The act of February 20, 1792, 1 Stat. 232, effective from June 1, 1792, was the first, after the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, fixing rates of postage on mail matter.

Prior to June 1, 1792, the rates of postage on mail matter continued under the provisions of the acts of September 22, 1789, 1 Stat. 70, August 4, 1790, 1 Stat. 178, and March 3, 1791, 1 Stat. 218, to he those prescribed by the "Ordinance for Regulating the Post Office of the United States of America," enacted by the Continental Congress on October 18, 1782, Journals of the Continental Congress (MS), No. 1, Vol. 34, printed in Library of Congress edition of the Journals Vol. XXIII, pp. 670-679, and Vol. IV, Journals of Congress, Way and Gideon edition 93-95, as modified by the resolution of that Congress of October 20, 1787, Journals of the Continental Congress (MS), No. 1, Vol. 38, and Way and Gideon edition of the Journals of Congress, Vol. IV, 801.

The ordinance of October 18, 1782, provided:

Whereas the communication of intelligence with regularity and despatch, from one part to another of these United States, is essentially requisite to the safety as well as the commercial interest thereof; and the United States in Congress assembled, being, by the articles of confederation, vested with the sole and exclusive right and power of establishing and regulating post offices throughout all these United States; and whereas it is become necessary to revise the several regulations heretofore made relating to the post office and reduce them to one act:

Be it therefore ordained by the United States in Congress assembled, and it is hereby ordained by the authority of the same, that a continued communication of posts throughout these United States shall be established and maintained by and under the direction of the Postmaster General of these United States, to extend to and from the State of New Hampshire and the State of Georgia, inclusive, and to and from such other parts of these United States as from time to time he shall judge necessary or Congress shall direct.

And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, that the postage of all letters, packets, and despatches, to and from the different post offices within these United States, shall be at the following rates, in pennyweights and grains of silver, estimating each pennyweight as at present, at five-ninetieths of a dollar:

For any distance not exceeding 60 miles, 1 pennyweight 8 grains; upwards of 60 and not exceeding 100 miles, 2 pennyweights; upwards of 100 and not exceeding 200 miles, 2 pennyweights 16 grains, and so on, 16 grains advance for every hundred miles; the above rates to be doubled for double letters, trebled for treble letters, and a packet weighing an ounce to be charged equal to four single letters, and in that proportion if of a greater weight; and every letter, packet, and despatch, except dead letters, shall be retained in the office where the same shall have arrived, which shall be nearest to the place of direction, until the postage shall be paid.

And it shall be lawful for the Postmaster General, or any of his deputies, to license every post-rider to carry any newspaper at such moderate rates as the Postmaster General shall establish.

The resolution of October 20, 1787, authorized the Postmaster General so to reduce the postage rates, effective April 5, 1788, as nearly 25 per centum as will consist with the mode of calculating pennyweights and grains of silver, in order to reduce them to the currencies of the several States. This resolution also authorized the Postmaster General to fix such rates per pound for the carriage of large packets as he may judge will be most likely to induce persons to send such by post.

The act of February 20, 1792, 1 Stat. 235 and 238, fixed the following rates of postage, to take effect June 1, 1792:

For every single letter conveyed not exceeding 30 miles, 6 cents; over 30 miles and not exceeding 60 miles, 8 cents; over 60 miles and not exceeding 100 miles, 10 cents; over 100 miles and not exceeding 150 miles, 12 ½ cents; over 150 miles and not exceeding 200 miles, 15 cents; over 200 miles and not exceeding 250 miles, 17 cents; over 250 miles and not exceeding 350 miles, 20 cents; over 350 miles and not exceeding 450 miles, 22 cents; over 450 miles, 25 cents; and every double letter, double said rates; every triple letter, triple said rates; and every packet weighing 1 ounce avoirdupois to pay at the rate of four single letters for each ounce, and in that proportion for any greater weight.

For every single letter passing by sea to and from the United States, or from one port to another therein, in packet boats or vessels, the property of, or provided by the United States, 8 cents; for every double letter, 16 cents, and every triple letter or packet, 24 cents.

For every letter or packet brought into the United Sates or carried from one port therein to another by sea in any private ship or vessel, 4 cents if delivered at the place of arrival; if delivered at any other place, with the addition of the like postage as on other letters

.

All newspapers conveyed by mail for any distance not more than 100 miles, 1 cent; over 100 miles, 1 ½ cents.

Act of May 8, 1794 (1 Stat. 359, 360, 362, 366):

Reenacted the rates of postage established by the act of February 20, 1792, but fixes, from June 1, 1794, the rate for single newspapers sent from one place to another in the same State at 1 cent each; and for magazines and pamphlets, 1 cent per sheet for not exceeding 50 miles; 1 ½ cents for over 50 miles and not exceeding 100 miles; and 2 cents for any greater distance.

For every letter delivered by mail carriers to persons living between post offices on their routes, 2 cents (for the carrier), in addition to the ordinary postage.

Letter carriers employed at such post offices as the Postmaster General may direct may receive of the person to whom delivery is made 2 cents for the delivery of each letter.

The postage on drop letters is fixed at 1 cent each.

Act of March 2,1799 (1 Stat. 734, 738—740):

Reenacted the rates of postage provided by the act of May 8, 1794, for newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, drop letters, and letters delivered by post-route carriers and letter carriers, and establishes the following rates of postage:

For every letter composed of a single sheet of paper, conveyed not exceeding 40 miles, 8 cents; over 40 miles and not exceeding 90 miles, 10 cents; over 90 miles and not exceeding 150 miles, 12 ½ cents; over 150 miles and not exceeding 300 miles, 17 cents; over 300 miles and not exceeding 500 miles, 20 cents; over 500 miles, 25 cents; and every double letter, or two pieces of paper, double said rates; every triple letter, or three pieces of paper, triple rates; and for every packet composed of four or more pieces of paper, or other thing, and weighing 1 ounce avoirdupois, quadruple said rates, and in that proportion for any greater weight.

Every letter or packet brought into the United States, or carried from one port therein to another, in private ship or vessel, 6 cents, if delivered in post office where received; if conveyed by post to any other place, 2 cents added to the ordinary postage.

Any packet which weighs more than 3 pounds shall not be accepted for mailing.

This act authorized the Postmaster General to require those who receive newspapers by post to pay the amount of one quarter's postage in advance.

Act of April 30, 1810 (2 Stat. 595—597, 603):

Reenacted the rates of postage and limit of weight provided by the act of March 2, 1799.

Act of December 23, 1814 (3 Stat. 159):

Increased the rates of postage 50 percent from February 1, 1815.

Act of February 1, 1816 (3 Stat. 252):

Repealed, from March 31, 1816, so much of the act of December 23, 1814, as increased the rates of postage 50 percent.

Act of April 9, 1816 (3 Stat. 264):

Fixed, from May 1, 1816, the following rates of postage on letters and packets:

For every letter composed of a single sheet of paper, conveyed not exceeding 30 miles, 6 cents; over 30 miles and not exceeding 80 miles, 10 cents; over 80 miles and not exceeding 150 miles, 12 ½ cents; over 150 miles and not exceeding 400 miles, 18 ½ cents; over 400 miles, 25 cents; and every double letter, or two pieces of paper, double said rates; every triple letter, or three pieces of paper, triple said rates; and for every packet composed of four or more pieces of paper, or one or more other articles, and weighing 1 ounce avoirdupois, quadruple those rates, and in that proportion for all greater weights.

Every 4 folio pages, or 8 quarto pages, or 16 octavo pages, of a pamphlet or magazine shall be considered a sheet, and the surplus pages of any pamphlet or magazine shall also be considered a sheet; and the unbound journals of the legislatures of the several States shall be liable to the same postage as pamphlets.

Any memorandum which shall be written on a newspaper, or other printed paper, shall be charged letter postage.

Act of March 3, 1825 (4 Stat. 105, 111, 112, 114):

Repealed all former acts and parts of acts which had been passed for the establishment and regulation of the General Post Office and fixed the following rates of postage:

For every letter composed of a single sheet of paper conveyed nor exceeding 30 miles, 6 cents; over 30 miles and not exceeding 80 miles, 10 cents; over 80 miles and not exceeding 150 miles, 12½ cents; over 150 miles and not exceeding 400 miles, 18 ¾ cents; over 400 miles, 25 cents; and every double letter, or two pieces of paper, double said rates; every triple letter, or three pieces of paper, triple said rates; every packet of four or more pieces of paper, or one or more other articles, and weighing 1 ounce avoirdupois, quadruple said rates, and in that proportion for all greater weights.

Unbound journals of legislatures of the several States, same rates as for pamphlets.

Every letter or packet brought into the United States, or carried from one port therein to another, in any private ship or vessel, 6 cents, if delivered at the post office of arrival; if conveyed by post to any place, 2 cents added to the ordinary postage.

Any packet which weighs more than 3 pounds shall not be accepted for mailing.

Newspapers conveyed by mail, 1 cent for any distance not more than 100 miles; 1 ½ cents for any greater distance. Single newspapers from one place to another in the same State, 1 cent.

Magazines and pamphlets published periodically, transported in the mails to subscribers, 1½ cents a sheet for any distance not exceeding 100 miles, and 2½ cents for any greater distance. Magazines and pamphlets not periodically published, 4 cents on each sheet for any distance not exceeding 100 miles, and 6 cents for any greater distance.

Any letter or memorandum in writing inclosed in a newspaper, pamphlet, or magazine, and any writing or memorandum thereon, subjects the whole to postage at the letter rate.

Section 34 of this act authorizes the Postmaster General to make provision for the receipt of letters and packets to be conveyed by any vessel beyond sea, or from any port in the United States to another port therein. For every letter or packet so received there shall be paid at the time of its reception a postage of 1 cent, which shall be for the use of the postmasters, respectively, receiving the same.

The postage on drop letters is fixed at 1 cent each.

Letter carriers employed at such post offices as the Postmaster General shall direct may receive of the person to whom delivery is made 2 cents for the delivery of each letter.

Act of March 2, 1827 (4 Stat. 238) :

Provided that one or more pieces of paper mailed as a letter, and weighing 1 ounce avoirdupois, shall be charged with quadruple postage, and at the same rate should weight be greater, and fixes quadruple rates for packages containing four pieces of paper.

Every printed pamphlet or magazine containing more than 24 pages on a royal sheet, or any sheet of less dimensions, shall be charged by the sheet; small pamphlets printed on a half or quarter sheet of royal or less size shall be charged with one-half the amount of postage on a full sheet; and double postage shall be charged on pamphlets and magazines not showing on the outer pages the number of sheets they contain.

Act of July 2, 1836 (5 Stat. 89):

Authorized the Postmaster General to employ letter carriers at such post offices as he may direct for delivery of letters, except such as are addressed to persons who may have requested the postmaster that their letters be retained in the post office. For the delivery of each letter by carrier the person to whom delivery is made shall pay not exceeding 2 cents; for the delivery of each newspaper and pamphlet one-half cent; and for every letter received by a carrier to be deposited in the post office there shall be paid to him at the time of receipt not exceeding 2 cents; such receipts shall constitute a fund for the compensation of the carriers.

Act of March 3, 1845 (5 Stat. 733, 737):

From and after July 1, 1845, in lieu of the rates of postage now established by law, there shall be charged the following rates:

For every single letter, in manuscript or marks or signs, conveyed under 300 miles, 5 cents; over 300 miles, 10 cents; double letter, double rates; treble letter, treble rates; quadruple letter, quadruple rates; and every letter or parcel not exceeding one-half ounce in weight shall be deemed a single letter, and every additional weight of one-half ounce or less shall be charged with an additional single postage. Drop letters shall be charged a postage rate of 2 cents each.

