Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-05-03

WASHINGTON, May 2.-The postal
operations of the world will pass in review
before one of the most distinguished bodies
that ever met in this country, when tins
Universal Postal Congress conVenes III TINS
city next Wednesday. 1t is the first time
that the Universal Postal Union, now
comprising and controlling, so far as the
mails are concerned, every organized gov
ernment save three-China. Korea and the
Orange Free State-has had its delegates
assembled in America, and the deliberauon
of IT'S fifth sextennial convention will be
marked by perhaps more pronounced for
mality than has attended any convention
of either national or International scope
that has gathered in this country for a
long period.
Sixty odd
COUNTRIES AND PROVINCES
will be represented by about one hundred
and twenty delegates, each country hav'
ing but a single vote. The sessions will be
held in the historic old building, which
until recently was the home OF the Cor
coran Art Gallery. The hall has been
equipped with desks and other conven-
fences. and a postottice will be in opera
tion on the spot until the meetings close
The delegates who will form the congress
are men OF the highest rank in postal SER
vice.
The Postmasters Generals of every ma
ton are among them, while leading dipio-
mats have been sent by some of the coun-
tries A portion of the delegates already
are here.
AT previous gatherings the congress has
been extended
UNUSUAL COURTESIES
by the nations whose guests they were,
and. while this government is hampercd
b, lack Of satisfactory funds. the POST
Office Department will do everything possl-
ole to make this country an agreeable
host. 1t is among the probabilities, based
on precedent. that the delegates Will be
entertained by both the President and the
Postmaster General. and the District Com
missioners will. ia case an appropriation
they desire is granted. give an official re-
ception and "a water trip, probably 10 old
Point Comfort and Richmond. The dele
rates. before the c'ose of the congress,
also will be taken on a journey in the
West. returning by way Of New York.
The gathering will be in Washington
from a month to six weeks. but the con-
gress itself will meet not more than half
dozen times. I..4 i-I-
THE REAL WORK.
save that of ratification Of proceedings
when the committees report-which be-
longs TO the fun congress-devolves upon
tbs four committees. at least one Of which
will be in session practically every day
except Saturday and Sunday. One COM
rittee will have charge of the general
treaty. which is adopted at every congress
and also will settle accounts between IN
dividual countries. With the latter TINS
country has nothing to do. second com
mittee will take up arrangements for eN-
change Of letters Of declared value the
parcels post system and the postal books
Of identity used by some countries. a third
Wilt consider money orders. bills collect
able by post and subscriptions through
postofices. to newspapers and periodicals.
while the fourth will put the nee general
treaty
INTO DEFINITE SHAPE
for ratification.
The. congress will be opened Wednesday
morning by Postmaster General Gary
who will deliver his salutory in English
while the assemblage reads the French
translation.
The business of the congress will begin
at once. all proceedings being conducted
in French and behind barred doors.