The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-05-02
RATES OF POSTAGE.

The following abstract of the bill to reduce the
rates of postage, which recently passed the Sen
ate, we copy from the Spectator of this city
For every single letter for less than 30 miles,
3 cents over 80 and not over 100, cents over
100 and not exceeding 800, 10 cents; over 3OO
Is cents. Single, double, and quadruple letters
in proportion quarter of an ounce in weight
equivalent to single letter. Drop letters, 2
cents each. Letters advertised to be charged
with the cost of advertising. Newspapers not
more than 1900 square inches, may he sent
through the mail by their publishers to their sub
scribers within 80 miles free of postage beyond
30 miles and not over 100 miles half cent; over
100 miles l cent. On newspapers Of greater size
than 1900 square inches, the same rates Of post
age as magazines or pamphlets. Printed or lith-
ographed ciruclars not larger than foolscap, shall
be charged 2 cents each sheet for any distance
Pamphlets, periodicals, magazines, q cents each
copy weighing not more than an ounce, not eX-
ceedng 100 miles; cents for any greater dis
lance and one cent additional for each additional
ounce in weight, fraction of more than half an
ounce to be charged as an ounce. Where the
mails are SO heavy as to retard materially the
speed, separate mail to be provided for letters.
All acts granting the right to any person to re-
ceive through the mail free of postage letters or
newspapers, &C. annulled.
ranking privilege to keep an account Of the post
age all official matter received or transmitted
through the mall and the same to be paid out of
the contingent funds of their respective Depart
ments. The franking privilege allowed to the
three Assistant Postmasters General and the
postmasters throughout the Union on letters only
relating to the business of the Department The
President, Vice President widows of ex-Presi-
dents, ex-Vice Presidents the Heads of Depart
ments, and Attorney General, are allowed the
ranking privilege; Members of Congress, Del
egates of Territories, Secretary of the Senate,
and Clerk of the House, authorized to receive
and transmit public documents free of postage,
and also during each session, and for thirty DAYS
preceding and subsequent. to receiue all letters
not exceeding two ounces the postage on all
over two ounces to be paid out of the contingent
fund OF each House. In lieu of the privilege
heretofore allowed of transmitting written or
printed matter, free of POSTAGE to be furnished
with number of free stamps or envelopes, equal
to five per day during the session but any matter
enclosed in them, weighing more than two ounces,
to be subject to postage. Private expresses and
mails forbidden under heavy penalties, as also
those transmitting the letters, and the proprietors
of the means of conveyance. The free exchange
of newspapers between publishers permitted
Heavy penalties provided for all violations of the
law. Contracts for the mail hereafter to be given
to the lowest bidder, without regard to the mode
of conveyance, and the contractor not required
to take the stock of his predecessor Letters to
be advertised in papers having the largest circu-
laton, if inserted for price not greater than is
now fixed by law.