spring Creek Saturday at 1 p ni; Arrive at Warm Spriags by 7 p m. Bond required with bid, $200. "3362 frov Lee to Wolf Creelc (Tenn.), 15 milea and back, once a week. Leave Lee Friday at 7a m; Arrive at Wolf Creek by 12 m; Leave Wolf Creek Friday at 1 p m; Arrive at Lee by 6 pm. Bond required with bid, $200. 133d3 Fwm Lee to Big Creek (Tenn.), 24 miles and back, once a week. Leave Lee Monday at 7 a m; Arrive at Big Creek by 5 p ni; Leave Big Creek Tuesday at 7 a m; Arrive at Lee by 5 a m. Bond required with bid, $20. 13364 From Waynesville. by Ivy Hll; Quallatown, Juualuska, Charleston, Kantahalah, Ste- coah, and Rollins ville, to Valleytown, 83 miles and back, once a week. Leave Waynesville Tuesday at 5 p in; -Arrive at Valleytown Friday at 4.o0 p m; Leave Valleytown Friday at 5 p in ; . . v Arrive at Wayuasvllla Tuesday by 4 pm. Bond required with bid. $f00. 13365 From Waynesville, by Jonathan's Creek,. Catalooche, Mount Sterling, Big Creek (Tenn.). Crosby, and Wilton Springs, to Newport, 62 mles and back, once a week. Leave Waynesville Wednesday at 7 a m ; Arrxive at Newport next day by 5 p m ; Leave Newport Friday it Tim; ' Arrive at Waynesville next day by 5 pm. Bond required with bid, ooo. 133o6 From Franklin, by Wlckle's Store, Head-ot-Tennesae. Clayton (Ga.), War Woman, Whetstone, and Tunnel Hill (S. C), to Walhalla, 61 miles and tack, twice a Leave Franklin ; Monday and Thursday at 7-am; M -Arrive at WaXhafla next day by 12 m ; Leave Walhalla Tuesday and Friday at 1 p mi v i " v., , . s ":" ', Arrive at Franklin nest day by 6 p m. Bond required with bid, $1,000. 13367 From Franklin,' ry Saotahalan. Forney's Creek, and Forks of Tennessee, to Cbil howee,.69 miles and back once a week. Leave Franklin Thursday at 8 a m ; Arrive at Chilhovaa next day by 6 p m ; Leave ChUhowee Friday at 6.15 p m; Arrive at Nantahalab Sunday by 8 a m ; Leave Kantahalah Wednesday at 8 a m; ' Arrive at Franklin by 6 p m. B-rod required with bid. $700. 13368 From Casher's Talley, by Horse Cove and , Fine Mountain, to Clayton (Ga.), 31 miles and back, once a week. Leave Casher's Talley Monday at 7 a m; Arrive at Clay tou by 6 p m ; Leave Clayton Tuesday at 7 am; -Arrive at Casher's YalleY by 6 p m. Bond required with bid. $300. " 133C9 From Casher's Valley td Walhalla (S. C), 34 mdes and back, once a week. Leave Casher's Valley Monday at 5 a m ; Arrive at Walhalla by 7pm; Leave Walhalla Tuesday at 5 a m ; Arrive at Casher's Valley by 7 p m. Bond Teqnired with bid, $300. 13370 From Charleston to Nantahalab, 6 miles and back, once a week. Leave Charleston Wednesday at 8 a m ; ' Arrire at Nantahalab by 10 am; Leave Kantahalah Wednesday at 11 a m; Arrive at Charleston by 1pm. Bond reauired with bid, $100. 13371 From Bxdlinsville to Chilbowee (Tenn.), 40 miles and back, once a week. Leave liollinsvllle Monday at 6 a m ; Arrive at Chilhowee by 6 p m; Leave ChlUtowee Tuesday at 6 a m ; Arrive at Bollinsville by 6 p to. Bond required with bid. $400. 13372 From Aquone. by Tusquittee Vale, to Hayea- TiUe, 18 miles and back, twice a weetc. Leave Aquone Tuesday and Friday at 12 m ; Arrive at Haresville bv 6 p m; Leave Haye ville Tuesday and Friday at 5 a m; Arrive at Aquone by 11 a m. Bond required with bid, $400. 13373 From Hayes ville to Shooting Creek,9 miles ami back, once a week. Leave Hayesville Friday at 6 a m; Arrive at Shooting CTeek by 11 a m; Leave Shooting Creek Friday at 12 m; Arrive at Hayesville by 6 p m. Bond required with bid, $100. 1"374 From Murphey, by Persimmon Creek, Eng land's Point. and Wolf Creek to Ducktown (Tenn.), 29 miles and back, three times a week. Leave Murphey Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 a m; Arrive at Ducktown by 6 p m; Leave Ducktown Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 7 a m ; Arrive at Murphey by 5 p m. Bond required with bid, $HO0. 13375 From Murphey to Kilpa trick's, 20 miles and back, once a week. Leave Murphey Saturday at 1 p m; Arrive at Eilpatrick's by 7 p m; Leave Kilpatrick's Saturday at 6 a m ; Arrive at Murphey by 12 m. Bond required with bid, $200. 13376 From Murphey, by Ivy Log, to Blairsville Ga.), 23 miles and back, once a week. Leave Murphey Saturday at 5 a m; Arrive at Blairsville by 12 m; Leave Blairsville Saturday at 1 p ra; Arrive at Murphey by 8 p m- Bond required with bid, $200. 13377 From Murphey to Morganton (Ga.), 22 miles and back, once a week. Leave Murphey Friday at 8 a m ; Arrive at Morganton by 6 p m ; Leave Morganton Saturday at 8 a m ; Arrive at Murphey by 6 p m. Bond required with bid, $200. 13378 From Murphey, bv Grape f'reek, Beaver, and Coker i reek, to Teibco Plains (Tenn.), 38 miles and back, once a week. Leave Murphey Thursday at 7 a m; Arrive at Tellico Plains by 6 p m; Leave Tellico Plains Friday at 7 a m : Arrive at Murphey by 6 p m. Bond required with bid, $300. 13379 From Murphey, by Brasstown, to Hayes ville, 17 miles and back, twice a week. Leave Murphey Wednesday and Saturday at 7 a m; Arrive at Hayesville by 12 m; Leave Hayesville Wednesday and Saturday at 1 p m; Arrive at Murphey by C p m. Bond required with bid, $300. 13380 From Laurel Valley to Ducktown (Tcun.) 17 miles and back, once a week. Leave Laurel Valley Saturday at 6 a in ; Arrive at Ducktown by 12 m ; Leave Ducktown Saturday at 1 p m; Arrive at Laurel Valley by 8 p m. Bond required with bid, $200. 