Common CarriersCommon Carriers of Messages

Section § 2207

Explanation

This law states that telegraph companies must send messages as soon as possible after receiving them. If they have a backlog of messages, they need to send them in a specific order: first, messages from government officials about public business; second, messages meant for newspaper publication and not for secretive use; third, messages about someone's illness or death; finally, all other messages in the order they were received.

A carrier of messages by telegraph must, if it is practicable, transmit every such message immediately upon its receipt. But if this is not practicable, and several messages accumulate upon his hands, he must transmit them in the following order:
1. Messages from public agents of the United States or of this State, on public business;
2. Messages intended in good faith for immediate publication in newspapers, and not for any secret use;
3. Messages giving information relating to the sickness or death of any person;
4. Other messages in the order in which they were received.
telegraph carrier message transmissions public agents ...

Section § 2208

Explanation

This law requires anyone who delivers messages, but not by telegraph, to send them in the order they are received. However, messages from U.S. or state agents doing public business must be sent first. The carrier can also set times to send multiple messages all at once.

A common carrier of messages, otherwise than by telegraph, must transmit messages in the order in which he receives them, except messages from agents of the United States or of this State, on public business, to which he must always give priority. But he may fix upon certain times for the simultaneous transmission of messages previously received.
common carrier message transmission order of messages ...

Section § 2209

Explanation
If a carrier unfairly refuses or delays delivering your message, you can claim compensation for any losses you suffered plus an extra $50.
Every person whose message is refused or postponed, contrary to the provisions of this Chapter, is entitled to recover from the carrier his actual damages, and fifty dollars in addition thereto.
message delivery refusal compensation for delay actual damages recovery ...