Your New and More Bipartisan Post Office

Postmaster-General Blair: nice gesture - reducing the spoils of office (LOC - LC-DIG-cwpbh-02637)

On May 6, 1861 The New-York Times, which was pro-Republican Party at the time, lauded the decision of the United States Post Office Department to stop patronage-based replacements within the department:

JUST AND PATRIOTIC.

Among other late and gratifying determinations of the Government at Washington, the following is reported:

“The Post-office Department, after carrying into effect its past orders as to offices, will chiefly confine its action to supplying vacancies by death and resignation, and to removals for cause. This is deemed a proper tribute to the patriotism and loyalty of the people of the loyal States, in view of the new and controlling issues of Government.”

This is the right spirit, and is in the highest degree creditable to the good sense and patriotism of Postmaster-General BLAIR. We give it our full and hearty commendation; and hope to hear that a like rule of action has been adopted in all departments of the Government. The Democratic party of the North has exhibited a ready zeal and unselfish patriotism in this exigency, that entitles it to the respect and admiration of mankind; and we should feel not only justified in doing so, but absolutely required to show by every token of confidence and trust that we have obliterated the record of the past, and are now one people with them in all that concerns the preservation and perpetuity of the Union.

1861 stamp honoring first U.S. Postmaster-General

Another 1861 stamp: Jefferson's Monticello now in CSA hands

Montgomery Blair was originally a Democrat. In time he became an abolitionist who helped found the Republican Party. It is said his manor in Maryland was burned down by Confederate troops during the war.

Lincoln and 1861 cabinet with Blair on left (LOC - LC-DIG-ppmsca-19482)