Evening star., 1922-01-01

tne beginning and end of things.
They are landmarks in geography and
milestones in history.
For example. it is impossible to
collect stamps without at the same
time learning something of history.
both ancient and modern. Senator
Trelingluysen explains. The varying
issues Of stamps tell of changes of
government--of empires becoming
republics. of individual states becom-
ing federations or commonwealths-
while the portraits which they bear
form gallery of famous men Of
all times. In the turn of 4 page
in the Frelinghuysen collections one
may range from King Darius on his
throne to the newest king or presi-
dent. Or we may turn another page
and find ourselves among the gods
and goddesses of ancient Ida.
There are fortunes stored UP in
stamp collections. as well as invalua-
BILE historic record, as witness: Sena-
tor Frelinghuysen and Representa-
tive Ackerman. with other members
of Congress. have been much inter-
estad in the monster collection of
Ferari de Ia Renotiere. an Austrian
who was living in Paris when the
world war came on. Ills collection
was seized by the French government,
just as the custodian Of alien prop
erty seized the property Of German
and Austrian nationals in this coun-
try. The de la Ferari collection is
being sold in fifteen or more sections
every two or three months. The first
section, sold in June, brought 100000
francs. and another section, sold in
October, brought 2,o25,000 francs, al
though these sales are being made
at auction.
Uncle Sam has just offic:allyy rec
ognized the historic value Of stamp
collections. Postmaster General Hays
has established philatelic stamp
agency in the Post Office Department
for the purpose of supplying United
States postage stamps and other
stamped paper to collectors and deal
ers The primary object of the
agency is to secure specimens from
post offices and stocks of obsolete is
sues Of postage stamps which are no
longer issued by the department. 1t
frequently happens after commemo-
rative issue Of postage stamps has
been discontinued many inquiries are
received in the Post Office Depart
ment from those interested in phila-
telic work as to where such stamps
may be obtained. 1t is the purpose
of this stamp agency to keep on
hand specimens of all stamps that are
available for collections.
In replying to an inquiry as to how
a thoroughly red-blooded. outdoor,
athletic man like himself had be-
come so thoroughly devoted to stamp
collecting that he had assembled
about 10000 varieties during tho last
year, Senator Frelinghuysen explains
the grip that the science of philately
takes on men who are doing big
things in national and international
life when they take it up as re-
taxation from their affairs of state.
"REcAusE I have a young son and
recognize no" great Is the euu-
cational and character-building value
Of stamp collecting, is the reason 1
have taken up this science again."
sadi Senator Frelinghuysen. Thirty
five years ago I began collecting
stamps and pursued 1t for three or
four years with a great deal Of in
terest. But, boyfike. disposed of my
collection. It is the same old story.
over and over again. told by col
lectors who began again after aban-
doning their collections as boys. How
I wish had kept my collection!
Il can recollect the fascination of
the quest for stamps that gripped
me even then. remember that I
wanted a Fiji Island stamp, believing
it to be rare and valuable. My sister
was then engaged to her present hus-
band. and I held him up for a Fiji
stamp. 1t was a species of black