he reached a point within two hundred miles of the
Pole.

After a few more days, it was decided that it was too late in the year
to attempt the aerial voyage, and so Mr. Andree had to postpone the
attempt.

Not at all discouraged by his failure, he stated that he would try again
the next year, and has spent the past winter making preparations for a
fresh venture.

The balloon will be filled and ready for the start about the middle of
June, when Mr. Andree and his companions will once more make the
attempt.

The Russian Geographical Society has printed hundreds of circulars to be
distributed among the natives of the lands lying around the pole,
showing them by the aid of pictures what kind of an object a balloon is,
and urging them to tell the nearest authorities if they see it. They are
also requested, if the balloon should descend, to treat the men who are
in it with the greatest kindness.

Mr. Andree is full of hope for his scheme, and expects to reach the
pole. He will be spared the long journeys over the ice-fields, which all
Arctic explorers have found to be the hardest part of their work.

* * * * *

The Sixth Convention of the Universal Postal Union is being held in
Washington this month. Delegates from all over the world are here to
attend it.

The Postal Union is a union of governments to regulate the postal
business between nations.

As the correspondence of the world grew larger, and the improved means
of travelling made it possible for men to journey to all parts of the
earth, great trouble was found in the handling of the mail matter.

The rates for carrying letters varied for each country, and infinite
work and delay was caused by the calculation made necessary thereby.

At last a few of the countries most interested in the matter formulated
a Universal Postal Union, which established a fixed rate for letters
sent to all countries in the Union.

This plan was first suggested at Berne, in Switzerland, in 1874.

The countries agreeing to abide by this rule styled themselves the
Universal Postal Union, and made many useful laws for the transmission
of mail matter.

It was the hope when the Association was started that every country in
the world would join it.

In 1894 the hope was so nearly realized that all countries excepting
parts of Asia and Africa had become members of the Union.

It is expected that China and Corea will ask for admission at the
prese