13381 From Vest's to Ducktown (Tenn.), 12 miles and back, once a week. Leave Vest's Wednesday at 6 a m ; Arrive at Ducktown by 12 m ; Leave Ducktown v eduesday at 1 p in ; Arrive at Vest's by 7 p in. Bond required with bid, $100. extisacts tuo.n laws, etc. OATH OK MAIL CONTRACTORS AND CARRIERS. REQUIRED BY ACT OF CONGRESS, JUNE 8, 1872. I, ' , do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully perioral all the duties re quired of me, and abstain from everything forbidden bv the laws in relation to the es tablishment of post offices and post-roads within the United States; and that I will honestly and truly account for and pay- over any money belonging to the said Uni ted States which may come into my pos session or control. So help me God. By section 16 of the act of June 8. 1872. every person employed in the postal service is suojeci to an ine pains, penalties, ana forfeitures for violation of the laws relating to such service, whether he has taken the above oath or affirmation or not. Sections of the Jlet or uonqress " to re vise, consolidate, and amend the stat utes relating to the Post-Offi.ce Depart ment, Approved June 8, 1S72. The Postmaster General requests that bidders, guarantors, sureties, and all per sons concerned, or intending to be concern ed, in mail contracts, will carefully read and critically examine the abstract of laws here presented, and also the forms and in structions at the end of this advertisement. In order that bids may be made and liabil ities assumed imderstandingly, and that all misapprehensions or cause of complaint hereafter may be avoided. Postmasters are required to make them selves familiar with these laws and in structions, that they may be able to inform and direct others. Postmasters, clerks, etc. cannot be con- tractors. Sec. 78. That no postmaster, assistant postmaster, or clerk employed in any post office, shall be a contractor or concerned in a contract for carrying the mail. Persons in the employ of the Post Office Department (including postmasters) cannot become interested in a mail contract, nor act as agent of contrac tors or bidders. Sec. 12. That no person emp!oyred In the Post Office Department shall become inter ested in any contract for carrying the mail, or act as agent, with or without compensa tion, for any contractor or person ottering to become a contractor in any business be fore the Department ; and any person so offending shall be Immediately dismissed from office, and shall be liable to pay so much money as would have been realized from said contract, to be recovered in an action of debt, for the use of the Post Office Department. By regulation of the Department, no car rier should be employed who is under six teen years of age ; and no bidder will be ac cepted who is under twenty-one years of age, or who is a married woman. Conveyance of letters out of the mail. Private expresses, c. Sec: 227. That any person concerned in carrying the mail who shall collect, receive, or carry any letter or packet, or cause or procure the same to be done, contrary to aw, shall, on conviction'-thereof, for every such offense, forfeit and pay not exceeding fifty dollars. sec. 22s. That uo .person. shall establish 'any private express for the conveyance of letters or packets, or in any manner cause or provide for the conveyance of the same by regular trips or at stated periods, over any post-route which is or may be estab lished by law, or from any city, town, or place to any other city, town, or place be tween which the mall is regularly carried; and every persou o offending, or aiding or assisting therein, shall, for each offense, forfeit and pay one hundred and fii'ty dollars. Sec. 22l. That the owner of every stage coach, railway-car, steamboat, or other ve hicle or vessel, which shall, with the knowl edge of any owner, in whole or in part, or with the knowledge or' connivance of the driver, conductor, master, or other person having charge of the same, convey any person acting or employed as n private ex press for the conveyance of letters or pack ets, and actually in possession of the same for the purpose of conveying them contra ry to the spirit, true intent, and meaning of this law, shall, for every such offense, forfeit and pay one hundred and fifty dollar. sec. 2i0. That no person shall transmit by private cxpresss or other unlawful means, or deliver to any agent of such un lawful express, or deposit, or cause to be deposited, at any appointed place, for the purpose of being transmitted, any letter or packet, and for every such offense the par ty so offending shall forfeit and pay fifty dollars. Skc. 2il. That no stage-coach, railway-car, steamboat, or other vehicle or vessel which regularly performs trips at stated periods on any post-route, or from any city, town, or place to any other city, town, or place between which the mall is regularly carried, shall carry, otherwise than in the mail,any letters or packets, ex cept such as relate to some part of the car go of such steamboat or other vessel, or to some article carried at the same time by the same stage-coach, railway-car, or other vehicle,, except as provided in section two JundreV and thirty-nine; and for every such offense