Evening star., 1883-10-01
The Reduced Letter Rate.

IT'S PROBABLE EFFECT ON THE POSTAL REVENUES.
The reduction in letter postage from three to two
cents for the letter of ordinary weighthal ounce
less-went into effect to-day. The Old three cent
stamps can still he used on packages or letters
quiring that amount OF postage, but the government
will not take them in exchange for the two cent
stamps 1t generally supposed that the reduction
Will cause deficit in the postal revenues of the
rent fiscal year; hut some of the postal authorities
contemplate an increase in the letter business under
the impulse of cheaper rates. that will far towards
making up the one cent loss on each letter.
EXCHANGING OLD STAMPS FOR NEW FOR ACcOMMoDA-
TION OF THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
"The Secretary of the Treasury sent down this
morning to ask If the department would redeem q
lot of three cent postage stamps, or exchange them
for new ones, remarked post office official in the
hearing of STAR reporter to-day.
Nv nat are you going to do?" asked the reporter.
eve will exchange them,n was the reply. "We
viii do that for department, but we are not pre-
pared to do it for the public Our clerical force is
insuclen to undertake the labor which is connected
with the exchange of stamps"
"iiow is the exchange effected continued the re-
eff the Secretary of the Treasury" was the re-
sponse, 'sends us SlV0 worth of stamps give him
an order upon the postmaster in this city for s00 Of
two cent stamps The receipt is received and audited
with the postmaster's accounts. The government
loses the cost OF the manufacture of the stamps.
cents for sheet of 900 stamps. If, when We begin
to exchange the threes held 10y individuals, we find
that there are good many, the government will per-
cover its losses"
"Is the government compelled to redeem or ex-
change the stamps?" resumed the listener.
"lhere is no obligation the part of the govern
ment ana II Is only done as matter of convenience,
was the reply.
AT THE CITY POST OFFICE
Before 9 O'Clock this morning there was a long line
of people in front of the stamp windows waiting to
buy the new stamps. Upto II o'clock 10000 Of the
new stamps had been sold, which sum is largely in
excess OF the average daily sale Of three cent stamps
heretofore Mr.. Seymour W. Tullock, the cashier of
the office, stated to STAR reporter that this month
would be experimental and determine the number of
stamps he would have to order in the future. In
order to meet the demid he had ordered as many of
the new two cent stamps he had in past months
ordered of hrees and twos together. This gave him
l.Ooo,000 stamps for the months supply, of which
100000 have been received and 2O0ooO are in transit
treasury Official applied at the Post Office this
morning to have several thousand dollars worth Of
three cent stamps exchanged for twos He was re-
1erred to the Post Office department.
1nsubOrilinate Southern Democrats.
A SOUTHERN SENATOR'S VIEWS ON THE IMPORTANCE
OF THE CONTEST IN VIRGINIA.
prominent southern Senator asked a STAR
reporter to-day for the latest political news, and
after listening to summarizing of the situation in
Ohio, New York and elsewhere, inquired: "What
about Virginia."
The reporter, thus placed in the novel position of
being himself interviewed, replied: "The general
belief seems to be that Malone is losing ground"
''That is more important to the democratic party"
replied the Senator, "than either Ohio, Massachu-
setts, or New York. Do you know that there is a
1eeng OF insuborlination in the democracy south
sort OF rebeiOus tendency? 1t does not to be
based upon any well-defined ground. There is no
real cause OF complaint with our party or its admin
lstratlon Of state governments; but there is desire
1or public place prevailing and to attain men
willing to form new political alliances. Well. the
continued success of the Malone movement in Vir-
gnla which was at the outset rebellion against the
party, would have the effect of encouraging that sort
without the south yet 10 lose Virginia this year
would make the contest for the state almost hopeless
Tor US next year: 1t would be very bad thing for
us to lose one OF our most reliable states for pres-
dental contest. Therefore, had rather hear good
news from Virginia than from anywhere else"
The German Bi.Centennial Celebration
COMPLETE SUCCESS OF THE DEMONSTRATION ASSURED
Our German fellOw-citizens are determined to
make their bi-centennal celebration of German COL
onization grand success. They are not working
noislly, but all the more determinatey and vigor-
ously, and there can be no longer any doubt of the
complete success Of their undertaking. which will be
an honor, not only to them, but to the city. The
finance committee has met with such general and
liberal response to its solicitations for contributions
that there will be no lack of the necessary funds
carry out the very elaborate plans of the executive
committee. The other committees arSPbusy perfect
ing the plans mapped out for them, and everything
moves along smoothly and harmoniously. The pro-
cessiOn next Monday, they claim, will be immense
and the participation by the business men general.
Still, the committee says, there many who desire
to participate and making arrangements do So
but have not yet advised the committee of their in
tentions They should do SO at 1t is suggested
that the houses of citizens be decorated.
THE GERMAN VETERANS.
At meeting of the Veterans of the Turn
Verein and eighth battalion District of Columbia
volunteers, held at Loefiler's garden last night,
1t resolved to invite all German vete-
rams in the city to take part in the German
bicentennal celebration, and that the Union vete-
rams be accorded the place as guard of honor. The
Lieut. A. E. L. Reese; adjutant, George Wagner.
Anton Krengle invited to carry the flag he car
ried in the war. The old drum corps, or such as are
left, will also take part