al to send
mail forward by pony express. This is but an illustration of ill-fitting
legislation, reasonable and proper at the time of its enactment, but
long since outgrown and requiring readjustment.

It is gratifying to note from the carefully prepared statistics
accompanying the Postmaster-General's report that notwithstanding the
great expansion of the service the rate of expenditure has been lessened
and efficiency has been improved in every branch; that fraud and crime
have decreased; that losses from the mails have been reduced, and that
the number of complaints of the service made to postmasters and to the
Department are far less than ever before.

The transactions of the Department of Justice for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1888, are contained in the report of the Attorney-General, as
well as a number of valuable recommendations, the most part of which are
repetitions of those previously made, and ought to receive
consideration.

It is stated in this report that though judgments in civil suits
amounting to $552,021.08 were recovered in favor of the Government
during the year, only the sum of $132,934 was collected thereon; and
that though fines, penalties, and forfeitures were imposed amounting to
$541,808.43, only $109,648.42 of that sum was paid on account thereof.
These facts may furnish an illustration of the sentiment which
extensively prevails that a debt due the Government should cause no
inconvenience to the citizen.

It also appears from this report that though prior to March, 1885, there
had been but 6 convictions in the Territories of Utah and Idaho under
the laws of 1862 and 1882, punishing polygamy and unlawful cohabitation
as crimes, there have been since that date nearly 600 convictions under
these laws and the statutes of 1887; and the opinion is expressed that
under such a firm and vigilant execution of these laws and the advance
of ideas opposed to the forbidden practices polygamy within the United
States is virtually at an end.

Suits instituted by the Government under the provisions of the act of
March 3, 1887, for the termination of the corporations known as the
Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company and the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints have resulted in a decree favorable to the Government,
declaring the charters of these corporations forfeited and escheating
their property. Such property, amounting in value to more than $800,000,
is in the hands of a receiver pending fur