the owner of the stage-coach, railway-car. steamboat, or other vehicle or vessel shall forfeit and pay one hundred dol lars rad the driver, conductor, master, or other person having charge thereof, and not at the time owner of the whole or any part thereof, shall in like manner forfeit nnd pay for every such offense fifty dollars, i (Section 23y permits conveyance of letters in stamped envelopes otherwise than by mail.) The manner in which proposalihall be made, and the . LIABILITY OP POSTMASTERS. Sec 215. That every proposal for carrying the mail shall be accompanied by the bona of the bidder, with sureties improved by a postmaster, and In canes where the amount" of the bond exceeds live thousand dollars, by a postmaster of the first, second, or third class. In a sum to be designated by the Postmaster General in the advertisement of each route ; to which bond a condition shall be annexed, that if the said bidder shall, within such time after his bid is ac cepted as the Postmaster General shall pre scribe, enter into a contract with the Lni ted States of America, with good and suffi cient sureties, to be approved by the Post master General, to perform the service pro posed in his said bid, and, farther, that he shall perform the said service according to his contract, then the said obligation to be void, otherwise to be in full force and obli gation in law; and in case of failure of any bidder to enter into such contract to per form the service, or, having executed a con tract, in case of failure to perform the ser vice according to his contract, he and his sureties shall oe liable for the amount of said bond as liquidated damages, to be re covered in an action of debt on the said bond. No proposal shall be considered un less it shall be accompanied by such bond, and there shall have been affixed to said proposal the oath of the bidder, - taken be fore an officer qualified toadminister oaths, that he has tht; abilitv. Decuniarilv. to ful fill his obligations, and that the bid is made in good faith, and with the intention to en ter into contract and perform the service in case his bid is accepted. Sec. 246. That before the bond of a bidder provided for in the aforesaid section is ap proved, there shall be indorsed thereon the oaths of the sureties therein, taken before an officer qualified to administer oaths. that they are owners of real estate worth, in the aggregate, a sum double the amount of the said bond, over and above all debts due and owing by them, and all judgments, mortgages, and executions against them, after allowing all exemptions Of every chars;cter whatever. Sec. 217. That any postmaster who shall affix his signature to the approval of any bond of a bidder, or to the certificate of suf ficiency of sureties in any contract before the said bond or contract is signed by the bidder or contractor and his sureties, or shall knowingly, or without the exercise of due diligence, approve any bond of a bid der with insufficient sureties, or shall knowii-gl- make any false or fraudulent certificate, shall be forthwith dismissed from office, and be thereafter disqualified from holding the office of postmaster, and shall also be. deemed guilty of a misdemean or, ana on conviction thereof, oe punisnea by a fine not exceeding five thousand dol lars, or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both. Service to be awarded to the lowest bid der. Bids of failing contractors may not be considered. Sec. 219. That all contracts for carrying themail shall be in the name ofthe United States, and shall be awarded to the lowest bidder tendering sufficient guarantees for faithful performance, without other refer ence to the mode of transportation than may be necessary to provide for the due celerity, certainty, and security thereof ; but the Postmaster General shall not be bound to consider the bid of any person who has wilfully or negligently failed to perforin a former contract. Combinations to prevent bidding pro hibited. Sec. 2-10. That no contract for carrying the mail shall be made with any person who has entered, or proposed to enter, into any combination to prevent the making of any bid for carrying the mail, or who has made any agreement, or given or perform ed, or promised to give or perform, any con sideration whatever to induce any other person not to bid for any such contract; and if any person so offending is aeon tractor for carrying the mail, his contract may be annulled; and for the first offense the per son so offending shall be disqualified to con tract for carrying the mail fo r five years, and for the second offense shall be forever disqualified. Failing bidders and contractors. Con tracts may be extended, and temporary contracts made. Sec. 2ol. That after any regular bidder whose bid has been accepted shall fail to enter into contract for the transportation of the mails according to his proposal, or, having entered into contract, shall fail to commence the performance of the service stipulated in his or their contract as there in provided, the Postmaster General shall Eroceed to contract with the next lowest idder for the same service, who will enter into a contract for the performance thereof, unless the Postmaster General shall consid er such bid too high, in which case he