They are said to be insolvent. Now, it is but just that such
property as they have should be divided in some equitable way among
the creditors. A bankrupt law secures such a division, and the
debtor is, at the same time, freed from all legal obligation to pay
the debts which cannot be met in this way. The first law of
Congress on this subject was passed in 1802, and repealed in 1803.
Since that time there have been three other bankrupt laws, but the
total time during which they have been in force amounts only to
some twenty years. The last law, that of 1898, is still in
operation.[29]
[Footnote 29: See "Government in State and Nation," p. 193, for a
further discussion of bankrupt laws--especially that of 1898.]
Some States have also passed insolvency laws. However, these must not in
any way conflict with the provisions of the National bankrupt laws.
II. THE POSTAL SYSTEM.
Organization of the Post-office Department.--We can appreciate
somewhat the advancement made in the postal service rendered by the
government when we read that an Act of Congress in 1782 directed that
mail should be carried "at least once in each week from one office to
another.
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