The Old Public Functionary: we'll help with the mail, too! Neither rain nor ...
As South Carolina’s Secession Convention reconvenes in Charleston, The New-York Times (December 18, 1860) takes a sardonic view of South Carolina’s attempt to set up its own Post Office:
WAYS AND MEANS OF SECESSION.
A Joint Committee of the South Carolina Legislature has been discussing the best mode of supplying Postal facilities for the State after its secession. They object to employing ADAMS’ Express, as inadequate to the purpose, — and recommend the continuance of the present system. The Postmasters will of course resign, in order to be released from their oath to support the Federal Constitution; but they will immediately resume their functions and go on as if nothing had happened. The Committee state that they “have reason to believe the Federal Government will not be adverse to this plan.”
It is quite likely that if South Carolina can have the assistance of the Federal Government in her attempt at secession, she may succeed. And thus far, we are compelled to say, appearances indicate that she has good grounds for expecting it. Possibly a time may come when it will be withdrawn, and it will be well enough for them to be prepared for such a contingency.
