nt of the Universal Postal Union the rates in the internal
service were in some cases higher than those in the international
service, and it became advantageous to commercial men to post their
packets abroad. The French administration were then required under the
international convention to distribute them in France without receiving
any postage.[473] This anomalous situation was put an end to in 1878,
when the following rates were established:--

When sent under band--

1 centime for each 5 grammes up to 20 grammes
5 centimes from 20 grammes to 50 grammes;
5 " for each 50 grammes or fraction of 50 grammes
thereafter.

When sent in open envelopes--

5 centimes for each 50 grammes or fraction of 50 grammes.

The rates have since been reduced, and are now as follow:--

2 centimes for packets not exceeding 15 grammes in weight
3 " between 15 grammes and 50 grammes
5 " " 50 grammes and 100 grammes
5 " for each 100 grammes or fraction of 100 grammes thereafter.

The number of packets of printed matter has increased rapidly, as the
subjoined table shows:--

Number of Packets of Ordinary
Printed Matter

1877 195,148,116
1883 315,315,725
1889 406,252,198

The administration are given power to delay the despatch or transmission
of packets of ordinary printed matter should circumstances render that
course desirable.

In 1827 a special rate of 5 centimes for those delivered locally, and 10
centimes for others, was conceded to certain formal printed documents,
such as notifications of births, marriages, or deaths. In 1856, to these
were added prospectuses, catalogues, prices current, and _cartes de
visite_. These documents must be sent under band or in open envelopes.
The special rates on these classes of packets have been continued.
Under an order of the 26th November 1909 the rate for _cartes de visite_
was made 2 centimes when sent under band, but formulas of courtesy must
not appear on the cards. _Cartes de visite_ sent in open envelopes are
still charged 5 centimes.

* * * * *

GERMANY

In Prussia the order of 1712 did not provide a special rate for ordinary
printed matter sent by letter post. A reduced rate of two-thirds that
for ordinary merchandise was, however, provided for books and other
similar matte