Newspapers of not more than 1,900 square inches in size, transmitted through the mails by the editors or publishers thereof to subscribers or other persons, within 30 miles of the city, town, or place in which the paper is printed, free of postage. Newspapers of or under such size, conveyed beyond 30 miles from the place at which they are printed, shall be subject to the rates of postage fixed for newspapers by the act of March 3, 1825. Newspapers of greater size than 1,900 square inches, 2½ cents for each copy of no greater weight than 1 ounce and 1 cent for each additional ounce, any distance. All printed or lithographed circulars, handbills, or advertisements printed or lithographed on quarto-post or single-cap paper, or paper not larger than single-cap paper, 2 cents for each sheet, without regard to distance. Pamphlets, magazines, periodicals, and all other printed or other matter (except newspapers), unconnected with any writing, 2½ cents for

each copy not exceeding 1 ounce in weight, and 1 cent additional for each additional ounce or fractional excess of not less than one-half ounce, without regard to distance.

Letters and other mailable matter (except newspapers, pamphlets, magazines, and periodicals) delivered to a postmaster by the master or manager of any steamboat not under contract with the Postmaster General, shall be subject to the same rates of postage as would have been charged upon said letters had they been transmitted by mail from the port or place at which they were placed on board the steamboat from which they were received.

Any packet weighing more than 3 pounds shall not be accepted for mailing.

Act of March 3, 1847 (9 Stat. 200–202):

Fixed the rate of postage on letters conveyed to or from Chagres at 20 cents; to or from Havana, 12Y2 cents; to or from Panama, 30 cents; to or from Astoria (Oreg.), 40 cents; to or from any other place on the Pacific Coast within the territory of the United States, 40 cents.

All newspapers conveyed in the mail shall be subject to postage, except those sent by way of exchange between the publishers of newspapers, and except those franked by persons enjoying the franking privilege; and news-papers not sent from the office of publication, and all handbills or circulars, printed or lithographed, not exceeding one sheet, shall be subject to 3 cents postage each, to be paid when deposited in the post office to be conveyed by mail.

This act authorized the furnishing of postage stamps to be used in payment of postage on mail.

Act of August 14, 1848 (9 Stat. 320):

Letters conveyed to or from places on the Pacific in California from or to any place on the Atlantic coast, shall be charged with 40 cents postage; and letters conveyed from one to any other place in California, 12 ½ cents.

Act of September 27, 1850 (9 Stat. 496):

Authorized the Postmaster General to establish post offices in the Territories of Utah and New Mexico, and to establish such rates of postage in said Territories as to him may seem proper, not exceeding those authorized by the act of August 14, 1848.

Act of March 3, 1851 (9 Stat. 587–589):

From and after June 30, 1851, in lieu of the rates of postage now established by law, there shall be charged the following rates:

For every single letter in writing, marks, or signs, conveyed not exceeding 3,000 miles, if prepaid, 3 cents; if not prepaid, 5 cents, and for any greater distance double said rates; double letter, double rates; treble letter, treble rates; quadruple letter, quadruple rates; and every letter or parcel not exceeding half an ounce in weight shall be deemed a single letter, and every additional weight of half an ounce or less shall be charged with an additional rate. Drop letters, 1 cent each. Advertised letters, 1 cent in addition to the regular postage.

Newspapers not exceeding 3 ounces in weight, sent from the office of publication to bona fide subscribers, shall be charged with postage as follows:

Weekly newspapers, free within the county where published; and for not exceeding 50 miles out of the county where published, 5 cents per quarter; exceeding 50 miles and not exceeding 300 miles, 10 cents per quarter; exceeding 300 miles and not exceeding 1,000 miles, 15 cents per quarter; exceeding 1,000 miles and not exceeding 2,000 miles, 20 cents per quarter; exceeding 2,000 miles and not exceeding 4,000 miles, 25 cents per quarter; exceeding 4,000 miles, 30 cents per quarter.

Newspapers published monthly, sent to bona fide subscribers, one-fourth of said rates; published semimonthly, one-half of said rates; published semi-weekly, double said rates; published triweekly, treble said rates; and oftener than triweekly, five times said rates. On other papers and circulars, hand hills, engravings, pamphlets, periodicals, magazines, books, and all other printed matter, unconnected with written matter, of not more than 1 ounce in weight, conveyed not exceeding 500 miles, 1 cent; and for each additional ounce or fraction thereof, 1 cent; exceeding 500 miles, and not exceeding 1,500 miles, double said rates; exceeding 1,500 miles, and not exceeding 2,500 miles, treble said rates; exceeding 2,500 miles, and not exceeding 3,500 miles, four times said rates; exceeding 3,500 miles, five times said rates.

Subscribers to all periodicals shall be required to pay one-quarter's postage in advance, and in all such cases postage shall be one-half the foregoing rates.

When printed matter on which postage is required to be prepaid shall be sent without prepayment, the same shall be charged with double the prepaid rate.

Newspapers not containing more than 300 square inches may be transmitted to bona fide subscribers at one-fourth the rates fixed by this act. (Bound books made mailable by this act.)

Act of August 30, 1852 (10 Stat. 38):

From and after September 30, 1852, postage on all printed matter passing through the mail, instead of the rates now charged, shall be as follows:

Each newspaper, periodical, unsealed circular, or other article of printed matter, not exceeding 3 ounces in weight, to any part of the United States, 1 cent; and for every additional ounce or fraction thereof, 1 cent additional.

When the postage upon any newspaper or periodical is paid quarterly or yearly in advance, at the office of delivery or at the office of mailing, one-half of said rates only shall be charged.

Newspapers and periodicals not weighing over 1 ounces, when circulated in the State where published, one-half of the rates before mentioned.

Small newspapers and periodicals, published monthly or oftener, and pamphlets of not more than 16 octavo pages, sent in single packages, weighing at least 8 ounces, to one address, and prepaid by postage stamps affixed, shall be charged only one-half cent for each ounce or fraction thereof.

Postage on all transient matter shall be prepaid by stamps or otherwise, or shall be charged double the rates first above mentioned.

Books, bound or unbound, not weighing over 4 pounds, shall be mailable matter and chargeable with postage at 1 cent an ounce for all distances under 3,000 miles; 2 cents for all distances over 3,000 miles, to which 50 percent shall be added unless prepaid.

All matter sent by mail, for which the postage is not fixed by this act, shall, unless the same be entitled to be sent free of postage, be charged with letter postage.

Act of March 3, 1855 (10 Stat. 641):

In lieu of the rates of postage now established by law there shall be charged the following rates, effective April 1, 1855:

For every single letter in manuscript, or paper of any kind in writing, marks, or signs, conveyed in the mail not exceeding 3,000 miles, 3 cents; and for any greater distance, 10 cents; double letter, double rates; treble letter, treble rates; quadruple letter, quadruple rates; every letter or parcel not exceeding one-half ounce in weight shall be deemed a single letter; and every additional weight of half an ounce or less shall be charged with an additional rate; the foregoing rates to be prepaid, except on letters to and from a foreign country.

Drop letters shall be charged with postage at the rate of 1 cent each.

(This act was the first making the prepayment of postage on domestic letters compulsory and provided that, for the greater security of valuable letters, the Postmaster General may establish a uniform plan for their registration at a registration fee of 5 cents each.)

Act of January 2, 1857 (11 Stat. 153):

Repealed the provision in the act of August 30, 1852, permitting transient printed matter to be sent through the mail without prepayment of postage.

Act of April 3, 1860 (12 Stat. 11):

Fixed the rate on drop letters delivered by carriers at 1 cent each. Act of February 27, 1861 (12 Stat. 168, 169):

Upon all letters returned from the dead letter office there shall be charged the usual rates of postage, to be collected on delivery.

Every letter or packet brought into the United States or carried from one port therein to another in any private ship or vessel shall be charged with 5 cents, if delivered at the post office of arrival; if conveyed by post to any place, with 2 cents added to the ordinary rates of postage: Provided, That upon all letters or packets conveyed, in whole or in part, by steamers over any route upon which the mail is regularly conveyed in vessels under contract with the Post Office Department, the same charge shall be levied, with the addition of 2 cents a letter or packet, as would have been levied if such letter or packet had been transmitted regularly through the mail.

Maps, engravings, lithographs, photographic prints on rollers or in paper covers; books, bound or unbound, photographic paper, and letter envelopes, shall be deemed mailable matter, and charged with postage by the weight of the package, not to exceed 4 pounds, at the rate of 1 cent an ounce or fraction thereof, to any place under 1,500 miles, and at the rate of 2 cents an ounce or fraction thereof over 1,500 miles, to be prepaid by postage stamps.

Cards, blank or printed, blanks in packages weighing at least 8 ounces, and seeds or cuttings in packages not exceeding 8 ounces shall be charged with postage at the rate of 1 cent an ounce or fraction thereof, to anyplace in the United States under 1,500 miles; over 1,500 miles, 2 cents an ounce or fraction thereof to be prepaid by postage stamps.

Modified the act of March 3, 1855, so as to require the 10-cent rate of postage to be prepaid on letters conveyed in the mail from any point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains to any State or Territory on the Pacific, and vice versa.

The postage on each newspaper, periodical, unsealed circular, or other article of printed matter, not exceeding 3 ounces in weight, conveyed over the overland route between any State or Territory east of the Rocky Mountains to any State or Territory on the Pacific, shall be 1 cent; and every additional ounce or fraction thereof 1 cent additional.

The rate of letter postage between any State or Territory east of the Rocky Mountains and any State or Territory on the Pacific coast shall be 10 cents per half ounce.

(This act authorized the introduction of merchandise into the mails.)

Act of March 3, 1863 (12 Stat. 704—707)

Divided mail into three classes: First class embraces letters and matter wholly or partly in writing, except book manuscripts and corrected proof sheets; second class embraces publications issued at stated periods; third class embraces all other mailable matter, including book manuscripts and corrected proof sheets.

Fixed the maximum standard weight for the single rate of letter postage at one-half ounce avoirdupois. Fixed the rate of postage on domestic letters not exceeding one-half ounce in weight at 3 cents, and 3 cents additional for each additional half ounce or fraction thereof, to be prepaid by postage stamps affixed.

(This was the first law which established a uniform rate of postage on letters, regardless of distance transmitted.)

The rate of postage on drop letters not exceeding one-half ounce in weight shall be 2 cents, and 2 cents additional for each additional half ounce or fraction, to be prepaid by stamps affixed; "but no extra postage or carriers' fee shall hereafter be charged or collected upon letters delivered by carriers, nor upon letters collected by them for mailing or delivery."

Mailable matter, wholly or partly in writing, or so marked as to convey further information than is conveyed by the original print, in case of printed matter, or sent in violation of law or regulations touching the inclosure of matter which may be sent at less than letter rates, and all matter on which no different rate is provided by law, shall be subject to letter postage. Book manuscripts and corrected proofs passing between authors and publishers may pass at the rate of printed matter. Publishers of newspapers and periodicals may print or write upon their publications sent to regular subscribers the address and the date when the subscription expires, and may inclose receipts for payment and bills for subscription.

All matter not enumerated as mailable and to which no specific rates of postage are assigned, if mailed, shall be subject to letter postage.

If any matter on which by law the postage is required to be prepaid at the mailing office shall reach its destination without such prepayment, double the prepaid rates shall be charged and collected on delivery.

Increased the fee for registration of valuable letters to not exceeding 20 cents on every such letter or packet.

Postage on returned dead letters not registered as valuable shall be 3 cents for the single rate; registered as valuable, double rates.