shall re-advertise such service. And if any bid der whose bid has been accepted, and who has entered into a contract to perform the service according to his proposal, and in pursuance of his contract has entered upon the performance of the service to the satis faction of the Postmaster General, shall subsequently fail or refuse to perform the service according to his contract, the Post master General shall proceed to contract with the next lowest bidder for such ser vice, under the advertisement thereof, (un less the Postmaster General shall consider such bid too high.) who will enter Into con tract and. give bond, with sureties, to be approved by the Postmaster General, for the faithful performance thereof, In the same penalty and with the same terms and conditions thereto annexed as were stated and contained in the bond which accom panied his bid ; but in case each and every of the next lowest bidders for such service' whose respective bids are not considered too high by the Postmaster General shall refuse to enter into contract and give bond as herein required for the faithful perfor mance of his contract, the Postmaster Gen eral shall immediately advertise for propo- nals to perform the service on said route. vV henever an accepted Diuaer snail lan to enter into contract, or a contractor on any. mail-route shall fail or refuse to perform the service on said route according to his con tract, or when a new route shal' be estab lished, or new service required, or wnen from any other cause there shall not be a contractor legally bound or required to perforin such service, the Postmaster Gen eral may make a temporary contract for car rying the mail on such route, without ad vertisement, for such period as may be ne cessary, not in any case exceeaing six months, until the service shall have com menced under a contract made according to law : Provided, however, That the Post master General shall not employ temporary service on any route at a higher price than that paid to the contractor who shall have performed the service during the last pre ceding regular contract term. And in all cases of regular contracts hereafter made, the contract may, in the discretion ofthe Postmaster General, be continued in force bevond its express terms for a period not exceeding six months, until a new contract with the same, or other contractors, shall be made by the Postmaster uenerai. Bidders not released taitil a contract is entered into and service begun. Sec 2,52. That no bidder for carrying the mails shall be released from his obligation under his bid or proposal, notwithstanding an award made to a lower bidder, until a con tract for the designated service shall have been duly executed by sucn lower bidder and his sureties, and accepted, and the ser vice entered upon by tne contractor to tne satisfaction of the Postmaster General. Certified Checks or Drafts to accompany all bids when the sum exceeds S5,000. Sec. 253. That hereafter all bidders upon every mail route for the transpor tation of the mails upon the same, where the annual compensation for the service on such route at the time ex ceeds the sum of five thousand dollars, shall accompany their bids with a cer tified check, or draf t, payable to the or der of the Postmaster General, upon some solvent national bank, which check or draft shall not bo less than five per centum on theamount of theannual pay on said route at the time such bid is made; ana in case oi new or moainea service, nor less man nve per centum oi the amount of the bond of the Didder required to accompany his bid, if the amount of the said bond exceeds five thousand dollars. In case any bidder, i -a j a on being awaraea any sucn contract, shall fail to execute the same, with good and sufficient sureties, according to the terms on which such bid was made and accepted, and enter upon the perform ance of the servico to the satisfaction of the Postmaster General, such bidder shall, in addition to his liability on his bond accompanying his bid, lorieit the amount so deposited to the United States, and the same shall forthwith be paid into the Treasury for the use ot the Post Office Department; but if such contract shall be duly executed and the service entered upon as aforesaid, such draft or check so deposited, and the Checks or drafts deposited by all other bidders on the.same route, snail De re turned to the respective bidders mak ing such deposits. No proposals for the transportation of the mails where the amount of the bond required to ac- company the same snail exceea nve thousand dollars shall oe considered, unless accompanied with the check or draft herein required, together with the bond required by a preceding section: Provided, That nothing in tnis act snail be construed or intended to affect any penalties or forfeitures which have heretofore accrued under the provisions of the sections hereby amended. Failing contractors fntiltv of a misde- meanor. Sec. 254. That any person or persons biddincr tor the transportation of the mails upon any route which may be ad vertised to bo let, and receiving an award of the contract for such service, who shall wrongfully refuse or fail to enter into contract with the Postmaster General in due form, and perform the service described in his or their bid or proposal, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction there of, be punished by a fine not exceeding nve inousana aoiiars, ana oy imprison ment for a term not exceeding twelve mouths. 