The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-03-23
Excessive Rate Paid in Cuba Because
Letters are Not Properly Addressed
DEPARTMENT INSTRUCTIONS.
A New Circular Has Been Issucd-OnIy
Soldiers Letters arc Entitled to Go
at Domestic Eatcs-Ihe Same
Trouble Exists a. 10 Letters
for Porto Rico and the
Philippines.

WASHINGTON, March 22-SpociaL-
Spains tobacco factories are to great
extent dependent upon American tobacco.
During the late war this could not be
furnished and various trials were made
with other kinds, but none seemed 10 be
able to replace the American product
says Consular Agent Mertens, writing
from Groe. In the month of May new
contracts for tobacco deliveries are made
by the company which has the monopoly
of the tobacco trade in Spain. and as it
will probably purchase American tobacco
again our merchants should enter into me-
gOtiatiOns with them. Already agents
from Germany with samples have are
rived in Madrid, and no time should bee
lost by the United States houses
In view Of the fact that when CONF
mercial treaty is negotiated with SPAN
this country will exert an effort to have
the "Gegic contract system abolished
even though American nrms DO not make
much profit ON the weed sold 20 Spain,
the trade may prove am opening wedse
for future dealings under more favorable
circumstances.
SOLDIERS LETTERS.
Quite number Of persons engaged in
the service of the United States in ouua.
Iorto RICO. Hawaii and the Philippine
have to pay from eight TO eighteen or
more cents on every letter sent them oy
friends I'm this country simply because
their correspondents do not address their
letters in such q manner as 90 show the
particular branch OF the service OF lne
United States 20 which the addressee be
longs. The same is true of many in this
country whose correspondents iau 10
write on the envelopes soldier letter
or sailors letter. with the Endorsement
OF the proper officer of his command.
Tha reason for this is that only persons
with the Government service
are given the benefit of domestic postage
rates in our foreign possessions. Private
individuals must pay five cents for each
half ounce or fraction on letters sent 90
any of the four possessions named. " the
letters are not properly endorsed the pos
tai officials presume the addressee Us not
with the Government service.
and makes him pay the regular foreign
rates. and double them If postage is
A number Of circulars have been issued
By the POstoflice Department In regard /
TO the matter, but il seems that many /
the instructions. a new one /
Was issued to-day.
The name Of the post-office at Pocs
Harrett county. " c., has been changed I.
10 Buies Creek.
ARMY ORDERS.
The Assistant Secretary OF War has /
approved these discharges:
Privates William LathrOp Company T. /
and James r. Turner. Company j, I
Fourth United States Volunteer Infantry
Private W. T. Faulkner. Company T. /
First North Carolina Infantry. az Josiah /
simpson Hospital
Hospital Steward Michael Denning has
been ordered 70 proceed from this city
o Fort Caswell. y. C., to relieve Hos
lital Steward Frank Lahna. The latter
lamed officer will be sent to Fort Nc
Henry. Md.
Captain William J.. Doughtrey Jr.
Fourth Virginia. has been granted auoth-
r extension of ten days on his leave Of
.bsence.
Metropolitan-W. D. Long. Richmond:
/. DeSales Porter, Norfolk; w f. Car
ON, River.on, Va. A. ". Nell. Front
loyal; J. G. Barnard. Warronton
Howard House-W p Francis. Marion:
ir and Mrs. W. G. Palmer. Lecsburr:
,. G. o. German. Charlottesville: q IT,
'takeley. Keller Va; ". H. Pride. Mount
iolly, ~ c.
st. James. c. Thayer. Charlottcs
lie; L. NJ. Bell, Richmond.