The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-08-11


stamps, and, like all others whose Is
sues are small these have a rapid ao-
vance in value.
The position Of water marks IN
United States stamps does not aHect
their value apparently. The water
mark is not plain, and many collectors
disregard it.
1t sometimes happens that stamp
is printed with the water mark SIDE
ways; but there is no demand for these
stamps, and it is the demand when
makes prices for them. 1t is impossl-
BILE to tell how long the Government
will consider it necessary to continue
the present series of revenue stamps
The former series was continued for
many years after the close of the war
of the Rebellion, and it is not likely
that the present tax will be discontin-
ued until there is a considerable sur
plus in the treasury of the United
States.
The expense attaching to the colonial
policy of the United States must be
met in some way, and the tax by
means of a revenue stamp is one Oh
the least Objectionable methods OF
doing it. We do not advise the pur-
chase of high values of revenue stamps
of the present issue at high prices. A
very large number of all of the de-
cline which is certain to come in all
of them is shown by the $50 stamp,
which in used condition fell from STU
to 81 within two months.
United States stamps of all kinds
are in greater demand than those is
sued by South American countries,
says the Chicago Record" OF late
there has been a decided increase in
the collecting of unused stamps, espe-
cially those of European countries and
the United States. Some of the can
celed old German stamps that can be
bought for cents will readily bring
500 if in first-class unused condition.
In other instances the reverse is the
rule. Often cancellation mark adds
value to a stamp. That is the case
where few stamps We're used before
the issue was discontinued, and those
remaining were sold to dealers. 1t is
impossible to counterfeit cancellation
marks in such a manner as to defy de-
lection by experts. 1t has frequently
been tried, but has always failed.
South and Central American Govern
ments frequently withdraw certain is
sues and dispose of the stock on hand
to spectators. Whenever this is done
before many stamps Of that particular
issue have been in circulation the
postmark adds value to the stamp
Engraving companies have some tines
made contracts with small countries
to furnish them a certain amount of
stamps free of cost, provided new de-
signs are ordered in few months or
year. The engravers repay them
selves by selling a small quantity to
dealers at high prices. That explains
why some nations have changed their
stamps so often.
A new fad of stamp collectors is Of
fered by the recent practice of print
ing stamps at the Bureau of Engraving
and Printing. Many are now collecting
what are known as plate numbers.
Each plate used at the bureau is num-
bered. The paper used in printing the
four sides, upon which are printed the
stamp has perforated margins on the
four sides, upon which are printed the
words: Bureau of Engraving and
Printing" and the number of the plate.
1t requires four ordinary postage
stamps to preserve the inscription, and
consequently the collections are known
as blocks of four Plate No. 80 of one
of the recent issues already commands
500, because it was damaged and had
to be destroyed before many sheets. Of
stamps were printed.
STAMP NOTES.
The new two-cent Hawaii appears in
three shades-rose-red, pink and sal.
mon.
The first issue of Hawaiian stamps in
1851 are very rare and valuable, hav-
ing been sold as high as $1,000 each.
Japan has produced finely engraved
series of new stamps. They are of SINH
lar character to the older SERIES
DR.. Mitchell, in a lecture on United
States local stamps, given in the Brook
Ign Institute stated that the first
local post route in the United States
was on the Ohio frontier. The founder
was known as Mad Ann Bailey.
The interest in United States revenues
of all kinds has been considerably in
creased by the late issue. Attention is
now being directed to the private pro-
prietary stamp of special designs is
sued to firms for use upon proprietary
articles.
An instructor in Columbia University
had fine collection of stamps, which
were stolen. Suspicion eventually fell
upon former friend. who was arrested,
and upon examining the albums handed
to the police, hundreds of Dr. Chitten-
denis stamps were identified. 1t is
claimed the stamps were not stolen, but
simply taken for "a time to hurt the
owners feelings.
The new five-cent Newfoundland
postage stamp bears the likeness of the
Duke Of York, who is an enthusiastic
stamp collector, and President of the
London Philatelic Society. This is the
fifth of a series of royal portrait stamps
issued by England's oldest colony dur,
ing the last year, the series being as
follows: Half-cent prince Edward Of
York;. one-cent (the Queen), two cents
prince of Wales). three cents princess
of Wales), and five cents Duke OF
York;
Mr.. Chamberlain has discovered
new way to pay old debts. The liabA-
ties of the crown colony of st. Helena
exceed the assets by f2,4S6 A very
simple expedient has restored the bal
ance to the right side. Obsolete post
age stamps of ST. Helena to the value
of 10000 have been lying for many
years in Downing street, and these
have now been shipped to the colony
for sale in the local postoffice at con-
siderably enhanced prices. At latest
adviceS a large demand for these old