(4) a remittance of funds or accountable papers, made in compliance with instructions of the Department, which are lost, stolen or destroyed (A) while in transit to a designated depository; or (B) after arrival at the depository, and before the depository has become responsible therefor; and (5) authorized sums of postage and other stamped stock or accountable paper lost while in transit by mail to or from (A) postmasters or employees; or (b) Claims of postmasters, Armed Forces postal clerks and assistant Armed Forces postal clerks outside the continental United States for losses occurring while the United States is at war may be presented within two years from the time the loss occurred. All other claims under this section must be presented within six months from the time when the loss occurred. (c) Claims in excess of $10,000 for losses covered by this section may not be paid or credited until an appropriation has been made therefor. (d) This section does not apply to claims for losses (1) cognizable under sections 134-134h of title 5; (2) By Armed Forces postal clerks or assistant Armed Forces postal clerks for stamps, stamped envelopes, postal cards and other stamped paper supplied them by the Department of Defense and not by the Post Office Department, nor to funds received from the sale of the same. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 603.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 49, 49a (Mar. 17, 1882, ch. 41, §§ 1, 2, 22 Stat. 29, 30; May 9, 1888, ch. 231, §§ 1, 2, 25 Stat. 135; June 11, 1896, ch. 424, 29 Stat. 458; Jan. 21, 1914, ch. 12, §§ 1, 2, 38 Stat. 279; May 18, 1916, ch. 126, § 14, 39 Stat. 163; July 2, 1918, ch. 117, § 10, 40 Stat. 754; July 3, 1926, ch. 799, 44 Stat. 903; May 29, 1928, ch. 901, § 1(50), 45 Stat. 990; June 18, 1934, ch. 579, 48 Stat. 990; Dec. 7, 1945, ch. 560, §§ 1, 2, 59 Stat. 603, 604; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title 11, § 205 (a), 61 Stat. 501). The sections are combined. The text reading "office designated as depository" changed to "designated depository" to cover shipments made to banks as well as post offices. The provisions of section 49a are covered by subsection (d). Changes are made in phraseology. § 2404. Penalty for failure to render accounts. When a postmaster neglects to render his accounts for one month after the time and in the form and manner prescribed by law and the regulations of the Postmaster General, he and his sureties shall forfeit and pay double the amount of the gross receipts at his office for the period, estimated on the basis of any previous or subsequent equal period of time. If the postmaster or his sureties fail to pay the amount of the forfeiture, the Postmaster General shall request the Attorney General to bring an action on the bond of the postmaster. If, at the time of trial, no account has been rendered, the postmaster and his sureties shall be liable in double the amount estimated by the court or jury to be the gross postal receipts. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 604.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 44 (R.S. 3845). Reference to the Postmaster General causing an action to be brought on the bond of the postmaster is deleted. The section is revised to require the Postmaster General to request the Attorney General to bring suit on the postmaster's bonds. This revision is necessary in view of the Attorney General's plenary authority with respect to litigation (see Executive Order 6166 dated June 10, 1933, and 28 U.S.C. 507 (b)). Changes are made in phraseology. § 2405. Deficiency in accounts. The Postmaster General shall mail a notice to the last known addresses of the sureties of a postmaster who fails to make good a deficiency discovered in his accounts. Failure to mail the notice to the sureties does not discharge them on the bond. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 604.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 37 (R.S. 3835; Feb. 4, 1879, ch. 45, 20 Stat. 281; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, § 304, 42 Stat. 24). The requirement in the section that the General Accounting Office notify the Postmaster General of deficiencies discovered in the accounts of postmasters is deleted. Pursuant to section 794 of title 39 (see sections 2207 and 2208 of this title) the General Accounting Office no longer makes initial audits of the accounts of the department. Changes are made in phraseology. § 2406. Limitation of action against sureties. Sureties on the bond of a postmaster may be sued for deficiencies in his account only within three years after settlement of the account. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 604.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 40 (R.S. 3838). Changes are made in phraseology. § 2407. Penalties and forfeitures imposed for violations. Unless a different disposal is expressly prescribed, one-half of all penalties and forfeitures imposed for violations of law affecting the Department, its revenues or property, shall be paid to the person informing and prosecuting for the same. The other onehalf shall be paid into the postal revenues. