The Sun.
London, England, 1839-07-09 00:00:00

PRICE sd,

by these mystifying and delusive stamps, particularly
when ship-letters and some others must occasion re-
ceipts of money, and, as the Secretary of the Post-office
warns—the use of envelopes, he says, will not save all
that is anticipated by any means. On all grounds,
therefore, it is perfectly clear in justice to the trade,
for " economy and convenience," the plan of previous
payment at a uniform rate should be adopted, and truly
Mr. Hill as well deserves 100,0001. from his
country as any financier who has ever received it.
There is no injustice in throwing upon a trade or the
public the vast burdens which must follow. To look for
additional revenue from the mere waste of stamped pa-
per, and from the theft which will perpetually take
place from servants, is as wise as to pass an Act of
Parliament that men shall carry glass bottles subject
to duty always in their pockets ; the new necessary
of life, under an Act of Parliament, would he similarly
introduced with the stamped sheets, and as often as accident
broke the bottles, the revenue would profit by the mea-
sure, and the measure might thus be similarly defended.
But surely in this day the country would not bear such
legislation. I will therefore briefly conclude by reminding
you that letters rarely consist of more than a few
lines, that an envelope will displace a vast proportion
of the letter paper used—that the waste of one-
twelfth or one-eleventh of the whole Post-office re-
venue for the grand monopoly plan recommended,
and twice recommended, I say, by one Committee, is a
vast expense and objection ; that the moral reason
given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer need only to
be known to possess the force of antiquated law—that
the Parliamentary Committee, and all evidence directly
opposes the plan new adopted of stamping sheets. I
will not rehearse your evils and sufferings—think of them,
and only remember fear advises prudently, a large esti-
mate, and deep consideration, and hearty action, or all
will ruined. Mr. Gaussen concluded by moving the re-
solution.

Mr. ALLEN, of Nottingham, then addressed the
meeting. On Saturday morning he had received the
circular of the London Committee, and a meeting had
been immediately convened to take the question into
consideration, and adopt such measures as might seem
advisable. A memorial to the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer had been adopted, and he (Mr. Allen) had been
deputed as the representative of the sixteen or seventeen
stationers who attended, to go to London, and co-ope-
rate, so far as was possible, with the London Committee.
The memorial recommended the payment of the postage
in advance in every case, because circulars and letters
might be sent on Sundays, which, if not paid for, would
probably be refused, and a loss to the revenue would
be occasioned thereby. That was the only point on
which they differed with the London Committee, and as
it was important that they should be unanimous, he
would return the memorial, recommending its altera-
tion. He would, in conclusion, suggest the expediency
of having a form of memorial prepared, and transmitted
to the country districts.
The resolution was then agreed to.

Mr. GIBBONS moved a resolution, which was to the
effect, that in order to give the public the benefit of the
reduction of postage, every person should be allowed
to write upon any paper he pleased, and be allowed to
pay the postage of the letter or not at his option.
Mr. BEILEY, of Birmingham, said although their
town was in a state of disorder, the stationers of Bir-
mingham had sense enough to see that if the plan were
carried out, they would be ruined, and therefore they
had sent him up to assist in opposing it, which he would
most heartily do. He had much pleasure in seconding
the motion.

Mr. CHAPMAN said the resolutions were not explicit
enough. The Minister always said, when applied to,
46 Where is your proposition, show me that it will either
benefit or secure the revenue, and I will consider of it."
They did nothing but oppose the Government plan.
The CHAIRMAN said they had proposed a plan, but
it was at once negatived, and they were flatly told that
their business was to complain—it was the business of
others to consider of the complaints.—( Laughter.)
Mr. GIBBONS—The Chancellor of the Excheque
would not tell them what he was going to do, or they
would be prepared to defend themselves ; he would not
tell them, and even if he did, he would never carry it
out unless he were pressed very hard and close.—
(Cheers.)
The resolution was then put and carried unanimously.
Mr. GAUSSEN then moved,and Mr.HOLLINGSWORTII,
of Maidstone, seconded a resolution to the effect, that
a system of envelopes or stamped covers would entail a
useless expense, and give much inconvenience to the
Stamp Office, the traders in paper, and the public,
which was also carried unanimously.
On the motion of Mr. GARDNER, seconded by Mr.
HODGKINSON, petitions founded upon the resolutions
were agreed to be presented to both Houses of Par-
liament.

Mr. WILSON, in moving for the appointment of a
Committee, to watch over the proceedings in Parlia-
ment, and to confer with the Government. said there
was one point which had not yet been alluded to. If
the system of stamped covers were established, the
wholesale stationers would be liable to great depreda-
tions. They were sometimes obliged to change their
men, and it was impossible to lock up such a stock as
they must keep. What was to prevent plain paper
from being substituted for the stamped to a great ex-
tent, and without a possibility of detection ?
The present Committee was then re-appointed, with
power to add to their number.

Thanks were voted to the Master and Wardens of
the Stationers' Comp Any, for the use of the Hall. The
like compliment having been paid to the worthy Chair-
man, the meeting broke up.