Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1844-05-09
THE POSTAGE BILL,

The Washington Spectator gives the following
abstract Of the bill redcing the rates of postage as
ordered to a third reading in the Senate by large
majority on Wednesday
For every single letter for less than 80 miles
8 cents over 80 and not over 100, 5 cents; over
100 and not exceeding 800, 10 cents; over 800,
10 cents. Single, double and quadruple letters in
proportion. A quarter of an ounce in weight
equivalent 10 single letter Drop letters 2 cents
each Letters advertised 10 be charged with the
cost OF advertising. Newspapers not more than
1900 square inches, may be sent through the mail
by their publishers 10 subscribers within 80 miles
free of postage; beyond 80 and not over 100 miles
20 cent: over 100 miles cent. On newspapers
OF greater size than 200 square inches, the same
rates OF postage as magazines or pamphlets
Printed or Biographical circulars not larger than
foo'scap, shall be charged cents each sheet for
any distance. Pamphlets, periodicals, magazines
2 l-2 cents each copy not weighing not more than
an ounce, not exceeding 100 miles, cents for any
greater distance; one cent additional for each adj
dliional ounce in weight fraction over half an
ounce to be charged as an ounce Where the
mails are so heavy as TO retard materially the
speed, separate mail be provided for letters. All
acts granting the right to any person to receive
through the mail free of postap g letters or news
papers, &c, annuled The officers of the gov
ernment having thanking privilege to keep an ac
count OF the postage on all official matter received
or transmitted. through the mail, and the same
to be paid out of the contingent funds of their re-
spectlve Departments The ranking privilege
allowed to three Assistant Postmasters General
and the Postmasters throughout the Union on let
tiers only relating to the business of the Depart.
ment The President, Vice President. widows of
ex.Presidents ex.Vice Presidents the Heads of
Departments, and Attorney Generals, are allowed
the ranking privilege; Members of Congress,
Delegates of Territories, Secretary OF the Senate,
ana Clerk OF the House, authorized to receive and
transmit public documents free of postage, and al
so during each session and for thirty days preceding
and subsequent to receics 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 al
flowed of transmitting written or printed matter
Tree OF postage to be furnished with number of
free stamps or envelopes, equal TO five per day du
fing inc 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 for the manner of convey
ance, and the contractor not required to take the
stock OF his predecessor Letters TO be odver
Used IN papers having the largest circulation. if
inserted for price not greater than is now fl ed
by law.