2b pay to be made until contracts are executed. Sec. 59. That no person whose bid for carrying the mail is accepted shall receive anv pay until he has executed his contract according to law and the regulations or the Department. Compensation for additional service re stricted and regulated. Sec. 260. That compensation for ad ditional service in carrying the mail shall not be in excess of the exact pro portion which the original compensa tion bears to the original service : and when any such additional service is or dered, the sum to be allowed therefor shall be expressed in the order, and en tered upon the books or the Department; and nocompensation shall be paid for any additional regular service rendered be fore the issuing of such order. Sec. 261. That no extra allowance shall be made for any increase of expe dition in carrying the mail unless there by the employment of additional stock ana carriers is maae necessary, ana in such case the additional compensation shall bear no greater proportion to the additional stock and carriers necessarily employed than the compensation in the original contract bears to the stock and carriers necessarily employed in its exe cution. Deductions may be made, and fines im posed, for delinquencies. Sec. 260. That the Postmaster General may make deductions from the pay of contractors lor failures to perform ser vice according to contract, and impose fines upon them for other delinquencies. He may deduct the price of the trip in all cases where the trip is not per formed ; and not exceeding three times the price if the failure be occasioned by the fault of the contractor or carrier. Contracts cannnot be assigned nor trans ferred. Sec. 271. That no contractor for trans porting the mail within or between the United Mates and any foreign country shall assign or transfer his contract, and ail such assignments or transfers shal be null and void. Schedules to be furnished and posted up in pose omces. registers to oe re turned and reports made. Sec. 70. That the Postmaster Genera: shall turnish to the postmasters at the termination of each route a schedule of the time of arrival and departure of the man at tneir omces, respectively, to be postea in a conspicuous place in the office; and the Postmaster Genera shall also give the postmaster notice of any change in the arrival and denarture that may be ordered ; and he shall cause to De Kept and returned to the Depart ment, at short and regular intervals. registeis showing the exact times ot the arrivals and departures of the mail. By act of Congress approved ADri 21, 1808, no member of Congress can be a contractor, or be concerned, directly or indirectly, in any contract with the Government; and by the same act it is made a high misdemeanor for any offi cer oi tne unitea states to enter, in its behalf, into a contract with a member of Congress. But if a member withdraw from contract it may be concluded with the other partners. Opinion of Attorney general, 4, 4. A contract with one who is elected a member of Congress aunng its continuance is not aflected by such election. Ibid.. 5. 697.1 The Postmaster General has no power, under the law, to release bidders and contractors and their sureties from their uuuiunes on tne allegation of real or supposed mistakes of any kind in mak ing proposals. He particularly requests that, before bidding, the fullest inquiry ana investigation oe made in regard to the route, distance, service, weight of mans, costoj stock, feed, and all expenses existing and likely to occur during the contract term, and with due considera tion of the consequences imposed by law on delinquents. Contracts to be executed and filed in the Department by the first day of June. Under the provisions of section 245 of the act approved June 23, 1874, the Post master General has prescribed the 1st day of June, 1875, on or before which day the contracts of accepted bidders must be received at the Department in Washington, executed in due form. Accepted bidders not complying with this regulation shall be considered as having failed to comply with their pro posals, and the Postmaster General may proceed to contract for the service with other parties, according to law. Contracts received at the De partment after June 1st will not be considered by the postmaster General. FORM OF PROPOSAL, IJO.MJ, CERTIFICATE. AND Proposal. The undersigned , whose post-office address is , county of , State of , proposes to carry the mails of the United States, from July 1, 1875, to June 30, 1876, on route No. between and State of , under the advertise ment of the Postmaster General dated October 1, 1874, " with celerity, cer tainty, and security," for the annual sum of dollars ; and if this pro posal is accepted he will enter into con tract, with sureties to be approved by the Postmaster General, within the time prescribed in said advertisement. This proposal is made with full knowl edge of the distance of the, route, the weight of the mail to be carried, and all other particulars in reference to the route and service ; and also, after careful ex amination of the laws and instructions attached to advertisement of mail service. Dated , Bidder. Oath required by section 245 of an act of Congress approved June 23, 1874, to be affixed to each bid for carrying the mail, and to be taken before an officer fwalified to administer oaths. , of -, bidder for carrying the mail to on route No.