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 604.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 791 (R.S. 4059). The first sentence of said section is covered in this section without changes in phraseology. The remainder of said section is covered in section 1 of this title. § 2408. Suits to recover wrongful or fraudulent payments. The Postmaster General shall request the Attorney General to bring a suit to recover with interest any payment made from moneys of, or credit granted by, the Department or postal savings system as a result of (1) mistake; (2) fraudulent representations; (4) misconduct of an officer or employee of the Department. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 605.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 789 (R.S. 4057). Reference to the institution of suit by the Postmaster General is omitted. The revision requires the Postmaster General to request the Attorney General to bring suit to recover wrongful or fraudulent payments. This revision is made necessary in view of the Attorney General's plenary authority with respect to litigation (see Executive Order 6166 dated June 10, 1933, and 28 U.S.C. 507(b)). Changes are made in phraseology. § 2409. Settlement of claims for damages caused by Post Office Department and services. When the Postmaster General finds a claim for damage to persons or property resulting from the operation of the Department to be a proper charge against the United States, and it is not cognizable under section 2672 of title 28, he may adjust and settle it in an amount not exceeding $500. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 605.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 31, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 224c (June 16, 1921, ch. 23, § 4, 42 Stat. 63; June 22, 1934, ch. 717, 48 Stat. 1207). Reference to negligence is omitted, since the Federal Tort Claims Act repealed that portion of section 224c. See sections 2672 and 2673 of title 28, and note to section 2680 of title 28. Changes are made in phraseology. § 2410. Delivery of stolen money to owner. When the Postmaster General is satisfied that money or property in the possession of the Department represents money or property stolen from the mails, or the proceeds thereof, he may deliver it to the person he finds to be the rightful owner. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 605.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES (Pub. Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 790 (R.S. 4058). Changes are made in phraseology. § 2411. Substitute checks. (a) The Postmaster General may authorize the issuance of a substitute check for a lost, stolen or destroyed check of the Department. Substitute checks shall (1) be marked "Duplicate"; (2) show the number, date, and payee of the original. (b) The Postmaster General may authorize the issuance of the substitute check (1) upon the execution of a bond agreeable to the Postmaster General by the owner, or (2) without bond, upon the affidavit of the payee or owner of the original check when the Postmaster General is satisfied that the loss, theft or destruction occurred without the fault of the owner or holder or while the check was in the custody or control of the Department or in the mails. (c) Subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d) of section 528 of title 31 do not apply to checks of the Department. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 605.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Derived from title 31, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 528 (e) (R.S. 3646; Feb. 16, 1885, ch. 123, 23 Stat. 306; Mar. 23, 1906, ch. 1129, 34 Stat. 84; June 19, 1906, ch. 3434, 34 Stat. 301; May 27, 1908, ch. 206, 35 Stat. 415; Feb. 23, 1909, ch. 174, 35 Stat. 643; Mar. 21, 1916, ch. 52, 39 Stat. 37; July 8, 1937, ch. 444, § 9, 50 Stat. 482; Aug. 10, 1939, ch. 665, §§ 5-7, 53 Stat. 1359; Dec. 3, 1945, ch. 515, § 1, 59 Stat. 592; Proc. No. 2695, eff. July 4, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. He The Postmaster General may issue appropriate stamps in such denomination, form and design, and at such times as he deems necessary, for use in payment of postage or fees for special services. shall issue postage due stamps of special design and in the denomination he deems necessary to be affixed to short paid mail. Postage due stamps shall be canceled as other postage stamps. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 605.