By now Russell’s gamble had failed, the Hale bill having run aground in the House. Senator Gwin had fought the proposal—a Republican measure—at every tum. He had what was termed the “most positive assurance” from the administration that, after adjournment of Congress, the Post Office would increase the schedule of stagecoach mail on the Central Route to semiweekly trips. Postmaster General Holt, however, reneged on the promise, if it was that, and ordered a contract drawn for transport by ocean steamer.