- from , do swear that I have the ability, pecuniarily, to fulfill my obligation as such bidder; that the bid is made in good faith, and with the intention to enter into contract and per form the service in case said bid shall be accepted. Sworn to and subscribed be fore me, -of - jfor the dav this- of , A. D. 187 and in seal. testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name. and affix my official seal the day and year aforesaid. Note. When the oath is taken be fore a justice of the peace, or any other officer not using a seal, except a judge of a United States court, the certificate of the clerk of a court of record must be added, under his seal of office that the person who administered the oath is duly qualified as such officer. Bids of 55,000 and upwards must be accompanied by a certified chtck or draft, on some solvent national bank, payable to the order of the rostmaster (Jeneral, equal to 5 per centum on the present an nual pay on the route : or in case of new service, not less than 5 per centum of tap amount of the bond accompanying the bid. if said bond exceeds $o,uG0.l j The proposal must be sianed bv the bidder or bidders, and the datejof sign ing amxea. Direct to the "Second Assistant iiost- masterGeneraJ, Post Office Department. washington.D. C..' marked "Proposals. state or ." BOD. Directions. .flST-Insert the names of the princap-jl and sureties in full in the body ofthfe bond; also the date. The signatures tp the bond should be witnessed, and the certificate on the insideshould be sighed by a justice ot the peace, adding his oi cial title, or, if signed by a Xotary Pul lie, he should amxms seal. Know all men by these presents, that .of , in the State of principal, and and of in the 8tat of bed ft nn1 tfrtnltr as snreties. are bound unto the United States of Ameri ca in the just and full sum of dol lars, lawiul money of the United Stale?, to be paid to the said United States Of America or its duly appointed orjauj thorized officer or officers; to the pay ment of which, well and truly to be made and done, we bind.ours.elves, jour heirs, executors, and administrators, jointly and severally, lirmly by these presents. 1 Sealed with our seais, ana aatea this day of , 187 . Whereas, bv an act of Congress ap- proved June 23, 1874, entitled "An Act making appropriations tor the service ofthe Post Office Department lor the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, eili teen hundred and seventy-five, and; far other purposes," it is provided: "that every proposal for carrying the mail shall be accompanied by the bond of the bidder, with sureties approved by a postmaster," in pursuance whereof, and in compliance with the provisions Of said law, this bond is made and exe cuted, subject to all the terms, condi tions, and remedies thereon, in the said act provided and prescribed, to acc4nt- pany the aforegoing and annexed pro posal of the said Now, the condition of the said obliga tion is such, that if the said ; , bidder as aforesaid, shall, within such time after his bid is accepted as the Postmaster General has prescribed in said advertisement of route No. J to- wit, on or before tho 1st day of June, 1875, enter into a contract with (the United Slates of America, with good and sufficient sureties to bo approved by the Postmaster General, to perform the serivice proposed in his said bid, and further shall perform said service according to his contract: then this (ob ligation shall be void, otherwise to be in full force and obligation in law. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals , 187 . this day of L. Si L. 8f L. Si Witness STATE OF -County of On this ss. day of 187 per sonally appeared before me and , sureties in the aforegoing bond, to me known to bo the persons named in said bond as sure ties, and who have executed the same as such, who being by me duly swprn, depose and say, and each for himself deposes and says, he has executed! the within bond, that his place of residence is correctly stated therein, that he isi the owner of real estate worth the sum hereinafter set against his name Over and above all debts due and owing by him, and all judgments, mortgages, and executions against him. after allowing all exemptions of every character what ever, the total amounting to (S- . . sum thus assured -) - dollars. k Subscribed and sworn before me this day of , 187 . Note. When the above oath is taken before a justioe of the peace or any other'officer not using aseal, except a Judge of a U. S. Court, the certificate of the clerk of a court of record muslt be added, under his seal of office, that the person who administered the oath is duly qualified as such officer. STATE OF County of - If clerk of the the same being a Court of Record,1 do here by certify that , whose gen uine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit, was, at the time of signing- the name, a justice of the peace in and for the county and