Postmaster General authorized to pay 2 cents for each letter conveyed in any vessel, not employed in carrying the mail, from one place to another in the United States, or from any foreign port to any port within the United States, and deposited in the post office at the port of arrival. Such letters, if for delivery within the United States, shall be rated with double rates of postage, which shall cover the fee paid to the vessel.

The rate of postage on transient matter of the second class, and on miscellaneous matter of the third class (except circulars and books), shall be 2 cents for each 4 ounces or fraction thereof on one package to one address, to be prepaid by stamps affixed; double these rates for books. Unsealed circulars, not exceeding three in number, 2 cents, adding one rate for three additional circulars or less number to one address.

Postage on matter of the second class issued once a week or more frequently from a known office of publication and sent to regular subscribers shall be as follows :

For newspapers and other periodical publications not exceeding 4 ounces in weight and passing through the mails or post offices of the United States, the rate for one quarter shall be, for publications issued once a week, 5 cents; twice a week, 10 cents; three times a week, 15 cents; six times a week, 30 cents; seven times a week, 35 cents; and in that proportion, adding one rate for each issue more frequent than once a week. For weight exceeding 4 ounces and not exceeding 8 ounces, an additional rate, and an additional rate for each additional 4 ounces or fraction thereof; postage to be prepaid for not less than one quarter nor more than one year, at either the office of mailing or delivery, at the option of the subscriber.

Postage on mailable matter of the second class issued less frequently than once a week from a known office of publication and sent to subscribers shall be as follows:

Upon newspapers, magazines, and other periodical publications not exceeding 4 ounces, passing through the mails or post offices of the United States, the rate for each such paper or periodical shall be I cent, and an additional rate of 1 cent for each additional 4 ounces or fraction thereof; provided, that the Postmaster General may provide for the transportation of small newspapers in packages at the same rate by weight when sent to one address; postage must be prepaid at office of mailing or delivery, at option of subscriber, for not less than one quarter nor more than one year.

The postmaster of any office where letter carriers are employed may contract with the publishers of any newspapers or periodicals, and with the publishers of any circulars, for the delivery by postal carriers, within his postal district, of any such publications not coming through the mails, at rates and upon terms to be agreed upon, such arrangement and terms being equally open to all like publishers, such contract to have no force until approved by the Postmaster General. The Postmaster General may provide for the delivery by such carriers of small packages other than letters or papers, and not exceeding the maximum weight of mailable packages,but such packages must be prepaid by postage stamps at the rate of 2 cents for each 4 ounces or fraction thereof.

No postmaster shall receive to be conveyed by mail any packet or package which shall weigh more than 4 pounds, except books published or circulated by order of Congress.

Act of January 22, 1864 (13 Stat. 2):

Clothing of wool, cotton, or linen, in packages not exceeding 2 pounds each, addressed to any noncommissioned officer or private serving in the Armies of the United States, may be transmitted in the mails of the United States at the rate of 8 cents for every 4 ounces or fraction thereof, under such regulations as the Postmaster General may prescribe; postage to be prepaid.

Acts of March 25, 1864, and January 20, 1865 (13 Stat. 36 and 422):

All mailable matter (with the exception of newspapers, periodicals, and magazines, to bona fide subscribers, and franked matter), which may be conveyed by mail westward beyond the western boundary of Kansas, and eastward from the eastern boundary of California, shall be subject to prepaid letter postage rates.

Act of May 17, 1864 (13 Stat. 76):

Authorized establishment of the money-order system for money orders in the sum of one dollar or more but not more than thirty dollars. Fixed fee for each money order not exceeding ten dollars, 10 cents; for an order of more than ten but not more than twenty dollars, 15 cents; and for orders exceeding twenty dollars, 20 cents.

Act of March 3, 1865 (13 Stat. 507):

Fixed the prepaid postage on drop letters, at all offices except free delivery, at 1 cent.

Act of June 12, 1866 (14 Stat. 60):

Increased maximum sum for money orders to not exceeding fifty dollars, and changed fees for orders not exceeding twenty dollars to 10 cents and fixed fee for orders over twenty dollars to 25 cents.

Act of June 25, 1868 (15 Stat. 79):

This act repealed the requirement of the act of March 25, 1864, providing that all matter other than the exceptions named in that act and in the act of January 20, 1865, shall be subject to prepaid letter postage rates, thus restoring for such matter the postage rates prescribed by the act of March 3, 1863.

Act of July 27, 1868 (15 Stat. 194195):

When any writer of a letter, on which the postage is prepaid, shall indorse in writing or in print upon the outside thereof his name and address, the same, after remaining uncalled for at the post office to which it is directed 30 days, or the time the writer may direct, shall be returned to the said writer without additional postage, whether a specific request for such return he indorsed on the letter or not.

Weekly newspapers sent to subscribers in the county where printed and published to he delivered free of postage, when deposited in the office near est the office of publication; but they shall not be distributed by letter carriers unless postage is prepaid thereon at the rate of 5 cents per quarter for not less than one quarter nor more than one year, at the office of mailing or of delivery, at the option of the subscriber.

Fees charged for money orders to be 10 cents for an order for one dollar but not exceeding twenty dollars; 15 cents for an order exceeding twenty but not exceeding thirty dollars; 20 cents for an order exceeding thirty but not exceeding forty dollars; and 25 cents for an order exceeding forty but not exceeding fifty dollars.

Postmaster General's Order, January 1, 1869 (Vol. 65, p. 231):

Reduced the fee for registration of letters, effective January 1, 1869, to fifteen cents in addition to postage.

Act of June 8, 1872 (17 Stat. 296, 300-304, 308):

Divided mail matter into three classes as follows:

First class shall embrace letters and all correspondence, wholly or partly in writing, except book manuscripts and corrected proof sheets passing between authors and publishers.

Second class shall embrace all matter exclusively in print, and regularly issued at stated periods from a known office of publication, without addition by writing, mark, or sign.

Third class shall embrace pamphlets, occasional publications, transient newspapers, magazines, and other miscellaneous mailable matter.

On all matter wholly or partly in writing (except book manuscripts and corrected proof sheets passing between authors and publishers, and drop letters) ; all printed matter so marked as to convey any other information than is conveyed by the original print (except the correction of mere typo-graphical errors) ; all matter sent in violation of law or regulations respecting inclosures; and all matter to which no specific rate of postage is assigned, postage shall be charged at the rate of 3 cents for each half ounce or fraction thereof.

Drop letters at letter-carrier offices shall be charged with postage at the rate of 2 cents for each half ounce or fraction thereof, and 1 cent for each half ounce or fraction thereof at all other offices.

The rate of postage on newspapers (excepting weeklies), periodicals not exceeding 2 ounces in weight, and circulars, when the same are deposited in a letter-carrier office for delivery by the office or its carriers, shall be uniform at 1 cent each; but periodicals weighing more than 2 ounces shall be subject to a postage of 2 cents each; these rates to be prepaid by stamps.

Quarterly postage on newspapers and other periodical publications not exceeding 4 ounces in weight sent to subscribers shall be at the following rates:

On publications issued less frequently than once a week, 1 cent for each issue; issued once a week, 5 cents; and 5 cents additional for each issue more frequent than once a week; and an additional rate shall be charged for each additional 4 ounces or fraction thereof.

Small newspapers issued less frequently than once a week, in packages to one address, sent to subscribers, 1 cent for each 4 ounces or fraction thereof.

Postage on mailable matter of the third class shall be at the rate of 1 cent for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof, except that double these rates shall be charged for books, samples of metals, ores, minerals, and merchandise.

Packages of woolen, cotton, or linen clothing not exceeding 2 pounds in weight may be sent by mail to any noncommissioned officer or private in the Army, if prepaid at the rate of 1 cent for each ounce or fraction thereof.

Letters conveyed in vessels not regularly employed in carrying the mails shall, if for delivery in the United States, be rated with double postage, to cover the fee paid to the vessel.

Provides for the issue and transmission by mail of postal cards at 1

cent each.

All matter so wrapped that it cannot be conveniently examined shall be subject to letter postage.

The postage on all mail matter must be prepaid by stamps at the time of mailing, unless herein otherwise provided for.

Mail matter on which postage is required to be prepaid, reaching its destination by inadvertence without such prepayment, shall be subject to double the prepaid rates.

All mail matter deposited for mailing on which at least one full rate of postage has been paid as required by law, shall be forwarded to its destination, charged with the unpaid rate, to be collected on delivery.

When the writer of any letter on which the postage is prepaid shall indorse upon the outside thereof his name and address, such letter shall not be advertised, but after remaining uncalled for at the office to which it is directed 30 days, or the time the writer may direct, shall be returned to him without additional charge for postage.

Matter of the third class, except books and other printed matter, book-manuscripts, proof-sheets and corrected proof-sheets, shall not exceed twelve ounces in weight. Any package weighing more than four pounds shall not be received for conveyance in the mails, except books published or circulated by order of Congress.

Prepaid and free letters shall be forwarded from one post office to another, at the request of the party addressed, without additional charge for postage.

This act reenacted the provision of the act of March 3, 1855, providing that for the greater security of valuable matter, the Postmaster General may establish a uniform system of registration.

No money order shall be issued for more than fifty dollars, the fee for an order not exceeding ten dollars, 5 cents; for an order exceeding ten but not exceeding twenty dollars, 10 cents; for an order exceeding twenty but not exceeding thirty dollars, 15 cents; for an order exceeding thirty but not exceeding forty dollars, 20 cents; and for an order exceeding forty dollars, 25 cents.

Act of January 9, 1873 (17 Stat. 406):

Amended the act of June 8, 1872, so as to authorize the transmission by mail of packages of seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, and scions of any weight, for each of such packages, not exceeding 4 pounds, at a rate of postage of 1 cent for each 2 ounces or fractions of an ounce.

January 1, 1874:

No Order changing registry fees, effective this date, has been found but in Postmaster General's Report for 1874 (p. 6) the statement is made that the fee for registration of letters was reduced to 8 cents on January 1 of that year.

Act of June 23, 1874 (18 Stat. 232, 233, 237):

On and after January 1, 1875, on all newspapers and periodical publications mailed from a known office of publication or news agency and ad-dressed to regular subscribers or news agents, postage shall be charged at the following rates:

On newspapers and periodical publications issued weekly and more frequently than once a week, 2 cents a pound or fraction thereof, and on those issued less frequently than once a week, 3 cents a pound or fraction thereof: Provided, That nothing in this act shall be held to change the rates of post-age applicable under the act of June 8, 1872, to newspapers (excepting weeklies), periodicals, and circulars deposited in a letter-carrier office for delivery by its carriers.

Upon the receipt of such newspapers and periodical publications at the office of mailing, they shall be weighed in bulk, and postage paid thereon by a special adhesive stamp, to be devised and furnished by the Postmaster General, which shall be affixed to such matter, or to the sack containing the same, or upon a memorandum of such mailing, or otherwise, as the Post-master General may provide.

Mailable matter of the third class (except books published or circulated by order of Congress) may not exceed 4 pounds for each package, and postage shall be charged thereon at the rate of 1 cent for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof.

Postage on public documents mailed by any Member of Congress, the President, or head of any executive department shall be 10 cents for each bound volume, and on unbound documents the same rate as that on news-papers mailed from a known office of publication to regular subscribers; and the postage on the Daily Congressional Record, mailed from the city of Washington as transient matter, shall be 1 cent.

Act of March 3, 1875 (18 Stat. 351 and 377):

Fees for money orders on and after July 1, 1875, shall be, for orders not exceeding fifteen dollars, 10 cents; for orders exceeding fifteen but not exceeding thirty dollars, 15 cents; for orders exceeding thirty but not exceeding forty dollars, 20 cents; for orders exceeding forty dollars, 25 cents.

