Year: 1875

Ihree-Ceme RODto8e stamp.


During the latter days of the ses-
sion of Congress an old gentleman
visited Washington to arrange some
matters in relation to q patent. One
day, while visiting the Capitol, he
made the acquaintance of one Of the
employees, who showed him much at
tention and devoted several hours to
conducting him through that stupen-
dous edifice and directing his atten-
ton to all its various beauties and
attractions. The old gentleman was
completely captivated by the young
man, and formed for him the highest
attachment Congress adjourned and
tho young man returned to his home
in Ohio; but the old gentleman re-
mained in the city few days, and
then visited Baltimore. While there
he was taken ill. and Immediately
FASTENED back to Washington. Grow.
ing worse, he resolved to make his
will, and having none but very distant
and unknown relatives, lie determined
to bestow his wealth upon the young
man for whom he had formed so great
an attachment. Desiring his presence
and having his address, he wrote a
few lines, giving information of his


health, and requesting a visit from
him without delay, as he had a graft
flying surprise in store for him.


The letter was enclosed and stamped
with a postage stamp, the only one
he had, which was slightly torn in


separating it from the pocket-book TO
which it unfortunately adhered. An
acquaintance and daily visitor was


employed to mail the letter, who


called the attention of the old gentle


man to the rigid adherence of the
postal department to its own rules in
relation to mutilated stamps; but he
would not listen to the suggestion.


saying the stamp was genuine and had
not been used, and was good as ever,
and he would not waste it's value.
The stamp was accordingly used, and
the letter duly mailed. =


Now comes the sequel. The letter
was detained here for postage. solely
on account Of the trifling mutilation


referred to, and the party to whom it
was addressed was, in about four days
notified of the detention, which no.
tice was received six days from the
date of mailing the letter with the
torn stamp. The following day the
young man left his home, and deem
ing the withheld letter of no con-


sequence, without even carrying the
postofice notification. On his arrival
he procured the letter, and in much
excitement of mind fastened to the
hotel of the old gentleman. Alas
when he arrived he learned that his
intended benefactor had been dead
four days, and that the old gentleman,
not hearing from or receiving the


wished for visit, had 6rst felt hurt,
then slighted, and finally indignant,
aud in that frame of mind had made
. will in favor of poor old lady in
his native State, who had once done
him an act of kindness. This was
told him by tho lawyer who prepared
the will, and who was the party that
mailed the letter. The old gentle
mans wealth amounted to $53, 3,OOO.


Now, let us inquire if slight mutt
lation of postage stamp is good
and sufficient reason for its utter re-
lection by the postmaster? Suppose
it represented the value of $500 in


stead of three cents. would not that
fact compel different ruling by the


Postmaster General? Is not the


principle the same. whether stamp
costs three cents or $3O0.-Washing-


ton Republican.