Evening star., 1934-10-21
BY JAMES WALDO FAwCETT.


the plan is presented to the P0stmaS-
of it. The subjects available in
Washington are SO beautiful that q
Washington series of stamps would
have uneQualed interest. The distri-
button OF such stamps throughout the
world would be received with great
popularity" And David Lynn, archi-
tect of the Capitol, says: I am glad
to indorse such a movement, possibly
to include such buildings as the
Capitol. the House and Senate Office
Buildings, the Supreme Court Build
Folger Shakespeare Library. the
Botanic Garden conservatory, anC
perhaps the fountain of the project
known as the enlargement of the
Capitol grounds. I heartily appreci-
ate the interest which such series
would create"
Gerald Ten Eyck Beeckman, spon-
Sor OF the c. C. C. Stamp Clubs, also
announces q plan for series OF
stamps of historical value. He sug-
gests q 10-year program, including q
set of stamps for each OF an equal
number Of Government departments
Issues for the Department of State
for example, would show reproduc-
tions OF manuscript copies of the
Declaration of Independence and OF
the Constitution, the portraits OF
great Americans who have served as
Secretary of State, etc. The series
for the Navy Department would in
clude the celebrated frigate U. S. S
Constitution (Old Ironsides), the bat
tleship Maine, Perry at Lake Erie
Farragut at Mobile Bay. etc. while
War Department subjects would be
Paul Revere'S ride, George Washing
ton crossing the Delaware. Andrew
jackson at the battle of New Orleans
the meeting of Lee and Grant at APP
pOmatox Court House, etc.
Each department" Mr.. Beeckman
says. would select such material as
might be suitable. When the entire
series was completed, American phila-
telists would have in their albums an
illustrated history of their country.
Some, suppose, may think the
idea fantastic, but wish they would
grant it the courtesy Of careful con-
sideration-in which event, I believe,
they may find it meritorious in sew
eral different ways"
A stamp in tribute to Maj. Charles
Pierre l. Enfant. designer OF Washing
ton, is asked by Morris V. RosSon,
Fort Lee, N. J.
j. N. Taylor. Department of Com
merce, submits the following informa-
ton obtained from the Ceylon Daily
News: The improved Ceylon postage
and revenue stamps, it is learned, will
be issued early next year.
LAS stated by the financial secre-
tary in the course of the budget debate
in committee last week, the new
stamps will bear pictorial designs OF
Ceylon scenery as an effort to ad-
yertise Ceylon abroad
"It Is understood that the commits
sioner of stamps has studied the prob
lem for some time in consultation with
unofficial agencies who were in a
position to assist him in the choice
OF Ceylon scenery and other suitable
objects distinctive Of Ceylon.
"A large number Of suitable pictures
have been collected and forwarded
to the crown agent. who have been re-
QueSted to make the final choice In
consultation with printing experts and
makers of dyes.
An effort is being made to intro
duce the pictures not only to the
larger revenue stamps, but also to the
smaller postage stamps, which have a
wider circulation.
THE, crown agents have also been
informed that every effort should be
made to preserve the head of the
sovereign on the stamps, and it is
noted in this connection that the New
Delhi stamps are good example.
AN improvement effected in the
new English stamp issue is in regard
to the process of printing. which is
being studied for purposes of the pro-
duction of local stamps. The new
English stamp differs from its pred
ecessor only in being printed for the
the head of the sovereign being dis
played upon solid instead of lined
ground. The effect is to impart
a richer and deeper tone to the color,
a deep, velvety brown"
The new English stamp" uKd)
to which reference is made certainly
is q great success. First copies, re-
ceived in Washington last week, were
the subject of enthusiastic praise. One
he Ind
now is only q question of time until
photogravure will be universal rule
everywhere throughout the world"
Advices from the Philippine Trade
Commission indicate that the new
series Of stamps, now being printed
in the Bureau of Engraving and Print
ing for that territory. will go on
premier sale at Manila about Decem-
ber l.
Collectors are advised not to neglect
the opportunity to obtain first day
covers. The series also should be an
objective In mint condition. Competent
critics say no more beautiful set ever
has appeared.
Additional orders have been placed
by the Post Office Department for
l-cent and 2-cent national parks
starnps-5,00 900 of the former, and
10000, 900 of the latter.
Meanwhile, complaints are general
throughout the country concerning
the distribution OF the series. There
are post offices which never yet have
seen even single copy Of any of the
parks denominations.
A perforated block of the s.
cent Wisconsin stamp is advertised at
$275; an imperforate pair of the 2-cent
Grand Canyon stamp at $3.50.
The hat-bed type of the Scent
Mothers day stamp now is considered
rare" Collectors should be watchful
of current mail-a few copies still are
in circulation, but the number will
grow smaller week by week.
Elmer c. Pratt, discussing the educa-
tional value of philately in the Camden,
N. j.. Courier Post, says: Lexington
and Concord become real when q child
can show you the stamps that COM