Postage on third-class matter shall be charged at the rate of 1 cent for each ounce or fraction of an ounce.

Postmaster General Order, October 1, 1875 (Vol. 75, p. 323):

On and after July 1, 1875, the fee for registering a letter for delivery in the domestic or foreign mail service shall he 10 cents in addition to letter postage.

Act of July 12, 1876 (19 Stat. 82):

Transient newspapers and magazines, regular publications designed primarily for advertising purposes, or for free circulation, or for circulation at nominal rates, and all printed matter of the third class, except unsealedcirculars, shall be chargeable with postage at the rate of 1 cent for every 2 ounces or fraction thereof. This act permitted limited inscriptions and addresses on such matter.

Publishers of newspapers and periodicals may print on the wrappers of newspapers or magazines sent to regular subscribers the time to which subscription therefor has been paid.

Addresses upon postal cards and unsealed circulars may be either written, printed, or affixed thereto, at the option of the sender.

Act of March 3, 1879 (20 Stat. 358–361):

Repealed all former laws relating to the classification of mail matter and rates of postage and divides mail matter into four classes: First, written matter; second, periodical publications; third, miscellaneous printed matter; fourth, merchandise.

First-class matter shall embrace letters, postal cards, and all matters wholly or partly in writing, except such writing as is authorized to be placed on mail of other classes.

On matter of the first class, except postal cards and drop letters, postage shall be prepaid at the rate of 3 cents for each half ounce or fraction thereof. Postal cards shall be transmitted through the mails at a postage charge of 1 cent each. Drop letters shall be mailed at the rate of 2 cents per half ounce or fraction thereof, including delivery at letter-carrier offices, and 1 cent for each half ounce or fraction thereof where free delivery by carrier is not established.

Second-class matter shall embrace all newspapers and other periodical publications which are issued at stated intervals, as frequently as four times a year, and meet the following conditions upon which a publication shall be admitted to the second class:

1. It must regularly be issued at stated intervals, as frequently as four times a year, and bear a date of issue, and be numbered consecutively.

2. It must be issued from a known office of publication.

3. It must be formed of printed paper sheets, without board, cloth, leather, or other substantial binding, such as distinguish printed books for preservation from periodical publications.

4. It must be originated and published for the dissemination of information of a public character, or devoted to literature, the sciences, arts, or some special industry, and having a legitimate list of subscribers: Provided., however, That nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to admit to the second-class rate regular publications designed primarily for advertising purposes, or for free circulation, or for circulation at nominal rates

There may be inserted in periodicals advertisements attached permanently to the same.

Publications of the second class, when sent by the publisher thereof and from the office of publication, or when sent from a news agency, to actual subscribers thereto, or to other news agents, shall be entitled to transmission through the mails at the postage rate of 2 cents a pound or fraction thereof; except that publications of the second class, one copy to each actual sub-scriber residing in the county where the same are printed, in whole or

in part, and published, shall go free through the mails; but the same shall not be delivered at letter-carrier offices or distributed by carriers unless postage is paid thereon at the rate of 2 cents a pound or fraction thereof:

Provided, That the rate of postage on newspapers, excepting weeklies, and periodicals not exceeding 2 ounces in weight, when the same are deposited in a letter-carrier office for delivery by its carriers, shall be uniform at 1 cent each; periodicals weighing more than 2 ounces shall be subject, when delivered by such carriers, to a postage of 2 cents each.

Third-class matter shall embrace books, transient newspapers, and periodicals, circulars, and other matter wholly in print not included in second-class matter, proof sheets, corrected proof sheets, and manuscript copy accompanying the same.

Postage on printed matter of the third class shall be prepaid at the rate of 1 cent for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof by stamps affixed.

Fourth-class matter shall embrace all matter not embraced in the first, second, or third class, which is not in its form or nature liable to destroy, deface, or otherwise damage the contents of the mail bag, or harm the person of any one engaged in the postal service, and is not above the weight provided by law, which is hereby declared to be not exceeding 4 pounds for each package, except in case of single books weighing in excess of that amount, and except for books and documents published and circulated by order of Congress, or official matter emanating from any of the departments of the Government or from the Smithsonian Institution.

All matter of the fourth class shall be subject to a postage charge at the rate of 1 cent an ounce or fraction thereof, to be prepaid by stamps affixed.

No package the contents of which can not easily be examined shall pass in the mails, or be delivered at a less rate than for matter of the first class.

Mail matter of the first class upon which one full rate of postage has been prepaid shall be forwarded to its destination, charged with the unpaid rate, to be collected on delivery.

Act of March 3, 1883 (22 Stat. 455 and 527):

Reduced the postage on first-class matter to 2 cents a halt ounce or fraction thereof on and after October 1, 1883.

Authorized money orders for not to exceed one hundred dollars and fixed the fee for orders not exceeding ten dollars, 8 cents; for orders exceeding ten but not exceeding fifteen dollars, 10 cents; for orders exceeding fifteen but not exceeding thirty dollars, 15 cents; for orders exceeding thirty but not exceeding forty dollars, 20 cents; for orders exceeding forty but not exceeding fifty dollars, 25 cents; for orders exceeding fifty but not exceeding sixty dollars, 30 cents; for orders exceeding sixty but not exceeding seventy dollars, 35 cents; for orders exceeding seventy but not exceeding eighty dollars, 40 cents; and for orders exceeding eighty dollars, 45 cents.

Act of June 9, 1884 (23 Stat. 40):

The rate of postage on newspapers and periodical publications of the second class, when sent by others than the publisher or news agent, shall be 1 cent for each 4 ounces or fraction thereof, to be prepaid with stamps affixed.

Act of March 3, 1885 (23 Stat. 387):

Reduced the rate of postage on first-class matter on and after July 1, 1885, to 2 cents for each ounce or fraction thereof; and fixes the rate for drop letters at 2 cents an ounce or fraction thereof, including delivery at letter-carrier offices, and 1 cent for each ounce or fraction thereof where free delivery by carrier is not established.

Publications of the second class, except as provided in the act of March 3, 1879, for free county circulation and for delivery at letter-carrier offices, when sent by the publisher thereof and from the office of publication, or when sent from a news agency, to actual subscribers thereto or to other news agents, shall, on and after July 1, 1885, be entitled to transmission through the mails at 1 cent a pound or fraction thereof.

A special stamp of the value of 10 cents, attached to a letter in addition to the lawful postage thereon, the delivery of which is to be at a free-delivery office, or at any city, town, or village containing a population of 4,000 or over, according to the Federal census, shall be regarded as entitling such letter to immediate delivery within the carrier limit of any free-delivery office which may be designated by the Postmaster General as a special-delivery office, or within 1 mile of the post office at any other office coming within the provisions of this section which may in like manner be designated as a special-delivery office. Such specially stamped letters shall be delivered from 7 o'clock a. m. up to 12 o'clock midnight at offices designated by the Postmaster General under this act.

Postmaster General Order, October 1, 1879 (Vol. 82, p. 260):

Extended the system of registration of mail to matter of the third class. Act of June 29, 1886 (24 Stat. 86):

Provided a fee of 5 cents for each money order not exceeding five dollars. Act of August 4, 1886 (24 Stat. 220):

Every article of mailable matter upon which the special-delivery stamp provided for by the act of March 3, 1885. 23 Stat. 387, shall be duly affixed, shall be entitled to immediate delivery within the carrier-delivery limit of any free-delivery office, and within 1 mile of any free-delivery office, and within 1 mile of any other post office which the Postmaster General shall at any time designate as a special-delivery post office. The Postmaster General may prescribe the hours within which such immediate delivery shall be made at any post office. (By order of Postmaster General dated August 10, 1886, special-delivery matter shall be delivered at free-delivery offices on Sunday, and at all other offices if open on Sunday. Special delivery must be made at all post offices on holidays.)

Act of July 24, 1888 (25 Stat. 347):

Rate of postage on seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions, and plants reduced to 1 cent for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof.

Act of January 16, 1889 (25 Stat. 650):

The omission by the sender to place the lawful postage upon a letter bearing special-delivery stamps and otherwise entitled to immediate delivery under the provisions of the act of March 3, 1885, shall not hinder or delay

the transmission and delivery thereof as provided by that act, but such lawful postage shall be collected upon its delivery in the manner provided by law for the collection of deficient postage resulting from the overweight of letters.

Act of January 27, 1894 (28 Stat. 31):

The fee for a money order not exceeding two dollars and fifty cents shall be 3 cents; for an order exceeding two dollars and fifty cents but not exceeding five dollars, 5 cents; for an order exceeding five but not exceeding ten dollars, 8 cents; for an order exceeding ten but not exceeding twenty dollars, 10 cents; for an order exceeding twenty but not exceeding thirty dollars, 12 cents; for an order exceeding thirty but not exceeding forty dollars, 15 cents; for an order exceeding forty but not exceeding fifty dollars, 18 cents; for an order exceeding fifty but not exceeding sixty dollars, 20 cents; for an order exceeding sixty but not exceeding seventy-five dollars, 25 cents; and for an order exceeding seventy-five dollars, 30 cents.

Act of July 16, 1894 (28 Stat. 105):

Provided that all periodical publications issued from a known place of publication at stated intervals and as frequently as four times a year by or under the auspices of a benevolent or fraternal society or order organized under the lodge system and having a bona fide membership of not less than 1,000 persons or by a regularly incorporated institution of learning or by or under the auspices of a trades-union and all publications of strictly professional, literary, historical, or scientific societies including the bulletins issued by State boards of health shall be admitted to the mails as second-class matter and the postage thereon shall be the same as on other second-class matter and no more: Provided, That such matter shall be originated and published to further the objects and purposes of such society, order, trades-union, or institution of learning and shall be formed of printed paper sheets without board, cloth, leather, or other substantial binding such as distinguish printed books for preservation from periodical publications.

Act of June 8, 1896 (29 Stat. 262):

Defined fourth-class matter as follows: Mailable matter of the fourth class shall embrace all matter not embraced in the first, second, or third class which is not in its form or nature liable to destroy, deface, or other-wise damage the contents of the mail bag or harm the person of anyone engaged in the Postal Service, and is not above the weight provided by law, which is hereby declared to be not exceeding 4 pounds for each package thereof, except in the case of single books weighing in excess of that amount, and except for books and documents published or circulated by order of Congress, or printed or written official matter emanating from any of the departments of the Government or from the Smithsonian Institution.

Act of May 19, 1898 (30 Stat. 419): (Editor: Effective – 1-Jul)

Provided for the transmission by mail at the postage rate of 1 cent a piece, under such regulations as the Postmaster General may prescribe, of written messages on private mailing cards.

Act of June 13, 1898 (30 Stat. 443-444):

After June 30, 1898, the use of newspaper and periodical stamps may be discontinued, and postage on second-class matter, which shall be prepaid, shall be collected and accounted for under such regulations as the Post-master General may prescribe.

Second, third, and fourth class mail matter shall not be returned to sender or remailed until the postage has been fully prepaid on the same. In all cases where undelivered matter of these classes is of obvious value the sender, if known, shall be notified of the fact of nondelivery, and be given the opportunity of prepaying the return postage.

Act of March 2, 1899 (30 Stat. 984):

Provided that all letters written in point print or raised characters used by the blind, when unsealed shall be transmitted through the mails as third-class matter.

Act of April 28, 1904 (33 Stat. 440):

Under such regulations as the Postmaster General may establish for the collection of the lawful revenue and for facilitating the handling of such matter in the mails, it shall be lawful to accept for transmission in the mails quantities of not less than 2,000 identical pieces of third or fourth class matter without postage stamps affixed: Provided, That postage shall be fully prepaid thereon, at the rate required by law for a single piece of such matter.

