The record-union., 1896-03-12

we set out what constitutes matter of
the several classes under the present
system.
First-class matter is all written mat
ter, letters, postal cards and sealed
matter, except manuscript copy accom-
panying proof sheets, or proof sheets
corrected-two cents an ounce or frac-
tion thereof; postals, one cent; drop
letters, two cents at letter-carriers' Of
fees, and one cent at other offices.
Second-class matter consists of news
papers and other periodical publica-
tions issued at stated intervals, not
longer than four times a year, bearing
a date issue, numbered consecutively,
issued from a known office of publica-
ton, formed of printed sheets without
board, cloth or leather binding, and
intended for the dissemination of infor-
nation of public character, or de-
voted to literature, the sciences or art,
or some special industry, having a
legitimate list of subscribers, and not
designed primarily for advertising pur-
poses or for free circulation or circula-
ton at nominal rates-one cent per
pound or fraction when sent by the pub
Usher; when sent by others, one cent
Ger four ounces or fraction.
Third-class matter books, circulars
and periodicals and other matter
wholly in print (not included in second
class matter, proof sheets, corrected
proof sheets and manuscript copy ac-
companying the same, one cent for
each two ounces or fraction.
Fourth class, merchandise not in
cluded in the other classes, of a char
acter not liable to deface or destroy
other matter in the mail bags, or to do
injury to anyone handling the matter.
No package of mail matter must weigh
more than four pounds, except single
books, save books and documents
printed by order of Congress. Second
class matter in packages at the pound
rate are not subject to the .four-pound
regulation. One cent an ounce or frac-
tion is the charge upon fourth-class
matter
Since the foregoing was written and
placed in type we have received other
communications from the National
Board of Trade and further advices
upon the subject. The propositions of
the Board of Trade, which it is now
presenting to Congress diligently, have
presenting to Congress diligently and,
we believe, have taken the form of
bill, been materially modified SO as to
read as follows:
First-Provide one cent letter post
age for each half ounce.
Second-Restrict second-class matter,
at the present rate of postage to strict
ly bona fide daily, tri-weekly, semi
weekly and weekly newspapers.
Third-Charge all other second class
matter together with books, pamphlets
and all printed matter at cost rate, es-
timated to be 8 cents pound The new
rate on second-class matter not to go
into effect until one year after the pas
sage of the bill
Fourth-Merge the third and fourth
classes exclusive of books, pamphlets.
printed matter, into one class, to be 10
cents or II cents per pound.
Fifth-Charge to every department
Of the Government now using the
franking privilege the actual cost of
said service, thereby relieving the Pos
tai Department of many million dol
lars of fictitious expenses.
1t will be seen that this constitutes
almost wholly new adjustment of the
postal rates, leaving letter postage. so
far as rate is concerned, as it is, but
suggesting a saving to letter. writer's in
the fact that the great mass of letters
mailed are less than a half-ounce in
weight, the pound calculation under
the 2-cent rate being q. deceptive one.
1t will be seen also that the proposition
leaves the legitimate newspaper rate
precisely as 1t is now, one cent d pound
or fraction when the mailing is by the
publisher. Probably the committee of
the Board of Trade ascertained from
the correspondence it solicited that in
reference with that rate would not be
tolerated either by publishers of news
papers or by the reading public, since
the policy has been and will remain to
give opportunity for the widest pos
sible circulation of papers publishing
news among all the people,
Another bill reported by the Post
Office Committee of the House of Rep
resentatives, of which Congressman
Loud of California is Chairman, is now
pending. It differs materially from the
proposition we have now treated and
will have consideration in a distinct
article.