The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-05-03
WORLDS POSTAL CONGRESS.
THE SESSION TO OPEN AT WASH
INGTON WEDNESDAY.

Every Organized Government EN-
cept China, Korea and Orange
Free state Now in the Universal
Postal Union-SiXty Odd Countries
and Provinces to BE Represented
by About 1870 DeIegates--Nn Out
line of Some OF the Important Mat
ters to he Considered.
Washington, May 2-The postal opara-
tions of the world will pass in review be-
fore one of the most distinguished bod
les that ever met in this country when
the Universal Postal Congress Couvenes
in this 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
government save three-China, Korea and
Orange Free State-has had It's d, legates
assembled in America, and the delibera-
| tons of its fifth sextennial convention viii
be marked by perhaps more pronounced
formality than has attended any conven-
tion 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 120 delegates, each
country having but single vote. The
sessions will be held in the historic old
building which until recently was the
| home of the Corcoran Art Gallery. The
hall has been equipped with desks and
other conveniences, and a postofIice VIII
be in operation on the spot until the meet
ings close
The delegates, who will form the CON
gress are men Of the highest rank in the
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. These, 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 Assistant Postmaster
General Shillinberger and superintendent
of Foreign Mail Brooks are now in New
York. and will accompany the party to
this city.
AT previous gatherings the congress has
been extended unusual courtesies by the
nations whose guests they We're and,
lack of satisfactory funds, the postofice
department will do everything possible to
make this country. an agreeable host. 1t
is among the probabilities, based on prec-
edent, that the delegates will be enter
tanned by both the President and the
Postmaster General, and the district com
missioners will, in case an appropriation
they desire is granted, give an official re-
ception and a water trip, probably to Old
Point Comfort and Richmond. The dele
gates, before the close 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 month to six weeks, but the con-
gress itself will not meet more than half
a dozen times The real work, save that
or ratihcation of proceedings, when the
committees report, which belongs to the
full congress, devolves upon the four COM
mttees, at least one of which will be IN
session all the time practically, except
Saturday and Sunday. One committee
will have charge of the general treaty.
which is adopted at every congress- and
will also settle accounts between individ-
ual countries. With the latter this coun-
try has nothing to do.
A second committee will take up ar
rangements for letters of declared value
the premiums post system, and the books
of Identity used by some countries.
A third will consider money orders, bills
collectible by post and subscriptions
through postofices. to newspapers and
periodicals, while the fourth will put the
new general treaty into definite shape for
| ratification.
The congress will be opened Wednesday
morning by Postmaster General Gray,
who will deliver his saluatory in English,
while the assemblage reads the French
translation. This will occupy a little over
five minutes, being a formal welcome.
| Then the senior delegate not now select
| ed will respond In few words. The cleo
ton of a presiding officer will follow.
| George S. Batcheder, ex-minster TO
| Portugal and chairman of the United
States delegation, probably will be the
| honored one.
The business Of the congress will begin
at once. all proceedings being conducted
in French and behind barred doors.
Many measures will be brought forward
| for consideration. The new treaty or gem
eral convention and several minor ones,
| signed by only two or three Of the coun-
tries, will be discussed and adopted in
substitution OF old ones IN order TO cover
new conditions.
| Perhaps the most important proposition
| will involve what Is known as the inter-
mediate transit system. This provides for
| compensation by the sending country to
|
are transported. An agreement to carry
the mails Of all the countries In the union
mutually free will be sought, but probably
voted down. Such countries as Belgium
which sends out little mail, but over whose
lands much foreign mail Is transported at
a big profit TO the kingdom, will object TO
cutting Off this revenue. This practically
defeats the scheme, az one well founded
dissent kills proposition. This country
and few others. however, have declared
| in favor Of the free transportation. The
ultimate action, II is said, probably will
| be the acceptance OF average weight sta
/ tlstics OF the last six years as a basis Of
/ all Intermediary transit accounts up to
the assemblage OF the next congress: that
is, up TO 1903. when the issuse Will be re-
| vived.
The much agitated proposition to adopt
a universal postage stamp, not good for
domestic postage, but for convenient COM
munication between countries, and the
universal returned stamped envelope prop
/ osltlon. having a similar scope will be also
| hrotte,ht IN buf The probablffioa ~ aIor-