Act of March 2, 1907 (34 Stat. 1244):

When in addition to the stamps required to transmit any letter or package through the mails there shall be attached to the envelope or covering 10 cents worth of ordinary stamps of any denomination, with the words "Special Delivery" or their equivalent written or printed on the envelope or covering, under such regulations as the Postmaster General may prescribe, the said package shall be handled, transmitted, and delivered as though it bore a regulation "Special-delivery" stamp.

Order No. 340, May 15, 1907:

The charge for special delivery of mail matter shall be 10 cents for each piece to be prepaid by a special-delivery stamp, or by 10 cents worth of ordinary stamps affixed thereto.

Act of May 12, 1910 (36 Stat. 366):

That hereafter when copies of any publication of the second class, mailed by a publisher at the pound rate or free in the county of publication, are undeliverable at the address thereon, the postmaster at the office of destination shall promptly notify the publisher of the fact, giving the reason there-for, and copies received five weeks after the mailing of the notice to the publisher, and in no instance until two successive issues thereof have been published, shall, under such regulations as the Postmaster General may pre-scribe, be separately returned to the publisher thereof, charged with postage at the third-class rate. All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this act are hereby repealed.

Act of June 25, 1910 (36 Stat. 814—819):

Established postal savings depositories for depositing savings at interest with the security of the Government for repayment. Prescribed a minimum deposit of $1.00 but authorized the use of postal savings stamps in minimum amounts of 10 cents. Set the rate of interest at 2 percent per year and limited balance to credit of any one person to $500. Authorized the issuance to depositors of bonds in denominations of $20, $40, $60, $80, $100, and $500, bearing interest at 2 ½ percent per year.

Act of August 24, 1912 (37 Stat. 550, 551, 553, 557, 558):

Provided for the admission to the second class of mail matter of periodical publications issued by State boards or departments of public charities and corrections. Extended the right to carry advertising matter to periodical publications issued by or under the auspices of benevolent or fraternal societies, or orders, or trades-unions, or by strictly professional, literary, historical, or scientific societies; provided such periodicals are not designed or published primarily for advertising purposes and their circulation through the mails is limited to copies mailed to such members as pay therefor, either as a part of their dues or assessments, or otherwise, not less than 50 per centum of the regular subscription price; to other bona fide subscribers; to exchanges, and 10 per centum of such circulation as sample copies, and also provided that when such members pay therefor as a part of their dues or assessments, individual subscriptions or receipts shall not be required. This act also provides that the office of publication of any such periodical publication shall be fixed by the association or body by which it is published, or by its executive board, and said publication shall be printed at such place and entered at the nearest post office thereto.

Made it the duty of the editor, publisher, business manager, or owner of every publication entered as second-class matter, except religious, fraternal, temperance, and scientific or other similar publications, to file, not later than April 1 and October 1 of each year, and publish a statement of owner-ship, management, and also in the case of daily newspapers, the average of the number of copies of each issue of such publication sold or distributed to paid subscribers during the preceding six months.

Required all editorial or other reading matter in second-class publications for the publication of which money or other valuable consideration is paid, accepted, or promised, to be plainly marked "advertisement" and made failure to do so an offense punishable by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $500.

Established the domestic parcel-post system, effective January 1, 1913. Provides that fourth-class mail matter shall embrace all matter, including farm and factory products, not embraced in either the first, second, or third class, not exceeding 11 pounds In weight nor greater in size than 72 inches in length and girth combined, nor in form or kind likely to injure the person of any postal employee, or damage the mail equipment, or other mail matter, and not of a character perishable within a period reasonably required for transportation and delivery.

The rate of postage on fourth-class matter weighing not more than 4 ounces shall be 1 cent for each ounce or fraction of an ounce; and on suchmatter in excess of 4 ounces in weight the rate shall be by the pound, the postage in all cases to be prepaid by distinctive postage stamps affixed, and graduated according to distance or zone, for which purpose the United States and its several Territories and possessions, excepting the Philippine Islands, shall be divided into units of area 30 minutes square, identical with a quarter of the area formed by the intersecting parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude. Such units of area shall be the basis of eight postal zones.

On all matter mailed at the post office from which a rural route starts, for delivery on such route, or mailed at any point on such route for delivery to any other point thereon, or at the office from which the route starts, or on any rural route starting therefrom, and on all matter mailed at a city-carrier office, or at any point within its delivery limits, for delivery by carriers from that office, or at any office for local delivery, 5 cents for the first pound or fraction of a pound and 1 cent for each additional pound or fraction of a pound.

The rates fixed for the various zones for the first pound or fraction of a pound and for each additional pound or fraction of a pound were:

This act authorized the Postmaster General, subject to the consent of the Interstate Commerce Commission after investigation, to reform the classification, weight limit, rates, zone or zones, or conditions, or either, in order to promote the service to the public or to insure the receipt of revenue from such service adequate to pay the cost thereof.

Provided that all expenditures in postal savings system shall be audited by the Auditor for the Post Office Department.

Directed the Postmaster General to establish a system to indemnify mailers for loss or damage to articles, handled in the mails.

Postmaster General Order No. 6685, November 30, 1912, effective January 1, 1913:

Established an insurance system to indemnify a mailer for loss of parcels in an amount equivalent to actual value but not to exceed $50 for a 10 cent fee. Also provided for a return receipt to be obtained from addressee and mailed to the sender.

Postmaster General Order No. 6888, February 27, 1913, effective July 1, 1913:

Established a collect-on-delivery service for parcels fully prepaid with postage and limits the amount to be collected at not exceeding $100 for a

fee of 10 cents. Also provided insurance against loss for the actual value but not to exceed $50 without additional charge.

Order No. 7241, June 26, 1913, effective July 1, 1913:

Discontinued the printing of distinctive parcel-post stamps and authorized the use on fourth-class or parcel-post mail of ordinary postage stamps.

Postmaster General Order No. 7246, June 27, 1913, effective July 1, 1913:

Fee for insurance against loss of a parcel in an amount equivalent to its actual value but not to exceed $25 shall be 5 cents; and the fee for actual value but not to exceed $50 shall be 10 cents.

Order No.. 7349, July 25, 1913, effective August 15, 1913:

Increased limit of weight for fourth-class or parcel-post matter from 11 pounds to 20 pounds in first and second zones, and reduced the rates of postage on parcels addressed for local delivery or for delivery in the first and second zones to the following: For local delivery, 5 cents for the first pound and 1 cent for each additional 2 pounds; for delivery elsewhere with-in the first zone, 5 cents for the first pound and 1 cent for each additional pound. Second zone, 5 cents for the first pound and 1 cent for each additional pound.

Order No. 7705, December 6, 1913, effective March 16, 1914:

Placed hooks in fourth-class or parcel-post mail and fixed the rate of postage on parcels of books weighing 8 ounces or less at 1 cent for each 2 ounces or fraction of 2 ounces, and made the regular fourth-class or parcel-post zone rates apply to parcels of books weighing more than 8 ounces.

Order No. 7706, December 6, 1913, effective January 1, 1914:

Increased the limit of weight for fourth-class or parcel-post matter from 20 pounds to 50 pounds in first and second zones, and from 11 pounds to 20 pounds in the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth zones. Reduced the rates of postage for the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth zones, to the following: Third zone, 6 cents for the first pound and 2 cents for each additional pound. Fourth zones, 7 cents for the first pound and 4 cents for each additional pound. Fifth zone, 8 cents for the first pound and 6 cents for each additional pound. Sixth zone, 9 cents for the first pound and 8 cents for each additional pound.

Order No. 7721, December 18, 1913, effective January 1, 1914:

Prescribed that the rate of postage on gold coin, gold bullion, and gold dust shipped in the mails between any two points in Alaska or between any point in Alaska and any point in the United States or its possessions, at 2 cents an ounce or fraction thereof regardless of distance and required such gold to be inclosed in sealed packages not exceeding 11 pounds and sent as registered mail.

Order No. 7800, January 31, 1914:

Prescribed that parcels of miscellaneous printed matter weighing more than 4 pounds and conforming to the limit of weight and size prescribed for fourth-class matter conic within that class and are mailable at the fourth-class rates of postage.

Act of March 9, 1914 (38 Stat. 304):

Provided that seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions, and plants shall be embraced in and carried as fourth-class matter and for the same rates of postage.

Order No. 7890, March 14, 1914:

Provided that letters inclosed in envelopes properly addressed and prepaid at first-class rate may be attached to outside of parcels of fourth-class matter prepaid at fourth-class rates, such combination parcels to be treated as fourth-class mail. (This arrangement subsequently made applicable to matter of the second and third classes.)

Act of April 24, 1914 (38 Stat. 346):

Provided that all packages of seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions, and plants weighing 8 ounces or less shall he charged at the rate of 1 cent for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof.

Act of March 4, 1915 (38 Stat. 1113):

Provided that upon payment of postage therefor plants and plant products addressed to any State may be sent for inspection to a place in such State where the State maintains a place of inspection and that after inspection if the plants be not infested they will be forwarded to the addressee upon payment of the forwarding postage.

Order No. 8977, June 30, 1915, effective September 1, 1915:

Provided that a receipt for an ordinary parcel will be furnished to sender by mailing office on payment of 1 cent, a postage stamp to cover such charge to be affixed to the receipt and canceled.

Order No. 9005, July 10, 1915, effective July 19, 1915:

Increased the limit of size for parcels of fourth-class matter from 72 inches to 84 inches for length and girth combined.

Order No. 9010, July 13, 1915, effective September 1, 1915:

Increased the rate of postage on parcels of fourth-class matter addressed for delivery in the first and second zones in cases where the distance over the shortest regular mail route between the office of origin and the office of delivery is 300 miles or more, making the increased rate 6 cents for the first pound and 2 cents for each additional pound.

Postmaster General Order No. 9099, August 20, 1915, effective September 1, 1915

Prohibited the registration of fourth-class mail. Fee for insurance of parcels against loss not to exceed $5.00, 3 cents; not to exceed $25.00, 5 cents; not to exceed $50.00, 10 cents; and not to exceed $100.00, 25 cents.

Act of May 18, 1916 (39 Stat. 159 and 162):

Authorized acceptance of postal savings to a maximum of $1,000 for a single depositor, exclusive of accumulated interest, and also authorized the Board of Trustees to accept additional deposits not to exceed $1,000 for each depositor upon which no interest shall be paid.

Made the limit of weight of mail matter of the first class the same as that applicable to mail of the fourth class.

Provided that precanceled postage stamps may be furnished to postmasters by the department when practicable.

Reduced the minimum quantities of identical pieces of second- third- and fourth-class matter that may be accepted for mailing without stamps affixed to 300 in the case of second- and third-class matter and 250 in the case of fourth-class matter. Also provided that packages of money and securities may be mailed under postage at the first, or fourth-class rate by the Treasury Department without stamps affixed, the postage being paid in money.

Act of July 28, 1916 (39 Stat. 431):

Provided that before any change is made in weight limit, rates of postage, or zone or zones, with respect to fourth-class or parcel-post matter, by the Postmaster General, the proposed change shall be approved by the Inter-state Commerce Commission after thorough and independent consideration by that body in such manner as it may determine.

Postmaster General Order No. 434, June 20, 1917, effective July 1, 1917:

Authorized collect-on-delivery service for fourth-class parcels for a fee of 10 cents when amount to be remitted does not exceed $50.00 and a fee of 25 cents when the amount does not exceed $100.00. Also provides for insurance against injury or loss without additional charge.

