length of the routes
in this country as a reason against the adoption of the low rate of
postage. They said,

"It is plain that a similar system may be introduced with equally
satisfactory results in the United States. On account, however, of
the vast distances to be traversed by the mail-carriers, and the
great difficulties of travel in the unsettled portions of our
country, our petition asks that the rate be reduced to five cents
for each letter not more than half an ounce in weight--which is
more than double the uniform postage in Great Britain. It is a
rate which would not only secure to the post-office the transport
of nearly all the letters which are now forwarded through private
channels, but it would largely increase correspondence, both of
business and affection.

"Above all, the _franking privilege_ should be abolished. Unless
this is done, nothing can be done. It will be impossible, without
drawing largely upon the legitimate sources of the national
revenue, to sustain the post-office by any rates whatsoever, if
this franking privilege shall continue to load the mails with
private letters which everybody writes, and public documents which
nobody reads."

The bill was passed, but the franking privilege was continued, and yet the
Postmaster-General has told us that the current income of the department
is equal to its expenses. The predictions to the contrary were very
confident. Some of the gloomy forebodings then uttered, are worthy of
being recalled at this time.

"The post-office department estimates that the deficiency in the
revenue of the department, under the new law, will be about
$1,500,000, this year."--_Boston Post._

"An additional tax of $1,500,000, to be raised to meet the
deficiencies of the department, in a single year, must principally
come from the pockets of farmers, (who write few letters, and are
consequently less benefited by the reduction of postage,) in the
shape of additional tariff duties upon articles which they
consume."--_New Hampshire Patriot._

"A CAUTION.--Some people may be deceived on the subject of cheap
postage, unless they take a 'sober second thought.' A part of
those who are so strenuous for cheap postage are not quite so
disinterested as would at first appear. They are seeking to pay
their postage bills out of other people's p