Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1890-04-23

Postmaster Wells is in receipt of the
following circular letter from Postmaster
Genera Wanamaker, which is self ex,
planatory.
OFFICE OF THE POSTMASTER GENERAL,
WASHINGTON, ID. c.
AS indicated in my report to the pIesi-
Gent for the year ending June 80. 1889,
Tue department desires to establish in
TINS city government museum that
SHALL rs far as possible, represent the
progress of the postal system of the Uni.
ted States from its beginning. and at the
same time shall contain everything that
may be offered or can be collected in con-
nection with the work of the service that
Is either of special interest or general
historical value.
Many articles worthy of preservation
ana dls play In such museum are be-
lieVed 10 be in the possession of post
masters throughout the country, and not
needed by them in the present transac,
ton of public business; and some things
oil like character are no doubt in the
hands of private persons, who would be
pleased to offer them for public use upon
the purpose of the government in this
matter being made known. In view of
these facts 1t is thought proper to call
upon all postmasters to make at once a
careful search through their offices. and
TO send to the department as soon as
practicable. anything they may thus
ind that in their judgment will be de-
slrable additions to postal museum, and
also to send anything of similar charac-
ter that may be procured from their pa
IRONS With such report or remarks in
every case as will be appropriate, includ>
ing, OF course. where the article is do,
mated, the giver's name, in order that
proper ackno wledgement may be made
The following named classes of things
connected with postal work or history
are given, with the intention of suggest.
ing what the department desires; but any,
thing Of interest not comprebended in
these classes may be sent
Flrst-Old stamping and postmarking
instruments no longer used.
Second-Old mail bags of abandoned
patterns
Third-Copies of old editions of postal
laws and regulations, or other postal
documents. books or essays on the postal
service; old accounts in book form or in
sheets old letters. circulars, blanks,
maps, commissions. old newspapers and
advertisements relating to postal business,
or other papers of postal character
either in print or in writing.
Fourth-IlIustrations of old postoffice
buildings. postal carriages or wagons, and
postoitice materials.
FifJh-Portraits of postoffices, either
of present or former times.
Sixlh-Specimens of local postage
stamp. or of envelopes with paid" stamp
OF postmaster thereon. used to prepay
postage before the national issue of pos
tage stamps began in 1874 Also, any,
thing either in print or in writing relat>
ing to the introduction and use of such
local stamps and envelopes.
Seventh-Old postoffice and registered
package envelopes OF abandoned patterns
and styles.
Eighth-Medals, eDgravings or photo
graphs of existing postOtfice buildings or
postal articles, railway cars, steamboats,
or small wagons; also. maps of cities,
towns or villages where postoff1ces ex>
list.
@N'iIh -hu1 tuiuS CdiCuibItu 10 snow
the difficulties attendant upon the car
risge of the mails or the management of
postal business in newly settled parts of
tie country.
Tenth-Old implements. relics and
curiOsities of miscellaneous character
pertaining to the postal service.
Without involving the department in
any expense, it is desired that every
postmaster shall take such steps as, in
his discretion, will he best calculated to
give publicity to this circular, and to car
~ out its general purpose.
AL articles sent in accordance with
this notice should be securely wrapped
and forwarded by registered mail. under
penalty envelope or label, addressed TO
Postmaster General, Washington. ID.
C., and accompanied by letter of advice
giving the facts in the case.
Care must be taken not to send any
articles in present use in conducting
the work of the postal service.
JNO. WANAMAKER,
Postmaster General: