The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-05-03

WASHINGTON. May 2-rhe postal ope-
rafIons of the world win pass in review
hsyor. one of the most distinguished
bodies that ever met in this country. when
the Universal Postal congress convenes In
this CITY next Wednesday. II Is the first
time that the Universal Postal union. now
comprising and controlling, so far as the
mails are concerned, every organized gov
eminent save three. China, Korea and tho
Orange Free State. has had its delegates
assemble in America, and the deiibera-
lions of its fifth sextennial convention will
be marked by perhaps more pronounced
formality than has attended any conven-
ton of either national or International
scope that has gathered in this country
for long period.
Sixty odd countries and provinces will
be represented by ABOUT 10 delegates. each
country having but single vote. The ses-
sions will be held in the historic old build
ing which until recently was the home of
the Corcoran art gallery. The hall has
been equipped with desks and other con-
veniences. and postoffice will be in ope-
ration on the spot until the meeting closes.
The delegates who will form the con-
gress are men of the highest rank In
postal service. The postmasters general
of several nations are among them. while
leading diplomats have been sent by some
OF the countries A portion of the dele
gates are already here. Those who re-
main in New York tomorrow afternoon
will be brought over in a special train of
four cars. rendered by the Pennsylvania
railroad.
Second Postmaster General Shallenber-
ger ard Superintendent of Foreign Mails
Brooks are now in New York and will ac-
company the party to this city. The train
will leave Jersey City soon after O'Clock
AT previous gatherings the congress has
been extended unusual eourteses by the
nations whose guests they were. and while
this government is hampered by lack OF
satisfactory funds. the postoffice depart
ment will do everything possible to make
this country an agreeable host 1t is
among the probabilities. based on prece-
dent that the delegates will be enter
tanned by both the president and the post
master general. and the district commits
sioners will, in case the appropriation they
desire is granted. give an official reception
and water trip, probably TO Old Point
Comfort and Richmond. The delegates.
before the close of the congress, also will
be taken on a journey In the West, return
ing by way of New York
The gathering will be in Washington
from month &c six weeks. but the con-
gress itself will meet not more than a
half dozen times. The real work, save
that OF ratification of proceedings when
u
the full congress, devolves upon the four
committees, at least one of which will b.
In session practically every DAY except
Saturday and Sunday. One committee
viii have charge of the general treaty,
which is adopted at every congress. and
also will settle accounts between individ-
ual countries. With the latter this coun-
try has nothing to do. A second commit
tee will take up arrangements for an ex-
change OF letters of declared value and
parcels post system and the postal books
OF Identity used by some countries. A
third WITH consider money orders. bills
coilectibie by post and subscriptions
through. postoffices to newspapers and
periodicals, while the fourth will put the
new general treaty into definite shape Tor
ratification
| The congress will be opened Wednesday
morning by Postmaster General Gary
| who will deliver his salutatory in English
| while the assemblage will read the French
| translation. This will occupy little over
| rve minutes being a formal welcome
| Then the senior delegate not now selected.
| VIII respond In a few words. The election
| OF presiding officer will follow. George
- Bachelor. ex-minister to Portugal. and
| chairman OF the United States delegation,
| probably will be the honored one.
| The business OF the congress will be-
| gin at once. I'll proceedings being conduct
L >.
| Many measures will be brought forward
! for consideration. The new treaty or
| general convention and several minor ones
| signed By only two or three of the coun-
tries. viii be discussed and adopted In
substitution of old ones in order 10 cover
new conditions. Perhaps the most inn
| portant proposition will involve what is
known as the intermediate transit sys-
tenn. THIS provides for compensation by
the sending countries to all countries over
| whose domains Its mails are transported
! An agreement to carry the mails OF all
the countries In the union mutually free
VIII be sought. but probably will be voted
down. such countries as Belgium. which
sends out little mall but over whose
lands much foreign mail is transported
AZ big profit to the kingdom. will object
10 cutting off this revenue This prac-
| iscally defeats the scheme as one we'll
founded dissent kills a proposition This
| country and a few others however have
declared IN favor OF free transportation.
The ultimate action, il Is said probably
will be the acceptance OF the average
weight statistics 81 the last six year.
| as the basis OF all intermediary transli
accounts up IN the assemblage of the next
congress. that Is ur TO 1903, when the is
sue will be reviewed.
The much agitated proposition 10 adopi
! q universal postage stamp not good FOR
domestic postage but for convenient com
| mltntcafion between countries and tbs
| universal return stamped envelope propo-
sition having similar scope also will b
brought up. but the possibilities oil
adoption are said 20 nc against both. with
the later having the better chance OF tbs
| two.
There viii be no upsetting of postage
rates. but an Increase nf the allowable
weight for letters Is probable thus max
l ING en- ounce or three-quarters OF ar
ounce the unit instead o. The present hall
ounce, for which the charge is now
! cents
Tho three countries sfilg outside. China
Korea and the orange Free State are ex
pecied 20 be admitted before the congress
Is closed. though the last named has no
vet been heard from on this subject.