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 165, 275, 276a, 351 (R.S. 3914; Mar. 3, 1879, ch. 180, § 26, 20 Stat. 361; Mar. 3, 1885, ch. 342, § 3, 23 Stat. 387; Aug. 4, 1886, ch. 901, § 1, 24 Stat. 220; Jan. 16, 1889, ch. 50, 25 Stat. 650; May 29, 1928, ch. 856, § 3, 45 Stat. 940; Mar. 2, 1931, ch. 372, § 1, 46 Stat. 1469; Apr. 9, 1958, Pub. L. 85-371, § 3, 72 Stat. 83). Section 165 of title 39 is divided. That part authorizing the Postmaster General to issue a special stamp to be used on special-delivery mail, is covered by the general language of this section. The remainder of said section is covered by section 6006 of this title. Section 246f of title 39 (see section 507 of this title) authorizes the Postmaster General to prescribe the fees which shall be charged for special-delivery service. Accordingly, the words "of the face valuation of 10 cents" in section 165 are deleted. Also deleted are the words "weighing not more than two pounds". This latter deletion conforms to section 6007 of this title, relating to the rates to be paid special-delivery messengers. The authorization in section 275 of title 39 for the Postmaster General to prescribe the special design and denomination of postage due stamps, is covered by the last sentence of this section. The remainder is covered by section 2505 of this title. Section 276a of title 39, which authorizes the Postmaster General to provide and issue special-delivery and special-handling stamps is covered by the broad language of this section. Section 351 of title 39, which authorizes the Postmaster General to prepare postage stamps is covered by the broad language of this section. § 2502. Double postal cards, letter-sheet envelopes, double-letter envelopes. (a) The Postmaster General may furnish for public use, with postage stamps printed or impressed thereon, double postal cards, letter-sheet envelopes, and double-letter envelopes. (b) The Postmaster General may not make payments for royalty or patent right on any of the arti 1 So in original. Probably should be "or". cles named in this section. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 606.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 358 (Mar. 3, 1879, ch. 180, § 32, 20 Stat. 362; Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 631, title I, § 1, 65 Stat. 672). Changes are made in phraseology. § 2503. Postal cards and stamped envelopes. (a) The Postmaster General shall furnish for public use postal cards and envelopes with postage stamps printed or impressed thereon. (b) Stamped envelopes shall be sold as nearly as possible at cost, but not less than cost. Cost includes the value of the postage stamps, salaries and clerk hire, and other expenses connected therewith. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 606.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 354, 356, 357, 362 (R.S. 3915, 3916; June 23, 1874, ch. 456, § 1, 18 Stat. 231; July 12, 1876, ch. 179, § 14, 19 Stat. 82; June 11, 1880, ch. 206, § 1, 21 Stat. 179; Mar. 3, 1893, ch. 213, § 1, 27 Stat. 733; June 26, 1906, ch. 3546, 34 Stat. 476; Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 631, title I, § 1, 65 Stat. 672). Section 354 of title 39, dealing with the furnishing of "stamped envelopes" for public use is covered by subsection (a) of this section. Reference to "letter and newspaper envelopes" was omitted as both are adequately covered by "stamped envelopes." Moreover, "newspaper envelopes" were long ago discontinued. Reference to envelopes with stamps of "suitable denominations" and "with such watermarks or other guards against counterfeits as he may deem expedient" is omitted. The authority to issue "stamped envelopes" is broad enough to cover such authority. The last sentence is omitted as being unnecessary. That part of section 354 dealing with sale of such envelopes at cost, combined with similar provisions of section 362, is covered by subsection (b) of this section. The part of section 354 prohibiting advertising on "stamped envelopes" is covered by section 2510 of this title. Section 356, title 39, is divided. The portion authorizing and directing the Postmaster General to furnish postal cards is covered in subsection (a) of this section. The remaining provisions of the section are covered in section 4251 of this title. Sections 354 and 356 of title 39, dealing with stamped envelopes and postal cards, respectively, authorized their issuance with stamps of suitable denominations "impressed thereon." Since the beginning, postal cards have been issued with the stamps printed thereon and envelopes have been issued with embossed stamps. The words "printed or impressed thereon" have been added for clarity. The language of subsection (a) of this section is broad enough to authorize the Postmaster General to issue the international postal cards which he is authorized in his discretion to issue by section 357, title 39. The specific language of 357 and the applicable rates for international postal cards has been omitted as unnecessary. The rate of 2 cents, specified in that section, is obsolete. The Postmaster General fixes international postal rates and has changed the rate for postal cards from 2 to 4 cents. (See 39 CFR 111.2(b).) Changes are made in phraseology. § 2504. Improvements in stamps and envelopes. The Postmaster General may adopt such improvements in postage stamps and stamped envelopes as he deems advisable. When an improvement is adopted it shall be subject to all the provisions of law respecting postage stamps or stamped envelopes. