New-York tribune., 1906-05-07
WANTS NEW POSTALLA
Mr. COrtelyou Asks Commission to
Investigate Second Glass Rates

washington May 6.-Postmaster General Cortel-
you mas recommended to Congress the appointment
Oi commission to inquire into the subject OF Sec
'iu class mail matter, with view to ascertsining
what notifications Of the present second class laws
are necessary, the commission to render its report
to Congress not later than December TO- 1906
In order that all interests shall be represented
he has recommended that the commission consist Of
seven persons. as follows: One Senator, selected
by the President Of the Senate; one Representa-
tlve' selected by the Speaker Of the House; cne
ofncer of the POstoice Department. selected by the
Postmaster General; representative Of the pub
hshers OF daily newspapers: representative OF
the publishers OF weekly. semi weekly ard tri-
weekly newspapers. and one representative OF the
publishers OF periodicals and magazines. the last
three to be appointed by the President of the United
states from among those recommended to him by
representative associations Of publishers Of such
newspapers and periodicals. and a seventh member
10 be selected by the six. The commission will
have power to employ clerks and stenographers
administer oaths. send for persons and papers and
do all things necessary for the carrying OF its
objects An appropriation Of SIS 00O is asked TO de-
fray the cost of the investigation.
The Postmaster General. in mis- recent annual re-
port. recommended to Congress a thorough review
Of the whole subject ofosecoud class mail matter
and the enactment Of statute to take tho pare OF
those existing which would rende: unnecessary the
consideration of such questions as those upon which
second class matter now depends.
In recommending this commission. the Post
master General, in his communication 20 the COM
mittee Postofices and Post Roads Of the Senate.
says:
The existing statutes regulating the second class
OF mail matter out Of late; they do not meet
modern requirements of the publishing industry,
and the administration Of them unnecessarily and
unreasonabiy hampers the publishers of bona dde
newspapers and periodicals.
AS illustration Of what is involved in ad-
nllnistration. 1t may be stated that the question
of what Is a bona fde newspaper periodical is
one about which there may be and often is much
difference of opinion; the is true Of what
constitutes a known Office of publication; wnat
for the dissemination Of information Of a public
character; what is devoted TO literature. the sci
ences, arts, special industry, and what IS a
legitimate list Of subscribers All Of these Ques-
before the second class entry be granted but
a publication. having met all of the conditions. Is
positively prohibited admission II 1t be designed
primarily for advertising purposes. or for free
circulation. or for circulation at nominal rates -
That such questions, especially the latter are
subtle and complex. and render administration
exceedingly. difficult. scarcely need be stated.
Even after the right Of a publication to pass IN
the mails at the second class rates Of postage has
been determined. there are six different rates of
postage applicable thereto when the matter IS
mailed by publishers and news agents. and when
mailed by the general public there is provided st
upon the circumstances Of time, place and manner
OF mailing the publication. Postmaster General
Cortelyou expresses The belief that commission
IL appointed, will be able to make recommends
of a law that will be equitable TO publishers
leve them from present annoyauces and restr1c-
tions, and at the time protect the interests
OF the government.