The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-28
NAPOLEON ON AMERICAN STAMP.
French Emperor's Profile May Com
memOrate St. Louis Fair.

memOrate st. Louis Fair.
Washington Letter in New Orleans Times
Democrat.
Shall Napoleon Bonaparte be accorded
the unparalleled distinction of representa-
ton upon one of the postage stamps of the
United States? That the portrait of the
once mighty Frenchman shall adorn the
postal gallery of the United States is more
than possibllity-it is, in fact, quite prob
able.
The occasion for this possible departure
from established custom lies in the pros
pective issue of stamps by the Postoffice
Department TO commemorate the purchase
of the Louisiana Territory from France in
of stamps has not been finally reached, but
from the highest authority it is learned
that there is practically no doubt of an af-
firmative decision.
1t is understood that the commemorative
series of stamps will comprise but four de-
nominations. 2. and 10 cents. The de-
tails of size, shape and design have not
been considered officially, but suggestions
as TO designs have been made and filed for
future use; Among the IDEAS advanced as
traits of the leading factors In the negotia-
tons in 1903 and in 1903
In the first class Jefferson and Napoleon,
of course, stand alone and undisputed in
title. 1t is suggested, and the department
officials consider the idea a valuable one,
that Thomas Jefferson's bust appear upon
the 2-cent value, which is distinctly a do
nestle stamp, and that Napoleon's portrait
adorn the scent value, which carries let
tiers to all countries within the postal
union.
In view of the fact that it is contrary to
the regulations of the Postoffice Depart
ment that the portrait of any living Amer
lean shall be placed upon postage stamp,
President Roosevelt is barred. However,
President Mckinley the chief execu-
tive at the time Congress authorized the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition and made
liberal appropriation therefor and it is held
that his official act in approving and sign
ing the act is ample warrant for placing his
portrait upon one of the proposed stamps.
This view OF the matter is further borne
out by the action of the Congress in al-
thorizing the minting of 100000 gold dollars
10 be sold as souvenirs in connection with
the exposition, each bearing the bust of
having been coined Carrying the scheme
to it's logical conclusion, President Loubet
of France, would be entitled to the fourth
place.
At this point, however. the regulations of
the POstoffice Department loom up. This
rule, as stated. is to the effect that no living
American shall be represented upon United
States postage stamps. President Loubet is,
of course, not an American, but he is alive.
and the question is, would the Postoffice
Department consider the French President
eligible.
In case President Loubet should be ruled
out. the fourth portrait must be selected
from outside the participating quartet. and
the bars are therefore. completely down.
II has been suggested that, In this event.
the portrait of Louis XIV of France, In
honor of whom Louisiana was named,
might be considered as next in line. Then
Columbus as the discoverer of America is
brought forward a proper figure to be
| thus honored.
In this connection it may be remarked
| that up TO this date there is record that
any nation save the United States
| has ever issued a postage stamp
! bearing the effgy of sovereign
of another cation. AT the time
| the department determined 10 place the por-
| trait OF Martha Washington upon the eight
| cent stamp of the series recently issued the
| claim was made that Martha was the first
woman 10 be thus honored by this govern
ment, and this statement accepted as
| true until a stamp collector directed atten-
| ton to the fact that the 81 stamp of the
Columbian series. issued in 1898, to COM
| memOrate the worlds fair at Chicago, bore
| the portrait of Queen Isabella, of Spain.
/ This was the first and in fact the only time
such an honor has been bestowed by any
nation upon the earth