nt meeting in Washington, and then, to quote the words of
Postmaster-General Gary in opening the Congress:

"When these two countries shall have joined us, the sun in its daily
circuit will not rise on a civilized people which is not included in the
Postal Union."

Many subjects will be discussed during the session of the Congress. One
of the most important will be that of having a Universal Postage Stamp.
Stamp collectors won't like the idea, because there will only be one
kind of stamp in use between all countries; it will, however, be a great
benefit to people in foreign countries who would like to prepay the
answers to their letters.

New York has decided to make some important changes in her mail service.

These changes have not been suggested by the Postal Congress; but if
they were only in working order, they would give some of the delegates
much to talk about when they return to their own countries.

The changes to be made are in the line of hastening the despatch and
delivery of letters.

This is to be accomplished by means of a network of pneumatic tubes,
which will be laid under the streets.

When a letter is posted at any of the sub-stations, instead of lying in
the box until, the postman comes round to collect it, it will be
instantly sent through the tube and deposited on the cancelling desk at
the nearest station.

By this means a great deal of time will be saved; it is even said, by
the persons interested in the scheme, that a letter which now takes two
hours to go from Wall Street to the Grand Central Depot, can be sent by
the pneumatic tubes in less than ten minutes.

The Government has given out the contract for laying the tubes, and one
circuit is to be in working order by October.

It is said that the big dry-goods stores mean to make arrangements
whereby they can send their small parcels by tube instead of messenger,
and save a good deal of money now spent for horses and drivers.

The Pneumatic Postal system is in use in London, Berlin, and
Philadelphia, and has proved a great success wherever tried.

GENIE H. ROSENFELD.

* * * * *

BOOK REVIEWS.

We have received a new history of Victoria, written for children; this
has been sent to one of our readers, and an account will appear soon.
The book is published by Frederick Warne & Co.

We have also received from Ginn & Co., Boston, a copy of the "Finc