Act of October 3, 1917 (40 Stat. 327, 328):

Provided that the rate of postage on all mail matter of the first class, except postal cards, shall, 30 days after the passage of this act, be, in addition to the existing rate, 1 cent for each ounce or fraction thereof : Provided, That the rate of postage on drop letters of the first class shall be 2 cents an ounce or fraction thereof. Postal cards, and private mailing or post cards when complying with the requirements of existing law, shall be transmitted through the mails at 1 cent each in addition to the existing rate.

Provided that the Postmaster General, on or before the tenth day of each month, shall pay to the general fund of the Treasury an amount equal to the difference between the estimated amount received during the preceding month for the transportation of first-class matter through the mails and the estimated amount which would have been received under the provisions of the law in force at the time of passage of this act.

Fixed the rates of postage on publications entered as second-class matter (including sample copies to the extent of 10 per centum of the weight of copies mailed to subscribers during the calendar year) when sent by the publisher thereof from the post office of publication or other post office, or when sent by a news agent to actual subscribers thereto, or to other news agents for the purpose of sale, as follows:

(a) In the case of the portion of such publication devoted to matter other than advertisements:

(b) In the case of the portion of such publication devoted to advertisements the rates per pound or fraction thereof for delivery within the several zones applicable to fourth-class matter shall be as follows (but where thespace devoted to advertisements does not exceed 5 per centum of the total space, the rate of postage shall be the same as if the whole of such publication was devoted to matter other than advertisements):

(1) On and after July 1, 1918, and until July 1, 1919--

For the first and second zones 1¼ For the sixth zone 2½

For the third zone 1½ For the seventh zone 3

For the fourth zone 2 For the eighth zone 3¼

For the fifth zone 2¼

(2) On and after July 1, 1919, and until July 1, 1920--

Cents Cents

For the first and second zones 1½ For the sixth zone 4

For the third zone 2 For the seventh zone 5

For the fourth zone 3 For the eighth zone 5½

For the fifth zone 3½

(3) On and after July 1, 1920, and until July 1, 1921--

Cents Cents

For the first and second zones 1¾ For the sixth zone 5½

For the third zone 2½ For the seventh zone 7

For the fourth zone 4 For the eighth zone 7¾

For the fifth zone 4¾

(4) On and after July 1, 1921--

Cents Cents

For the first and second zones 2 For the sixth zone 7

For the third zone 3 For the seventh zone 9

For the fourth zone 5 For the eighth zone 10

For the fifth zone 6

This act provided that where the total weight of any one edition or issue of any publication mailed to any one zone does not exceed 1 pound the rate of postage shall be 1 cent; also that the zone rates provided shall relate to the entire bulk mailed to any one zone and not to individually addressed packages.

In the case of newspapers and periodicals entitled to be entered as second-class matter and maintained by and in the interest of religious, educational, scientific, philanthropic, agricultural, labor, or fraternal organizations or associations, not organized for profit and none of the net income of which inures to the benefit of any private stockholder or individual, the rates shall be, irrespective of the zone in which delivered (except when deposited in a letter-carrier office for delivery by its carriers, in which case the rates shall be the same as now provided by law), 11/8 cents a pound or fraction thereof on and after July 1, 1918, and until July 1, 1919, and on and after July 1, 1919, 1 ¼ cents a pound or fraction thereof.

Provided that the rate of postage on daily newspapers, when the same are deposited in a letter-carrier office for delivery by its carriers, shall continue to be 1 cent each, and also provided that there shall be no change in the free county circulation and rates on second-class mail matter within the county of publication.

Provided that the rate on newspapers and periodicals mailed by others than the publisher or his agent or a news agent or dealer shall continue to be 1 cent for each 4 ounces or fraction thereof.

Provided that upon every parcel or package transported from one point in the United States to another by parcel post on which the postage amounts to 25 cents or more, a tax of 1 cent for each 25 cents or fractional part thereof charged for such transportation, shall be paid by means of internal-revenue stamps affixed.

Order No. 1140, February 26, 1918, effective March 15, 1918:

Increased the limit of weight for fourth-class matter to 70 pounds for the first, second, and third zones, and to 50 pounds for the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth zones.

Act of May 10, 1918 (40 Stat. 548):

Authorized the Postmaster General, in his discretion, to require the payment of postage on mail carried by airplane at not exceeding 24 cents per ounce or fraction thereof.

Order No. 1443, May 11, 1918, effective May 15, 1918:

Fixed the rate of postage for mail carried by airplane at 24 cents an ounce or fraction thereof, of which 10 cents shall be for special-delivery service, the postage to be fully prepaid with special airplane postage stamps or with ordinary postage stamps. Such mail shall consist of matter of the first class, including scaled parcels not exceeding 30 inches in length and girth combined and be indorsed "By airplane."

Order No. 1617, June 26, 1918, effective July 15, 1918:

Mail carried by airplane shall be charged with postage at the rate of 16 cents for the first ounce or fraction thereof and 6 cents for each additional ounce or fraction thereof, of which 10 cents shall be for special-delivery service.

Act of July 2, 1918 (40 Stat. 754):

Increased the maximum deposit of postal savings to $2,500 exclusive of accrued interest and discontinued non-interest paying deposits.

Order No. 2415, November 30, 1918, effective December 15, 1918:

Mail carried by airplane shall be charged with postage at the rate of 6 cents an ounce or fraction thereof. Special delivery service not accorded unless special delivery fee also prepaid.

Act of February 24, 1919 (40 Stat. 1150):

Restored rate of 2 cents for each ounce or fraction of an ounce for first-class matter, including drop letters at letter-carrier offices, and 1 cent per ounce for drop letters at offices not having letter-carrier service. Also restored rate of 1 cent each or Government postal cards and private mailing cards. (Editor: Effective 1-Jul-1919)

Act of February 28, 1919 (40 Stat. 1198) and Order No. 3492, September 9, 1919:

Provided that the rate on all fruits and vegetables mailed at a post office from which a motor-vehicle truck route, or country motor-express route starts, or at any point or post office on such route, for transportation over the route and delivery to any other point or post office on the same route, shall he 5 cents for the first pound or fraction of a pound and 1 centfor each additional 2 pounds or fraction thereof. (Rescinded by Order No. 5075, December 16, 1920.)

Order No. 3336, July 18, 1919, effective July 18, 1919:

Mail carried by airplane shall be charged with postage at the rate of 2 cents an ounce or fraction thereof.

Order No. 3406, August 8, 1919:

Increased to 125 pounds the limit of weight for surplus food products and other supplies under the control of the War Department sold to the public by that department and distributed to the purchasers through the mails, such increased limit to be inoperative as soon as such surplus products and supplies are sold.

Act of April 24, 1920 (41 Stat. 583):

Provided that when letters are returned from the dead-letter office to the mailers, a fee of 3 cents shall be collected at the time of delivery.

Authorized the acceptance of first-class matter for mailing without postage stamps affixed under such regulations as the Postmaster General may prescribe.

Act of November 23, 1921 (42 Stat. 321), effective January 1, 1922: Repealed the 1-cent tax on parcels of fourth class or parcel-post matter subject to 25 cents or more postage.

Act of March 3, 1923 (42 Stat. 1434):

Provided that single sheets or portions thereof from second-class publications sent in proof of insertion of advertisements to an advertiser or his agent shall be accepted for mailing at the second-class zone rates applicable to the advertising portion of publications.

Resolution of June 7, 1924 (43 Stat. 668):

Volumes of the Holy Scriptures, or any part thereof, in raised characters for the use of the blind, whether prepared by hand or printed, which do not contain advertisements, when furnished by an organization, institution, or association not conducted for private profit, to a blind person without charge, shall be transmitted in the United States mails free of postage; and, when furnished at a price not greater than the cost price thereof, at the postage rate of 1 cent for each pound or fraction thereof; under such regulations as the Postmaster General may prescribe.

Order No. 713, June 30, 1924:

Mail carried by airplane shall be fully prepaid with postage at the rate of 8 cents an ounce or fraction thereof for each zone or part of zone in which mail is carried by plane, such postage including transportation to and from air mail route as well as transportation by plane. Any mailable matter may be carried, including scaled parcels not exceeding 50 pounds in weight nor 84 inches in length and girth combined. Special airplane stamps may be used, but in lieu thereof ordinary stamps may be used, the matter being indorsed "Via Air Mail" in the latter case.

The New York-San Francisco route was the only one operated by the Post Office Department and for rating of postage is divided into three zones : (1) New York to Chicago, (2) Chicago to Cheyenne, and (3) Cheyenne to San Francisco.

Act of February 2, 1925 (43 Stat. 805):

Provided for the transportation of airmail under contract, the rates of postage on such mail to be not less than 10 cents for each ounce or fraction thereof.

Act of February 20, 1925 (43 Stat. 955):

Authorized the Postmaster General to issue permits to persons using Government stamped envelopes to deface the postage stamps thereon in connection with the placing on the envelopes of the name of the post office and State of mailing, together with such other indicia as may be prescribed, such envelopes being known as precanceled stamped envelopes.

Act of February 28, 1925 (43 Stat. 1066-1069), effective April 15, 1925:

Increased the rate of postage on private mailing cards to 2 cents each.

Changed the rates of postage per pound on the advertising portions of publications entered as second-class matter to the following: For the first and second zones, 2 cents; third zone 3 cents; fourth, fifth, and sixth zones, 6 cents; seventh and eighth zones, 9 cents.

Increased the rate of postage on publications of the second class maintained by and in the interest of religious, educational, scientific, philanthropic, agricultural, labor, and fraternal organizations or associations not organized for profit and none of the net income of which inures to the benefit of any private stockholder or individual, to 1½ cents per pound or fraction thereof.

Provided that the rate of postage on publications entered as second-class matter, when sent by others than the publisher or news agent, shall be 2 cents for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof for weights not exceeding 8 ounces, and for weights exceeding 8 ounces, the rates prescribed for fourth-class matter shall be applicable.

Defined third-class matter to embrace all matter not exceeding 8 ounces in weight not coming within matter of the first or second class.

Fixed the rate of postage on third-class matter at 1 cents for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof, except that the rate of postage on books, catalogues, seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions, and plants shall be 1 cent for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof.

Provided that the written additions permissible under existing law on mail matter of the third and fourth classes shall be permissible on either of these classes without discrimination on account of classification.

Defined fourth-class matter to embrace all matter weighing in excess of 8 ounces not coming within matter of the first or second class, and pre-scribes that there shall be a service charge of 2 cents on each parcel, except upon parcels collected on rural-delivery routes.

Provided that parcels of fourth-class matter on which 25 cents postage is prepaid in addition to the postage at the regular rates and indorsed "Special Handling" shall receive the same expeditious handling, transportation, and delivery accorded to mail matter of the first class.

Authorized the Postmaster General, subject to the consent of the Inter-state Commerce Commission after investigation, to modify the parcel-post rates of postage, limit of weight, zone or zones, or conditions in order to promote the service to the public or to insure the receipt of revenue from such service adequate to pay the cost thereof.

Authorized the Postmaster General to conduct experiments in the operation, on not more than 50 rural routes, to develop and encourage the transportation of food products directly from producers to consumers or vendors and for that purpose to reduce to such extent as he may deem advisable, the rate of postage on food products mailed directly on such routes for delivery at the post offices from which such routes start and to allow the rural carriers thereon a commission on the postage so received, the amount so paid not to exceed the actual amount of revenue derived from the experimental service.

Provided that to procure the immediate delivery of mail matter weighing more than 2 pounds and not more than 10 pounds, stamps to the value of 15 cents shall be affixed in addition to the regular postage; to procure the immediate delivery of mail matter weighing more than 10 pounds, stamps to the value of 20 cents shall be affixed in addition to the regular postage.