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 606.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, US.C., 1952 ed., § 360 (R.S. 3917). Changes are made in phraseology. § 2505. Sale of postage due stamps. (a) Postage due stamps may not be sold by any postmaster nor received by him in prepayment of postage or fees for special services. (b) The Postmaster General may designate agencies of the Department where postage due stamps may be sold for philatelic purposes only. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 606.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 275 (Mar. 3, 1879, ch. 180, § 26, 20 Stat. 361; Aug. 24, 1954, ch. 895, 68 Stat. 787; Apr. 9, 1958, Pub. L. 85-371, § 3, 72 Stat. 83). Subsections (b) and (c) of section 275 of title 39 relating to postage due stamps is covered by this section. The remainder of the section is covered by section 2501. Changes are made in phraseology. § 2506. Printing of black-and-white illustrations of United States stamps. (a) When requested by the Postmaster General, the Public Printer shall print as a public document for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, illustrations in black and white of postage stamps of the United States, together with such descriptive, historical, and philatelic information with regard to the stamps as the Postmaster General deems suitable. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 58 of title 44, stereotype or electrotype plates, or duplicates thereof, used in the publications authorized to be printed by this section may not be sold or otherwise disposed of. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 606.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 371 (Jan. 27, 1938, ch. 10, § 1, 52 Stat. 6; July 30, 1947, ch. 391, § 2, 61 Stat. 668). The words "but shall remain the property of the United States" are omitted as unnecessary. Changes are made in phraseology. § 2507. Stamps to be defaced. (a) The Postmaster General shall direct the manner in which postage stamps on mail matter shall be canceled and may furnish necessary equipment and supplies therefor. (b) The Postmaster General may furnish to post offices postage stamps precanceled with the name of the post office at which they are to be used imprinted thereon. (c) The Postmaster General may issue permits to persons using stamped envelope and postal cards to precancel the postage stamps thereon. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 606.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 365, 367, 370 (R.S. 3921; June 20, 1878, ch. 359, § 1, 20 Stat. 240; May 18, 1916, ch. 126, § 12, 39 Stat. 162; May 9, 1930, ch. 230, 46 Stat. 264). The first sentence of section 365 of title 39 is covered by subsection (a). Reference to cancellation of stamps by postmaster at office of mailing is omitted as being unnecessary. The second sentence of section 365 is covered by subsection (b). Section 367 of title 39 is covered by the first sentence of subsection (a). Reference to adoption of uniform canceling ink or appliances which experiments have shown are practicable and best calculated to protect against fraud is omitted as unnecessary. Such authority falls within general authority reposed in the Postmaster General. Section 370 of title 39 is covered by subsection (c). § 2508. Permits for special canceling or postmarking dies. (a) In post offices of the first and second class the Postmaster General may permit, for a period of six months and the duration of the event to be advertised, the use of special canceling stamps or postmarking dies for advertising purposes when the event to be advertised (1) is for a national purpose for which Congress has made an appropriation; or (2) is of general public interest and importance and is to endure for a definite period of time and is not to be conducted for private gain or profit. (b) The permittee shall prepay all expenses for the purchase, adapting or installing special canceling stamps or postmarking dies. (c) The Postmaster General may revoke permits granted under this section when he finds it expedient or necessary to use special canceling stamps or postmarking dies for governmental purposes. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 606.