State aforesaid, duly qualified, and that all, his official acts as'such are entitled to full faith and credit. ' !. In testimony whereof, I have hereun to set my hand as clerk, and affixed; the seal of said court, on this day of j , 187 . Clerk. CERTIFICATE OF POSTMASTER. I. the undersigned postmaster at -4, State of . after the exercise of due dilisrence to inform myself of the pecuniary ability and responsibfhtyof I the principal and his sureties in I the aforegoing bond, and of the unincum bered real estate owned by them re spectively, do hereby approve said bond and cextity that the saia sureties aresui- ficient sufficient to insure tne payment of double the entire amount ot tbe said bond is and I do further certify that the said'bond was duly signed , by ; and' ana his sureties,' before signing this certificate. , Postmaster. . Dated 187 INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS AND ,- POSTMASTERS Sj Containing also . conditions to be xncor- cornoraled in tte contracts to the ex tent the Department may deem proper. 1. Seven minutes are allowed to 0ach ntprmediate office, when not otherwise specified, for assorting the mails. - j 2. On routes wnere tne moueoi coii vevance admits of it, the special agents of the Post Office Department, also post office blanks, mail bags, locks and keys, are to be conveyed without extra charge. s. 'Wav bills" or receipts, preparea bv nostrnasters or other agents of the Department, will accompany the mails, specifying tbe number sand destination ofthe several bags, to. be examined by the postmasters, to insure regularity in the delivery of bags and pouches. 4. No pay win do maae ror trips not performed ; and for each of uch omis sions, if the failure be occasioned by the fault of the cOBtracior or carrier, inree times the pay of the trip will be ded act ed For arrivals so lar Denina time as to break connection with aepenuing mails, and not sufficiently excused, one fourth of the compensation for thej trip is subject to forfeiture. For repeated delinquencies of tho kind herein speci fied, enlargea penaiues, urupuuioneu to the nature thereof ana me import ance of the mail, may be made. f 5. For leaving behind or throwing on the mails, or any portion of them, for the admission of passengers, -or fair be ing concerned in setting up or running an express conveying intelligence- in advance of tho mail, a quarters; pay may bo deducted. 16. Fines will be imposed, unless the delinquency bo promptly Ind ttWac tof ily explained by certificate of post masters or the affidavit of other credi ble persons, for failing to-arrlvo lh con tract time; for neglecting to! take the mail from, or deliver it intoj a post of fice; forsufferinsrit to-be wet. inturcxl. destroyed, robbed,' or lpst; and lor re fusing, after demand, to convey the mail as frequently as the Contractor runs.or Is concerned in running, a coach, car, or steamboat cm a route. u 7. The Postmaster General may anunl the contract for repeated failures to run agreeably to contract ; fori vldlatinrf the postoffice laws, or. disobeying the in structions ofthe Department ;?fof refus ing to discharge a carrier when required by the Department to do so; for run ning an express as aforesaid ; or for transporting person or packages con veying mailable matter out bfthe mail. 8. The Postmaster General rtiay order an increase or service on ' a ' route by al lowing therefor a pro rata Increase on the contract pay. II may change sched ules of departures aud, arrivals in all cases, and particularly to make thorn conform to connections -with railroad, without increase of pay, provided the running' timo bo not abridged. Tho Postmaster General may. also discon tinue or curtail, the servico, hi whole or in part, in order to place on the route superior service,-or whenever the pnb lie interests-tn-bts-jtxdgmeni, shall re quire such discontinuance oir-curtailment for any othercause faejallciwing, a full indemnity' to contractor, on month's extra pay on, the .ajmouut of service dispensed with, and a 'pro rata compensation for the amount pfsorvko retained and continued. ., . , ; . ; 1 9. Payments will bo made by . collec tions from, or drafts on, postmasters or otherwise, "after tho expiration of each quarter ay in November. February. May, and August, provided! that re- quireu ewuence oi service na ueen re ceived. ..... . 1 ! . 10. The distances given are) believed to bo substantially correct; but no In creased pay will be allowed should they be greater than advertised, If he points to bo supplied arecorrectly stated. Jliil dcrs must inform themselves on f hi point. and also in reference to the the mail, the. condition of hi weight of Is, roads, streams, Ac, and all toll bridges, turn pikes, plank-roads, ferries, or obstrnc tionsofany kind by which expense may be incurred. No claim 6r additional pay, based on such grouiitl, can bo con sidered;! nor. fori alleged J mistakes' or misapprehension as to tho degrro of ser vice; nor for bridges destroyed ferries discontinued, or other obstructions caus ing or increa4ng-diMtanco oir expense occurring during; tho contract term. Offices established after tills advertise ment Is issued, and also during tho con tract term, are to be visited without ex tra pav if the distance bo not Increased. 