| PREVIOUS | NEXT | NEW SEARCH |
A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
Journals of the Continental Congress --WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 1788.
Congress assembled present New Hampshire Massachusetts New York New Jersey Pensylvania Virginia North Carolina South Carolina and Georgia and from Rhode island Mr [Peleg] Arnold from Connecticut Mr [Pierpont] Edwards from Maryland Mr [Benjamin] Contee.
[Report of committee on powers of Postmaster General1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 61, pp. 569--570, in the writing of Mr. Nathan Dane. Read June 18, 1788. See June 13, 1788.]
The Committee consisting of [Mr. Nathan Dane, Mr. Hugh Williamson and Mr. William Few ] To whom were referred a letter from the post master General of the 13th instant and the paper accompanying it, report that on a view of this letter and paper two questions arise
First how far a governor or president of a State has power to Stop or open letters, passing in the public mail, or through the post offices of the United States.
Secondly how far a governor of a State ought to have such a power.
As to the first, the Committee observe that Congress by the Confederation have the sole and exclusive power of regulating the post offices throughout the United States and that no power can be exercised respecting the post office but what is delegated by Congress and that it does not appear that any such power has been hitherto delegated by that body to the governor and presidents of the Several States to Stop or open letters passing as aforesaid.
As to the Second the Committee observe that the power in question is of such a nature as not to be capable of being delegated with propriety to any persons except to some principal officer or officers immediately under the controul of and responsible to Congress.
Under these impressions and considering the present state of the Government of the United States the Committee are of opinion that it is inexpedient to delegate the power in question to the governors and presidents of the Several States.
Page 240 | Page image
[Report of Board of Treasury on memorial of T. Goadsby1]
[Note 1: 1 Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 138, I, p. 537, read June 18, 1788. See May 8, 1788.]
The Board of Treasury to whom was referred the Memorial of Thomas Goadsby,
Beg leave to Report,
That the agreement referred to in the Memorial was made by the Board, with Mr . Albion Cox late of this City; in his own person; and as the Board conceived in his own behalf.
That when any person duly authorised by Mr . Cox shall apply for a fulfilment of the conditions entered into on the part of the United States, the Board will be ready to execute the same.
All which is humbly submitted.
Walter Livingston
Arthur Lee2
[Note 2: 2 June 18, 1788. According to indorsement was read:
Memorial of Samuel Nicholson, June 17, 1788, regarding his share in the prizes taken in 1777. Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 41, VII, pp. 138--139, with an account on p. 144. See June 20, 25 and July 2, 1788.]
June 17th . 1788.
PREVIOUS SECTION .. NEXT SECTION .. NAVIGATOR
| PREVIOUS | NEXT | NEW SEARCH |