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 368, 368a (May 11, 1922, ch. 186, §§ 1, 2, 42 Stat. 539, 540; June 20, 1956, ch. 411, §§ 1, 2, 70 Stat. 297). Section 368 of title 39 is covered by subsections (a) and (b) of this section. The second proviso in the first section of the act of May 11, 1922, as amended by section 2 of the act of June 20, 1956, requiring the permittee to pay expenses, is restated in subsection (b) of this section. Section 368a of title 39 is divided. That part which authorizes the Postmaster General to revoke permits issued for the use of special canceling stamps (previously codified as the last sentence of § 368 of title 39) is covered by subsection (c) of this section. That part which authorizes the use of a canceling stamp or postmarking die bearing the words "Pray for peace" is covered by section 2509 of this title. Changes are made in phraseology. § 2509. Special cancellation "Pray for peace". The Postmaster General may provide for the use in post offices of the first and second class of a special canceling stamp or postmarking die bearing the words "Pray for peace". (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 607.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 368a (June 20, 1956, ch. 411, § 1, 70 Stat. 297). Section 368a of title 39 is divided. That part which authorizes the Postmaster General to revoke permits is sued for the use of special canceling stamps is covered by subsection (c) of section 2508. That part which authorizes the use of a canceling stamp or postmarking die bearing the words "Pray for peace" is covered by this section. Changes are made in phraseology. § 2510. Printing on stamped envelopes. The Postmaster General may not sell stamped envelopes containing any lithographing or engraving, printing or advertising, other than the usual request for return of the envelope to the sender. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 607.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 354 (R.S. 3915; June 23, 1874, ch. 456, § 1, 18 Stat. 231; Mar. 3, 1893, ch. 213, § 1, 27 Stat. 733; June 26, 1906, ch. 3546, 34 Stat. 476). (1) "employee", unless the context otherwise indicates, includes postmasters, officers, supervisors, and all other persons employed in the postal field service, regardless of title, other than persons who provide services for the Department on a fee, contract, job, or piecework basis; (2) "position" means the duties and responsibilities assigned to an employee, other than duties performed on a fee, contract, job, or piecework basis; (3) "key position" means an existing position, described in sections 3511-3531 of this title; (4) "salary level" means the numerical standing in the Postal Field Service Schedule assigned to a position in the postal field service; (5) "basic salary” and “basic compensation” mean the rate of annual or hourly compensation specified by law, exclusive of over time and night differential (6) [Deleted.] (7) "assigned to road duty" as used in reference to employees in the Motor Vehicle Service means assignment to a Motor Vehicle Service route which is not less than fifty miles in length one way. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 607, amended Pub. L. 87-793, § 709, Oct. 11, 1962, 76 Stat. 855.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 951, 1007 note (June 10, 1955, ch. 137, § 101, 69 Stat. 88; Aug. 1, 1956, ch. 842, § 2, 70 Stat. 892). Section 951 of title 39 is divided. That part relating to the definition of "Department" and "postal field service" is covered by section 1 of this title. The definition of "persons" contained in section 951 of title 39 is omitted as unnecessary because of the definition in section 1 of title 1. That part of the note to section 1007 of title 39 which defines the term "assigned to road duty" when used in reference to Motor Vehicle Employees in sections 3575 and 3581 of this title, is covered by paragraph 7 of this section. Changes are made in phraseology. AMENDMENTS 1962-Pub. L. 87-793 included "basic compensation" within par. (5), eliminated from such par. (5) references to longevity compensation, and deleted former par. (6), which defined "basic compensation" as meaning basic salary plus longevity compensation. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1962 AMENDMENT Amendment of section by Pub. L. 87-793 effective on the first day of the first pay period which begins on or after Oct. 11, 1962, see section 720 of Pub. L. 87-793, set out as a note under section 3542 of this title. EMPLOYEES GENERALLY § 3103. Oath of office. Before entering upon their duties, and before receiving any salary, the Postmaster General, and all persons employed in the Department, in addition to any other oath or affirmation required by law, shall respectively take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: "I, do hereby solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will faithfully perform all the duties required of me and abstain from everything forbidden by the laws in relation to the establishment of post offices and post roads within the United States; and that I will honestly and truly account for and pay over any money belonging to the said United States which may come into my possession or control; and I also further swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States; so help me God." A person authorized to administer oaths by the laws of the United States, including section 16a of title 5, or of a State or Territory, or an officer, civil or military, holding a commission under the United States may administer and certify the oath or affirmation. