New-York tribune., 1901-07-28
POST CARD FAD LNCREAS SING.
MILLIONS OF THE PRETTY SOUVENIRS
PASS THROUGH THE MAILS ANNU-
CONVERSATIONAL Asso-
CITATION OF COLLECTORS
CITATION OF COLLECTORS.

One OF the most conspicuous features of the va
cation and touring season. now in its prime Is the
ubiquitous Illustrated post card Confined at first
almost wholly to Europe, there is hardly a
VlIage at which summer visitor is likely to stop
IN this part of the United States which has
representative postal Convenience less than
beauty commends these little souvenirs, for a cor
respondence while away from home or travelling
oi1en becomes burdedsome. Persons have now be-
gun to discover that friends can be satisfied with
this pretty remembrance, which informs them of
the writer's whereabouts without causing him
more than moments effort.
The sending of these cards from Europe is par
ucularly in vogue, and it is there that the prac-
tce of collecting and preserving them has grown
into a perfect mania. The prevalence and rapid
rise of the fad is something astounding. Although
hundred years ago few precursors OF the mod
ern card might be found in hotels in Italy. the
first of the order did not appear until 1855
In Basle. This made no impression however and
illustrated cards practically unknown until
their introduction into Germany 1870, and then
into France in 1872 The adoption of them as
souvenirs by the general public only dates from
about twelve but to-day it is safe to say
that there is country of the world. under civ
iized influence, that has not its list of illustrated
post cards
1t has been estimated by Dr. Hembo one of the
leading authorities the subject of souvenir
postals, that In Germany S,0o0OoO cards pass
through the postoffice annually, bringing to the
government 100000 marks for postage. This coun-
try takes the lead of all others. Austria Hungary
coming next with 100000 cards mailed. In Italy
there 1900 900 cards handled by the mails. and
In England 100000 other countries. although
falling below these figures. also number them by
the millions. The total number put in circulation
throughout the world in year is said by eX-
perts to be 1850 OOOOO0. of which nearly half come
from Europe.
The subjects treated are, to quote French peri
odical. everything imaginable and a few other
things besides" Pictures OF buildings and monu-
ments most common, and some extremely In
teresting and quaint cards represent the peasant
costumes of their respective localities. Prominent
persons another favorite theme, and a COM
plete picture gallery of the soveregns OF Europe
be gathered in this way. Many designs are
purely fanciful. drawn by artist Of repute.
like that after Mucha. illustrated herewith.
Political cartoon cards numerous, some anus
ing having appeared illustrative of the Boer
| war. Each public event of Importance also calls
out card, in Italy after the death of King
| Hum6ert elaborate card issued bearing
| the picture of Queen Margherita and the prayer
offered by her at the time.
( The series idea was a happy discovery for the
Among the first cards used in this country. was
the series produced at the Worlds Fair in 1898.
Large societies of collectors in existence,
an International association having its headquar-
nal in French EngIisR qrsf and German. One of the
French journals devoted to the interests OF card
collectors Is under the direction of young Eng
born and brought up in Paris. She has also found
ed an International club of women collectors, which
is one of the largest societies of card lovers in
France. 1t is of the attractions OF these card
journals that subscribers; by sending note Of
their names and mentioning the particular coun-
try from wnica they desire caLos secure pPPor-
sons who, though perfect strangers, are glad 10
ever the etGuette OF the collector requires one in
return Thus collections In a short time may as
Collectors number their cards by thousands
Even here in this country there are several large