Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1903-08-12
TO CHECK. STAMP THEFTS.
Postoffice Authorities Considering
New Plan.

New Plan.
Inspectors are anxious to have the
postoffice department adopt a series or
marks for stamps which will make 1t
possible to trace stolen stamps with
less trouble. Department officials are
considering suggestions offered by
some of the experienced inspectors.
1t would be possible to mark all the
stamps sent to each first-class post
office in such a manner that they could
be identified with ease. A slight vari-
alton in the engraving which would
not alter the appearance Of stamps to
the casual observer could easily be
made. One inspector has suggested
that darts. arrows. stars, circles and
other emblems be printed on the
stamps in such manner that they may
be seen only with the aid Of a micro
scope.
A separate mark could not be devis-
ed for each Of the $4,000 postofHces In
the United States, and no attempt
would be made at any such complex
system Of Identification. 1t is not like
ly that postoffices below the first class
will be given an individual mark, as
the number Of stamps kept at the
smaller offices is comparatively small
and the losses from such offices is not
great enough to justify the expense
entailed in providing them with
stamps different from those used at
other offices.
It has been suggested that all the
stamps for second-class postoffices be
provided with a mark which will des-
ignate the class Of postoffice from
which they were issued and that a
similar mark be devised for all the
stamps sent to the smaller offices.
This system would narrow the scope
Of the inspectors work, and might be
adopted at small expense.
One official is Of the opinion that the
best way to mark stamps would be to
print visible bars across the face OF
all stamps excepting those Issued to
first class offices. He would have two
bars across the stamps sent to second
class offices, three bars on the third
class office stamps, and four bars to
designate the stamps issued by the
fourth class offices. This plan would
probably meet with much opposition,
as it would mar the artistic appearance
Of the engraving.
If the plan for the Identification of
stamps had been adopted last year the
theft Of $4,000 worth Of stamps from
the Chicago postoffice would probably
not have occurred. No thief could dis
pose Of such large number Of stamps
so we'll marked that they could be iden-
titled as coming from the Chicago post
office. Until this time inspectors have
not found any of the stamps taken
from the Chicago office, and they be-
lieve the stamps are still held by the
thieves. Among the property was $500
worth of special delivery stamps. All
the 2-cent stamps taken were OF the
type in use last year. II they have not
been disposed Of before this time it Is
not likely that they will ever be sold,
as a large quantity Of the old fashion
ed stamps in one part Of the country
would at once arouse suspicion.
The governments loss in stolen
stamps Is small, considering the great
volume Of business done by the postof-
flee department. Aside from the Chi
cago loss, the stamps stolen during the
fiscal year ending June 80, 1903, only
amounted to $4,000. The report for
tine fiscal year which ended last month
has not yet been compiled.-WaShing
ton Times.