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 608.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 5, U.S.C., 1952 ed., §§ 16a, 92a, 365 (R.S. 391, 392; Mar. 5, 1874, ch. 46, 18 Stat. 19; July 3 1926, ch. 752, 44 Stat. 830; June 26, 1943, ch. 145, title II, § 206, 57 Stat. 196). The words "including section 16a of title 5" are included here for the purpose of making it clear that any person may be designated by the Postmaster General to administer oaths in connection with employment in the Department and not just those persons who are specifically authorized to do so by some Federal, State or Territorial law. Changes are made in phraseology. §3104. Employees not to receive fees. An officer or employee of the Department may not receive any fee or perquisite from a patron of the Department on account of the duties performed by virtue of his appointment, except as authorized by law. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 608.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 812 (R.S. 3858). This is revised to clarify application of the law. The section evidently was intended to prohibit persons employed in the postal service from accepting fees or perquisites from the public for the performance of duties required of them by virtue of their office. However, certain employees are authorized to accept fees for the execution of pension vouchers under the provisions of sections 60 and 61 of title 38, and section 35c of title 48. § 3105. Detail of employees between field and department. With the consent of the employee, the Postmaster General may detail any employee, including an em22-992 064 vol. 2 63 ployee of the departmental service, between the postal field service and the departmental service to such extent as may be necessary to develop a more efficient working force and more effectively to perform the work of the Department. Each detail shall be made for a period of not more than one year and may be made without change in compensation of the employees so detailed. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 608.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 1032 (June 10, 1955, ch. 137, § 802, 69 Stat. 129). Changes are made in phraseology. § 3106. Special compensation rules. In order that the basic compensation schedules in sections 3542, 3543, and 3544 of this title may be used equitably and with maximum effect to attract and motivate employees, the Postmaster General may prescribe regulations pursuant to which he may, within the limit of available appropriations, grant to any officer or employee before the expiration of the periods prescribed by section 3552, step-increases in recognition of extra competence: Provided, That no officer or employee shall be eligible under this section for more than one such additional stepincrease within any period of fifty-two weeks, and such increase shall not be considered to be an equivalent increase. (Added Pub. L. 87-793, § 716, Oct. 11, 1962, 76 Stat. 858.) EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective on the first day of the first pay period which begins on or after Oct. 11, 1962, see section 720 of Pub. L. 87-793, set out as a note under section 3542 of this title. SPECIAL CLASSES OF EMPLOYEES § 3111. Residence of postal transportation clerks. Clerks appointed to the Postal Transportation Service to perform duty on railway post offices shall reside at some point on the route to which they are assigned unless they are authorized by the Postmaster General to reside at some other convenient point. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 608.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 631 (Aug. 24, 1912, ch. 389, 7, 37 Stat. 556; June 18, 1930, ch. 527, 46 Stat. 782). The proviso is omitted from the cited section for the reason that it has been executed. Changes are made in phraseology. § 3112. Inspectors may administer oaths. Postal inspectors may administer oaths required or authorized by law or regulation with respect to any matter coming before them in the performance of their official duties. (Pub. L. 86-682, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 608.) HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES Based on title 39, U.S.C., 1952 ed., § 704 (June 15, 1934, ch. 537, 48 Stat. 963). This section, in shortened form, covers the provisions of section 704 of title 39. This section of title 39, while granting postal inspectors authority to administer oaths on any matter coming before them in the performance of their duties, also spells out that they may administer oaths to accounts for travel or other expenses against |