Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-07-24

1t is Not Generally Underst0od-state-
ment from the Post Office Depart
ment.
In view of the fact that the new postage
law passed at the last session of Congress
does not seem to be understood by the
public, a circular to POstmasters has
been issued by the Post Office Department
and received in Savannah giving instruc-
tions and information in regard
to its details, and also information
with reference to new designs OF stamps
and envelopes. On and after the first day
of October, 1888. the rate of postage on
domestic mail matter of the first class
will be reduced from three cents to two
cents per half ounce or fraction thereof.
After the reduction goes into effect the
three cent denomination OF postage
stamps and stamped envelopes VIII be
but little used. and Postmasters have
been instructed to limit their acquisitions
for three cent stamps and envelopes to
quantities that may be deemed suhclent
to last only until the first OF OCTOBER.
They have also been Instructed 10 take
all available means-without lncurrlng
any expense to the departmental call
ing public attention to the coming re-
cumulate an unnecessary supply OF the
present denomination.
The department has adopted a new de-
sign for the two cent stamp, the mead OF
Washington in profile, from HOudOn's
bust, being placed on plain tablet.
Above the oval surrounding the mead are
the words Omitted States Postage" and
underneath the tablet are the words
1.-TWO Cents" The stamps will be printed
in metallic red. A four cent denomination
of postage stamp and stamped envelope
to cover double postage under the new
rate viii also be issued. The design en-
braces the head of Jackson, similar to
that on the present two cent stamps and
envelopes. The department Will also re-
wise the schedule of prices OF stamped en-
velOpes by disseminating the three cent
denomination and substituting two and
four cents, as may be necessary. The
price of the envelopes, however, exclusive
of postage. Will remain the same as at
present. No change will be made in the
postage due stamps.
No arrangements have vet been made for
the redemption of three-cent stamps and
envelopes in the hands of POstmasters, or
for the exchange by POstmasters of such
stamps and envelopes in the hands of
private holders. Until further notice,
therefore, POstmasters will not make eX-
changes for the public, nor will they re-
turn to the department the stock remain
ing in their own hands on and after the
first of October
The two and three-cent stamps and
stamped envelopes of the present designs
will continue to be valid after the first of
October, and must be accepted in payment
of postage whenever offered in apprOpri-
ate amounts. The three-cent stamps may
be used in combination with other de-
nominations on letters requiring more
than one rate of postage, and on parcels
of third and fOurth-class matter.
The department will be ready to issue
twO-cent adhesive stamps on the fifteenth
OF September, and stamped envelopes on
the first of September, in anticipation of
their use on the first of October. No three
cent adhesive stamps will be issued after
the fourteenth of September unless the
requisitiOn is accompanied with state
ment from the Postmaster that the stamps
are needed for immediate use, and that the
full supply called for will become eX-
hausted by the first of October. No three
cent stamped envelopes, either plain or
special request, will be issued after the
thirty-first of Augustunless accompanied
with a statement similar to the foregoing.
The new tWo-cent stamps and stamped
envelopes must not be placed on sale by
Postmasters or used before the first day
of October, 1888.
The drOp-letter rate of postage will re-
main the same as now; that is, two cents
per half ounce or fraction thereof at free
delivery offices, and one cent at all other
offices; and no changes are made in the
rates of postage on second, third and
fOurth-class matter.