The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-05-06
REVENUE CUTTER BEAR.

1T is quite appropriate that this. the
9th congress of the international Postal
Union, should be held In the United States,
and at the capital of our nation. for it
was here that the suggestion creating this
body originated.
POSTMASTER General Blair. on August 4.
1852 in communication addressed 10 Mr..
Seward then secretary of state, proposed
an International conference of postal dele
gates. 10 recommend measures looking TO
the revision. simpfifcation and uniformity
OF international postal arrangements; and
the department OF state submitted their
position TO Great Britain. France. Prus-
STA and other powers. Favorable responses
were received from all the governments.
and at Paris, on the second Monday of
the following May the first International
"Out OF this idea grew the larger idea OF
q permanent postal idea. and the first con-
ference of this union met In the hall Of
September. 1874 The treaty creating this
union went into effect on the LIST of July
'SFhe universal postal union Is young in
years. but phenomenal in successes and
achievements.
Some important questions will be
brought TO your attention. which are not
likely 10 be decided by unanimous votes
II some powerful government proposes
notifications OF the treaty OF Vienna re-
lating to the reduction of transient rates
others. perhaps. will ask to have such
rates abolished. The question OF reducing
the rates of international postage Will
come neiOfe you. 10 Inc consideration or
these grave propositions ! invite your
careful attention. confident that your de-
cision thereon, as well as the other sub
3ecis. viii be wise and profitable for all
the countries concerned.
Again welcoming you 10 this capital
wishing FOR each Of YOU pleasant So
Journ among us and safe return 70 your
homes at the conclusion of a profitable
session. I declare the fifth congress OF the
Universal Postal Union opened, and ask
you 10 organize by nominating a president
10 conduct your deliberations"
Mr. Chimeiie de Lessert. director for
Lausanne, Switzerland. the dean of the
union. followed the postmaster general
with a brief address. He proposed Gen.
G.. :. Bachelor. the oldest OF the United
States delegates. as president of the con-
gress. and he was unanimously chosen.
Cen Bachelor made a fitting response
IN French
Mr. Fritsch. of Germany, delivered an
eulogy on DIR. Won Stephan. and Mr.. Neu-
bauer supplemented his colleagues re
marks with some words of profound re-
gret
Mr.. Hohen. director OF the postal union
Of Berne. was chosen vice president Of the
congress. MFR. II. Gain sub-direc,or Mr.
\. Vending first secretary and Mr.. Krain
second secretary. on the part OF the
chosen first secretary, Robert Stockwell
Hatcher second secretary and W A.
Brown third secretary
NJ. Assault. administrator OF mails and
telegraphs az France. on behalf Of the
congress made a brief address in eilIocv
OF the president 81 the United States and
% the generous hospitality extended to
the congress ~ the American govern
meut. An elaborate luncheon was served
az the conclusion % the exercises
In the afternoon the three committees
which viii have charge o. the detail work
were appointed. after which the eonvross
adjourned 10 meet az the call OF the nreSi.
dent.
The general committee on uravS ard
means is composed OF the delegates from
twenty-four countries. Mr.. walpole one
Of the British delegates. Was chosen preSi-
dent of this committee. AR. SevastiapofY
OF Russia. vice president. and DIR. Sta--
pin. - Belgium. recording secretary. The
G nsmittee On registered mails = composed
% the representatives OF twenty-three
countries. with Mr. assault, OF France. as
president. Mr.. Chfaradia OF ftafv. vice
president ard Mr.. G. Formann. o. Eng
land. secretary.
The committee on money order drafts
ana newspaper subscriptions is composaa
az delegates from twenfv-one countries
with Mr.. Fritsch. of Germany. president.
AR Nesshsuer or Austria vice president
ana NJ. Delessert- % Switzerland Secre-
tEry
= IA exuacfei that the work % the con-
rreSs viii extend over about SIX weeks
NoSs ~ The work will be transacted bv
committees. With VIII submit, the result
~ their tahcrs 70 the congress about once
a week. The present postal agreement VIII
Be revised and renewed. Several impoY-
taat questions viii Dc considered among