11. Bidders are cautioned) to nihil their proposals in time to roach tho De partment by tho day and hotir named in the advertisement, as bids received after that time will not be considered in competition with -bid - of reasonable amount received in time.. Neither can bids be, considered which arq wKhont the bond, oath; and certificate required by section 245, act of Juno 23, !b7 1. 12. Bidders should first, prAposo for service strictly according to the adver tisement, and then, if thoy-dosirok sep arately for different service ; and if tho regular bid bo the lowest offered for tho advertised service, the Others proposi tions may bo considered. j 13. There should bo but onejronto bid for in a proposal. Cbnsolidatoil or com bination bids ("proposing one sum for two or more routes") cannot bo consid ered. , j T ' ' 14. Tho route, tho servlco. thft yearly pay, the name and residence of tho bid der, (that Is, his usual post-pffico ad dress,) and the name of eaeh'niember of a firm where a company oilers, whouUl be distinctly stated. ! . 15. Bidders are requested to' rifce, t far as-practicable, the printed prOloiaU furnished by the Department, to write out in full the sunt ot their bil, and to retain copies of them. .: -ii. ; j ' w j? Altered bids should not be submitted. No withdrawal ofja bid will, bo allowed unless tho withdrawal Is received twon-ty-four hotrrgrprovious to the time fixed for opening the proposals. ,' - 16. In case of failure of the accented bidder to execute a contract, pr ol the abandonment of service during the con tract term, the service will be re-adver tised and re-ot at the expeuiso of the. lailing biddor or contractor. 17. The Postmaster General reserves the right to reject any bid which may bo deemed extravagant; nu. aisq io uisro gard (ho bids .of failing contractyrs and bidders. (Act of ; June 8, 1872, section 249.) 1 ' ' ! ! - 18. Tho bid should be sealed, suiwr scribed " Mail Proposals, State; of North Carolina," addressed "Second Assistant Postmaster General, Contract pfflce." 19. Every proposal must be accompa nied by a bond with sureties (approved by a postmaster, and In cases whero tho amount of tho bond exceeds' five thous and dollars 5,000) bv. a postjinanterrof the first, second, or third class. ! TiUU for service', tile-pay for which' at the time . of advertisement exceed five thousand dollars,( 85,000,) .must be accompanied by a certified check', or draft,-payable to the order of the Post master General, on some solvent national bank, of not lo than five per centum on tho amount of the annual pay fori such route, and in case of new or-modified service, not les-s than five per centum of . the amonpt of the bond accompanying' tbe bid' if tho amonnt of said, bond -exceed (f ,60o; five thousand dollars. The amount, of bond required with -bids, and the -present pay whenltcx ceeds ($5,000) five thousand dollars, aro stated, in the advertisement, under tho appropriate refute. ' ' . ZU. All chocks -ueoosiieu wiiu' uio will bo held uu$il contract- is executed and the service commenced by the ac cepted bidder. Checks 1 will not be1 Re turned by itail, but the bidder himself tf,r some one upon his order, must receive ' them is person, andrccerptfor them on the books of) the Department. j T -1 21. Transfers of contracts, or of Inter est In contracts, ' are ' forbidden ' by law, and consequently cannot: be allow . Neither can bids, or interest in bids, bo transferred or assigned to. othpr parties. Bidders will therefore take notice that they- will be expected to : perform tho ibcrvico awarded to them through the whole contract term ' "I' "! 22. SOctlon 249 of th act of ' Jririe 8, 1872, provides that contracts fox the tran -portation pf the mall shall be "awarded to the lowest bidder tendering sufficient guarantees forj falthf uj , performance, without other reference to the mode of soch transportation than may! boneces- aary to provide for the doe oelerltty cer tainty, and security thereof' r Under this law'' bids that" propose Wtfausport the'mails with celerity, trtarhtyt end security having . been eciddd lo be the only legal bids', are construed" as provid ing for the entire mail, howeverlarge, and whatever may be the, ptode of conveyance necessary, to insure its ccleritu, cer tainty, and- security, H and hate thepref- ' erence over all others ttmd. no others are considered, except for steamboat routes. 23. A modification of a bid In any bf its essential terms is tantamount to a new bid, and cannot be , received so as to interfere with 1 regular competition. Making a new bid in proper form Is the only way to modify a previous one. 24. Postmasters are, cautioned not to sign' the' approval of the 'bond of any bidder before the bond is signed (by the bidder and his sureties, and not until entirely satisfied j of tho sufficiency of the sureties. SeoN sections 4240 and 247, act of June 23,1874, accompanying tb is advertisement. ', ! 25. Postmasters are also liablo to dis missal from office ) for acting aa agents " of contractors or bidders, with or with out compensation' in' any business, matter, or thing relating to the mall ser vice. They. are the trusted agents, of the Department, ahd cannot consistently act In both capacities. ' -MARSHALL JEWELL. Postmaster General.