The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

1847] APPLICATIONS FOR INCREASE OF SALARY. 63
of advancing the fee [on newspapers] at seven o'clock, but he
strongly advises against it, on the ground of its certain unpopularity
with the press."
So difficult is it to recall concession, however mis-
chievous and absurd. In the end, however, a compromise
was adopted which, while it greatly relieved the
department, proved satisfactory to the newspaper
publishers. I abstain from further narration of mere
obstructions, not for want of matter, but because
enough has been done to show the difficulties, annoyances,
and delays ever crossing the path of my improvements
; the like of which must, I fear, be expected by
all whose zeal for reform leads them to intrude amidst
men of routine.
A trouble of another kind, however, began
now to
show itself, which later on produced serious consequences.
Applications for increase of salary, backed
by the recommendation of Colonel Maberly, were
referred to me for consideration, the circumstances being
such that, without unscrupulous disregard of the public
interest, I could do nothing but advise their rejection.
I found that in one instance, instead of the applicants
being simply
informed of the Postmaster-General's
decision, which was in conformity with my opinion, they
had also been told contrary to official rule of our
conflicting recommendations. The consequence was a
renewal of the application, accompanied with a letter of
thanks to Colonel Maberly, and an appeal from my
judgment as being opposed to that of " the Secretary."
I could not but foresee that if, without any opportunity
I were to be held
of recommending merited concession,
up as a bar to concessions recommended by others,
I should, in course of time, find myself in a position
very unfavourable alike to the maintenance of my just
authority and the progress of good measures. After