Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar

“ That had been fixed absolutely by the postmaster general, under the express directions of a law of congress. Neither could the salary of the postmaster be affected by any subsequent order of the sixth auditor, as was attempted to be done in this case; for, as already stated, his duty and authority in the premises ceased when he made his report of the business transactions of the office to the postmaster general. The whole theory of the act of 1883 is that every postmaster shall receive a salary dependent upon and regulated by the amount of business done at his office. ”

“ The intent of the statute in this respect appears so plain upon a careful reading of it that it is difficult to elucidate it by argument or illustration. The mere statement of its terms is the best argument in favor of the conclusion we have reached. ”

“ From that judgment the United States appealed.
To understand the precise nature of the question involved in this case, a reference to the act of March 3, 1883, c. 142, (22 St. pp. 600, 602,) relating to the salaries of postmasters, is necessary. ”