Reenacted the provisions of the act of March 2, 1907, permitting the use of ordinary stamps in payment of special-delivery service.

Modified the money order fees as follows:

Changes fees for insurance to 5 cents for indemnity not exceeding $5; 8 cents for indemnity not exceeding $25; 10 cents for indemnity not exceeding $50; and 25 cents for idemnity not exceeding $100.

Provided for a return receipt to be furnished the sender of an insured article showing to whom and when delivered for a fee of 3 cents.

The fee for collect-on-delivery service shall be 12 cents for collections not exceeding $10; 15 cents for collections not exceeding $50; and 25 cents for collections not exceeding $100.

Order No. 3817, January 19, 1926:

The rates of postage on mail carried by airplane on contract airmail routes shall be 10 cents for each ounce or fraction thereof on each route or part thereof not exceeding 1,000 miles in length; 15 cents for each ounce or fraction thereof on each route or part thereof exceeding 1,000 miles and not exceeding 1,500 miles in length; and 20 cents for each ounce or fraction thereof on each route or part thereof over 1,500 miles in length, direct air mileage to control in each case, with 5 cents for each ounce or fraction of an ounce additional for each airmail zone or part of such zone the mail is carried over Government operated airmail routes. Such postage includes any necessary transportation to and from the contract airmail routes except by airmail.

The rate of postage on mail carried on the New York-Chicago night route (Government-operated) shall be 10 cents for each ounce or fraction thereof.

Order No. 3880, February 4, 1926:

Provided that official matter exceeding 4 pounds in weight which is not mailable free under the penalty privilege shall be embraced in fourth-class mail and accepted for mailing at the rates prescribed for fourth-class matter.

Act of July 3, 1926 (44 Stat. 890):

Provided that the rate of postage on hotel and steamship room keys with metal or fiber tags securely attached thereto, there being indelibly stamped upon such tags explicit post-office address and instructions directing that key and tag be returned to the hotel or steamship of their origin, shall be 5 cents for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof if postage be collected on delivery.

Order No. 4961, December 23, 1926, effective February 1, 1927:

The rate of postage on mail carried by airplane on either Government-operated or contract airmail routes or on both, shall be 10 cents for each half ounce or fraction thereof regardless of distance.

Act of May 17, 1928 (45 Stat. 594):

The rate of postage on airmail shall not be less than 5 cents for each ounce or fraction thereof.

Act of May 29, 1928 (45 Stat. 940—944):

Reduced the rate of postage on private mailing cards to 1 cent each.

Provided for the acceptance without prepayment of postage of business reply cards and letters in business reply envelopes, the postage thereon at the regular rate, together with an additional postage charge of not more than 2 cents on each card and letter, to be collected on delivery.

Provided that on short-paid mail matter of the first class reaching the office of address, the deficient postage and, if it is short more than one rate (2 cents), an additional charge of 1 cent for each ounce or fraction thereof shall be collected.

Provided that the rates of postage per pound on the advertising portions of publications entered as second-class matter shall be as follows: First and second zones, 1 ½ cents; third zone, 2 cents; fourth zone, 3 cents; fifth zone, 4 cents; sixth zone, 5 cents; seventh zone, 6 cents; eighth zone, 7 cents.

Provided that when the number of individually addressed copies or packages of certain publications sent outside the county of publication is more than 32 and not in excess of 48 to the pound, double the regular rates shall be charged; when there are more than 48 and not in excess of 64 such copies or packages to the pound, three times the regular rates shall be required, and for each additional 16 individually addressed copies or packages to the pound in excess of 64 there shall be a corresponding increase of postage over the regular rates.

Reduced the rate of postage on publications entered as second-class matter, when sent by others than the publisher or news agent, to 1 cent for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof.

Fixed the rate of postage on third-class matter at 1Y2 cents for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof, except that the rate of postage on books, catalogues, seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions, and plants shall be 1 cent for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof, except for library books: Provided, That separately addressed identical pieces of third-class matter shall be accepted under such regulations as the Postmaster General may establish for facilitating the handling of the matter in the mails, in quantities of not less than 20 pounds or of not less than 200 pieces, at the rate of 12 cents for each pound or fraction thereof, except in the case of books, catalogues, seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots, scions, and plants on which the rate shall be 8 cents for each pound or fraction thereof computed on the entire bulk mailed at one time, but the rate shall not be less than 1 cent a piece.

Fixed the following zone rates of postage on fourth-class matter for the first pound and for each additional pound:

Provided, That the rate of postage on matter of the fourth class when mailed on rural routes shall be, for local delivery and for delivery within the first, second, and third zones, 2 cents less than the rates prescribed above, and for delivery within the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth zones, 1 cent less than the rates above prescribed.

Reenacted provision authorizing the Postmaster General, subject to con-sent of the Interstate Commerce Commission after investigation, to reform classification, weight limit, rates, zone or zones, or conditions, or either, applicable to fourth-class matter, in order to promote the service to the public or to insure the receipt of revenue from such service adequate to pay the cost thereof.

Provided that the rate of postage on library books containing no advertising matter other than incidental announcements of books, when sent by public libraries, organizations, or associations not organized for profit and none of the net income of which inures to the benefit of any private stock-holder or individual, as a service to county or other unit libraries, or as a loan to readers, or when returned by the libraries or readers to such public libraries, organizations, or associations, shall be 3 cents for the first pound and 1 cent for each additional pound or fraction thereof, when addressed for local delivery or for delivery in the first, second, or third zone, or within the State in which mailed, provided that the regular third- or fourth-class

rate shall apply in every case where such rate is lower than the rate herein prescribed.

Provided that parcels of fourth-class matter indorsed "Special Handling" shall receive the same expeditious handling, transportation, and delivery accorded to mail matter of the first class on prepayment by means of stamps affixed, in addition to the regular postage, of 10 cents for parcels weighing not more than 2 pounds, 15 cents for parcels weighing more than 2 pounds but not more than 10 pounds, and 20 cents for parcels exceeding 10 pounds in weight.

To procure immediate delivery of mail matter of the first class weighing not more than 2 pounds, stamps of the value of 10 cents shall be affixed in addition to the regular postage; matter weighing more than 2 pounds and not more than 10 pounds, stamps to the value of 20 cents shall be affixed in addition to the regular postage; and matter weighing more than 10 pounds, stamps to the value of 25 cents shall be affixed in addition to the regular postage.

Mail matter of other than the first class bearing, in addition to the regular postage, a special-delivery stamp of the proper denomination or the equivalent thereof in ordinary stamps, with the words "Special Delivery" written or printed on the wrapper when ordinary stamps are used, shall receive the same expeditious handling and transportation as is accorded to mail matter of the first class and shall be accorded immediate delivery at the office of address under such regulations as the Postmaster General may prescribe.

To procure immediate delivery of mail matter of other than the first class weighing not more than 2 pounds, stamps to the value of 15 cents shall be affixed in addition to the regular postage; weighing more than 2 pounds but not more than 10 pounds, stamps to the value of 25 cents shall be affixed in addition to the regular postage, and for matter weighing more than 10 pounds, stamps to the value of 35 cents shall be affixed in addition to the regular postage.

Order No. 7773, June 7, 1928, effective August 1, 1928:

The rate of postage on airmail shall be 5 cents for the first ounce and 10 cents for each additional ounce or fraction thereof.

Order No. 8228, September 8, 1928, effective October 1, 1928:

Rates on business reply cards and letters in business reply envelopes reduced, effective October 1, 1928, to 2 cents for business reply cards, and for letters in business reply envelopes to 2 cents an ounce or fraction thereof plus 1 cent additional for each letter.

Airmail routes established by instructions of Second Assistant Postmaster General dated December 19, 1928, and January 18, 1929:

Airmail service established between Miami, Fla., and San Juan, P. R., beginning January 9, 1929, and between Miami and Cristobal, Canal Zone, beginning February 4, 1929. Rate of postage to and from the United States and Porto Rico, 10 cents for each half ounce or fraction, in addition to regular postage, and to and from the United States and Canal Zone, 25 cents for each half ounce or fraction, in addition to regular postage.

Act of February 14, 1929 (45 Stat. 1177):

The Postmaster General was authorized, under such regulations as he may prescribe, to provide collect-on-delivery service for any class of sealed matter bearing the first-class rate of postage.

Change in airmail rates by instructions of Third Assistant Postmaster General dated March 20, 1929:

Rate on airmail to and from the United States and Porto Rico, and to and from the United States and Canal Zone, 10 cents and 25 cents, respectively, for each half ounce or fraction thereof, including regular postage.

Further changes in airmail rates by instructions of Third Assistant Post-

master General dated August 26, 1929, effective September 20, 1929:

The rate of postage on airmail exchanged between the United States or Porto Rico and the Virgin Islands of the United States, is 10 cents for each half ounce or fraction thereof; and on such mail exchanged between the Virgin Islands of the United States and the Canal Zone, 25 cents for each half ounce or fraction thereof.

Postmaster General Order No. 8949, June 7, 1929, effective July 1, 1929:

Prescribed maximum amount to be collected on delivery of registered
mail to be $100 and fixes the following fees which include registration:

Amount of C. O. D. charges and C. O. D. fee including

limits of indemnity payable registration

Not over $10 25 cents

From $10.01 to $50 30 cents

From $50.01 to $100 40 cents

When indemnity in excess of $100 is desired for loss, rifling or damage the following fees which include registration are chargeable:

Amount of indemnity regardless C. O. D. fee including

of C. O. D. charges registration

From $100.01 to $200 50 cents

From $200.01 to $300 60 cents

From $300.01 to $400 70 cents

From $400.01 to $500 80 cents

From $500.01 to $600 . 90 cents

From $600.01 to $700 $1.00

From $700.01 to $800 $1.10

From $800.01 to $1000 $1.20

Postmaster General Order No. 9821, January 21, 1930, effective February 1, 1930:

Extended maximum insurance to $200, except the maximum for insured mail addressed to Canal Zone and to the Philippine Islands shall not exceed $100. Fee is 30 cents for insurance from $100.01 to $150 and from $150.01 to $200 the fee is 35 cents.

Modified C. O. D. service to permit collections not exceeding $200 and sets fee of 35 cents for collection of charges (or additional insurance) from $100.01 to $150 and fee of 45 cents for collection (or additional insurance) from $150.01 to $200. Collections not exceeding $200 also authorized for registered C. O. D. mail for a fee of 50 cents including registration.

Acts of May 9, 1930 (46 Stat. 264):

The Postmaster General was authorized, under such regulations as he may prescribe, to issue a permit to persons using Government-stamped envelopes and to persons using Government postal cards to deface the postage stamps thereon in connection with the placing on the envelopes and postal cards of the name of the post office and State of mailing, together with such other indicia as may be prescribed.

Under such regulations as the Postmaster General may prescribe, undeliverable parcels containing perishable matter may be sold and the amount realized, less a commission of 10 per centum, but in no case less than 15 cents, shall be remitted to the sender or other rightful owner. (Order No. 10406, June 18, 1930, prescribed that postage-due stamps representing the amount retained as commission for the sale of the articles shall be affixed to the parcel or to a tag or sheet of paper attached to the article, canceled and delivered with the matter to the purchaser.)

The Postmaster General may charge a fee of 10 cents for postal services in effecting delivery of collect-on-delivery mail upon terms differing from those originally stipulated at the time of mailing.

Act of May 23, 1930 (46 Stat. 377):

Under such regulations as the Postmaster General may prescribe any collect-on-delivery parcel which the addressee fails to remove from the post office within fifteen days from the first attempt to deliver or the first notice of arrival at the office of address may be returned to the sender, charged with the return postage, whether or not such parcel bears any specified time limit for delivery; and a demurrage charge of not exceeding 5 cents per day may be collected when delivery has not been made to either the addressee or the sender until after the expiration of the prescribed period.

