Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-09-18
THE POSTAL NOTE
Net All 1t was Cracked Up TO
Be.
Only Thirty-Five Sold in this City-Some Of
the Objections Urged Against
Its Use.

The new postal note has been in use now
fer two weeks aud during that time has
undergone at least partial test To find
tho result was the mission OF a reporter for
the REGISTER, who called at the postofice
last evening.
The postal note, as every one under
stands, is used for any amount from one
cert up to "A. 90, at q cost of three cents,
Of d is designed for the benefit OF persons
Who desire to send small sums through the
ais. Silver is heavy and say ninety-nine
Ct nts would cost somewhat in postage for
mailing, besides being inconvenient to send.
1t was thought, therefore, that the postal
note would fill long felt want" and at
once spring into popularity. But it has
not proved all that was expected OF it.
New York and Chicago have declared it a
nuisance, snd Pittsburgh has taken to it
with a sigh of regret. Banks have declared
it uncertain and productive of trouble aud
delay, on account OF errors, and but few
persons are actually pleased with it.
Chief Clerk Myers, at the Postothce, Is
not in love with il and thinks Wheeling
has not been smitten with it. During the
two weeks it has been in use, only thirty.
five have been issued from this Office, and
the demand is small. Some OF the reasons
.or this are obvious from what follows:
In the first place, there is no security
about the postal note. 1t is payable to
bearer, and il lost is not renewable. No
duplicates Of lost notes can be issued. All
risks must be taken by the purchaser. The
Postofice is not responsible for its safe
tol ia hnnuht
mailed, and If it never turns up again the
sender is the loser. They are only issua.
BILE and payable at money order offices and
should person desire to remit money to
other than money order Offices, he must do
so by registered letter. On Saturday
postal note from Joliet, ILL.,, for 81 90 was
presented for payment here, but the Post
master OF Joliet had neglected to sign the
note and il was necessary 10 send II back
for the signature. These are only few
of the drawbacks.
A money order, on the other hsLd, guar
sntees payment. 1t costs five cents more
than the postal note, but is secured. In
case of a loss the order may De duplicated
and payment insured. For amounts less
than $40, a money order costs eight cents,
or only five cents more than postal note.
Mr.. Myers is of the opinion the postal note
will not be popular. 1t is noticed, however,
in this and other business offices, about
town, that small sums now come by postal
note, which were formerly sent by stamps.
This is desirable, as the old method often
resulted In plethora OF stamps.
In two weeks, the reduction in tirst-class
mail matter will 60 into effect and letter
rates will be only two cents for a half
,unce. This will be q material and sub.
s,sntisl benefit beyond a doubt. To pre-
rare for the change, the Wheeling office
will order no more three cent stamps and
row has none for sale. Letters from here
20 out ornamented each with two and
one cent stamp, giving them at least
highly gauly look. The office has begun
10 receive printed and stamped envelopes,
for use after October Isl, but they will not
60 out yet.