Act of June 9, 1930 (46 Stat. 526):

Typewriting shall continue to be classed as handwriting as provided by the postal laws and regulations.

The Postmaster General, under such regulations as he may prescribe for the collection of such postage, is hereby authorized to accept for delivery and deliver, without postage stamps affixed thereto, mail matter of the first class on which the postage has been fully prepaid at the rate provided by law: Provided, That such first-class matter on which the postage is paid in connection with a metered device set by the postmaster for a given number of impressions paid for at the time of setting and which automatically locks upon the exhaustion of such impressions may, if through inadvertance it is not fully prepaid but is prepaid at least 2 cents, be accorded the same treatment as is provided for such short-paid first-class matter mailed with postage stamps affixed: Provided further, That metered permit matter of the third class, except bulk mailings of such matter under the provisions of section 6 of the act of May 29, 1928 (45 Stat. 941, 39 U. S. Code, Sup. I11, sec. 291), may be mailed in such quantities as the Postmaster General may prescribe.

Act of January 31, 1931 (46 Stat. 1049):

When a sender of an insured article pays a fee of 5 cents and requests a return receipt subsequent to the time of mailing, a receipt showing to whom and when the insured mail was delivered shall be obtained. For a fee of 23 cents paid at time of mailing, a return receipt shall be obtained showing to whom, when and the address where the insured article was delivered.

Authorized return receipts to be furnished for registered mail and fixed fee of 3 cents for receipt requested at time of mailing showing when and to whom delivered; a fee of 5 cents for such a receipt requested subsequent to time of mailing, and a fee of 23 cents for return receipt requested at time of mailing showing to whom, when and where the registered mail was delivered.

Act of March 2, 1931 (46 Stat. 1470):

To procure the most expeditious handling and transportation practicable of mail matter of the fourth class, special-handling stamps shall be affixed thereto, in addition to the regular postage, in accordance with the following schedule: Matter weighing not more than 2 pounds, 10 cents; matter weighing more than 2 but not more than 10 pounds, 15 cents; matter weighing more than 10 pounds, 20 cents: Provided, That, under such regulations as the Postmaster General may prescribe, ordinary postage stamps of equivalent value may be accepted in lieu of the special-handling stamps herein specified.

Order No. 1415, July 14, 1931, effective August 1, 1931:

Prescribed that on parcels measuring more than 84 inches but not more than 100 inches in length and girth combined the minimum postage charge shall be the zone charge applicable to a 10-pound parcel.

Order No. 1416, July 14, 1931, effective August 1, 1931:

Increased the limit of weight for fourth-class matter for the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth zones, from 50 to 70 pounds and increases the limit of size from 84 to 100 inches for length and girth combined.

Order No. 1619, August 26, 1931:

Mail carried by airplane shall not exceed 70 pounds in weight and shall not exceed 100 inches in length and girth combined.

Order No. 2388, April 7, 1932, effective October 1, 1932:

Fixed the rate of postage on fourth-class matter as follows:

Zones First Pound Additional pounds Cents

Local 7 1 cent each 2 pounds

1 and 2 8 1.1 cents each pound

3 9 2 cents each pound

4 10 3.5 cents each pound

5 11 5.3 cents each pound

6 12 7 cents each pound

7 14 9 cents each pound

8 15 11 cents each pound

Provided that postage on matter of the fourth class when mailed on rural routes shall be, for local delivery, 2 cents per parcel less than at the rates shown above and, for other than local delivery, 3 cents per parcel less than at the rates shown above.

Act of June 6, 1932 (sec. 1001-47 Stat. 285):

(a) On and after the thirtieth day after the date of the enactment of this act and until July 1, 1934, the rate of postage on all mail matter of the first class (except postal cards and private mailing or post cards, and except other first-class matter on which the rate of postage under existing law is 1 cent for each ounce or fraction thereof) shall be 1 cent for each ounce or fraction thereof in addition to the rate provided by existing law.

(b) On and after July 1, 1932, and until July 1, 1934, on the advertising portion of any publication entered as second-class matter subject to the zone rates of postage under existing law, the rates per pound or fraction thereof for delivery within the eight postal zones established for fourth-class matter shall be as follows :

For the first and second zones, 2 cents.

For the third zone, 3 cents.

For the fourth zone, 5 cents.

For the fifth zone, 6 cents.

For the sixth zone, 7 cents.

For the seventh one, 9 cents.

For the eighth zone, and between the Philippine Islands and any

portion of the United States, including the District of Columbia and

the several Territories and possessions, 10 cents.

Order No. 2562, June 7, 1932:

Fixed the postage charge on business reply cards and letters in business reply envelopes at 1 cent each in addition to postage at the regular first-class rates for post cards and letters.

Order No. 2564, June 7, 1932, effective July 6, 1932:

Fixed the rate of postage on mail carried by airplane at 8 cents for the first ounce or fraction thereof and 13 cents for each additional ounce or fraction thereof, regardless of distance.

Act of June 28, 1932 (47 Stat. 338-341):

Copies of a publication, other than a weekly, hereafter admitted to the second class of mail matter, when mailed by the publisher or registered news agent at a post office where it is entered, for delivery by letter carriers at a different post office within the delivery limits of which the headquarters or general business offices of the publishers are located, shall be chargeable with postage at the rate that would be applicable if the copies were mailed at the latter office, unless the postage chargeable at the pound rates from the office of mailing is higher, in which case such higher rates shall apply, but this provision shall not be applicable to publications already entered as second-class matter which retain their entry at the post office where now entered.

Registered mail having a declared value in excess of the maximum indemnity covered by the registry fee paid thereon shall be charged additional fees as follows:

Declared value exceeds indemnity by Additional charge

Not more than $50 1 cent.

Not more than $100 2 cents.

Not more than $200 3 cents.

Not more than $400 4 cents.

Not more than $600 5 cents.

Not more than $800 6 cents.

Not more than $1,000 7 cents.

For each additional $1,000 or part of $1,000 the additional charge shall be computed on the several parcel-post zones as follows:

The fee for insurance for indemnity not exceeding $5 shall be 5 cents; for indemnity not exceeding $25, 10 cents; for indemnity not exceeding $50, 15 cents; for indemnity not exceeding $100, 25 cents; for indemnity not exceeding $150, 30 cents; and for indemnity not exceeding $200, 35 cents.

The fee for collect-on-delivery service for collections and indemnity not to exceed $5, 12 cents; for collections and indemnity not to exceed $25, 17 cents; for collections and indemnity not to exceed $50, 22 cents; for collections and indemnity not to exceed $150, 40 cents; and for collections and indemnity not to exceed $200, 45 cents.

Act of July 5, 1932 ( 47 Stat. 579):

The rate of postage on publications entered as second-class matter when sent by others than the publisher or news agent shall be 1 cent for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof, except when the postage at the rates prescribed for fourth-class matter is lower, in which case the latter rates shall apply: Provided, That these rates shall also apply to sample copies of publications entered as second-class matter mailed in excess of the quantity entitled by law to be sent at the pound rates, and to copies mailed by publishers to other than subscribers or to persons who are not properly includable in the legitimate list of subscribers required by law.

Act of July 21, 1932 (47 Stat. 709):

There shall be a postage charge of 2 cents for such notice regarding undeliverable copies, which shall be collected from the publisher upon delivery of the notice; except that where the undeliverable copies bear the pledge of the sender to pay the return postage no notice shall be sent to the publisher but the copies received during the period specified in this paragraph shall be returned charged with postage due at the rate of 1 cent for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof, with a minimum charge of 2 cents, and endorsed to show the reason they are undeliverable and the new address of the addressee, if known.

Increased fees for money orders issued in amounts up to $20 as follows:

Amount: Cents fee

Not to exceed $2.50 6

$2.51 to $5.00 8

$5.01 to $10.00 11

$10.01 to $20.00 13

Act of July 7, 1932 (47 Stat. 647):

Provided that each application for entry of a publication as second-class matter shall be accompanied with a fee of $100; each request for reentry of a publication as second-class matter on account of a change in title, frequency of issue, office of publication, or for other reason; and each request for additional entry of a publication as second-class matter, shall be accompanied with a fee of $10; each application for registry of a news agent shall be accompanied with a fee of $20.

Prescribed that each application for a permit to mail matter without stamps affixed as nonmetered mail shall be accompanied with a fee of $10.

Act of June 16, 1933 (secs. 2 and 3 (a) , 48 Stat. 182 and 254):

Required depositors of postal savings to give 60-day advance notice of intent to withdraw in order to receive credit for interest accrued on and after enactment of the Banking Act of 1933.

The President was authorized during the period ending June 30, 1934, to proclaim such modifications of postage rates on mail matter (except that in the case of first-class matter the rate shall not be reduced to less than 2 cents an ounce or fraction thereof) as, after a survey by him, he may deem advisable by reason of increase in business, the interests of the public, or the needs of the Postal Service, and such modifications shall be in effect on and after such date as he shall proclaim and until July 1, 1934. In case a modification of the rate of postage on first-class matter is proclaimed, the President shall also make a corresponding modification in the percentages of gross postal receipts specified in section 1001 (c) of the Revenue Act of 1932 as amended by this act, which percentages shall be in effect during the period such modification of the rate of postage on first-class matter is in effect. Nothing in this section shall be construed as giving the President authority to change the rate fixed by law on first-class matter mailed for local delivery, postal cards, and private mailing or post cards.

Section 1001 (a) of the Revenue Act of 1932 was amended by striking out the period at the end thereof and inserting a colon and the following: "Provided, That such additional rate shall not apply on or after July 1, 1933, to first-class matter mailed for local delivery."

Act of May 9, 1934 (48 Stat. 679):

Provided for the acceptance at the postage rate of 1 cent for each pound of volumes of the Holy Scriptures, or any part thereof, prepared in the form of sound-reproduction records for the use of the blind, which do not contain advertisements, when furnished by an organization, institution, or association not conducted for private profit to a blind person at a price not greater than the cost price thereof.

Provided that all letters written in point print or raised characters or on sound-reproduction records used by the blind, when unsealed, shall be transmitted through the mails as third-class matter.

Act of May 10, 1934 (sec. 515, 48 Stat. 760):

Continued until July 1, 1935, the 3-cent rate on nonlocal first-class matter and authority of President to modify postal rates (secs. 2 and 3 (a), act of June 16, 1932; 48 Stat. 254).

Order No. 5506, May 28, 1934:

Amended subparagraph (b) of paragraph 1, section 538, Postal Laws and Regulations, effective July 1, 1934, pursuant to the provision of the act of June 6, 1932, Public, No. 154, section 1001, under which the zone mailing rates of postage applicable to the advertising portions of publications of the second class in effect prior to July 1, 1932, were automatically restored beginning July 1, 1934, such rates being as follows: For the first and second zones, 1½ cents; third zone, 2 cents; fourth zone, 3 cents; fifth zone, 4 cents; sixth zone, 5 cents; seventh zone, 6 cents; eighth zone, 7 cents.

Act of June 5, 1934 (48 Stat. 880):

Publications weighing in excess of 8 ounces issued at regular intervals of 12 or more times a year, 25 per centum or more of whose pages are devoted to text or reading matter and not more than 75 per centum to advertising matter, which are circulated free or mainly free, may, upon authorization by the Post Office Department, under such regulations as the Postmaster General may prescribe, be accepted for mailing at the postage rate of 1 cent for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof, provided the copies of such publications are presented for mailing made up according to States, cities, and routes as directed by the Postmaster General.

Act of June 11, 1934 (48 Stat. 928):

Provided that publications produced by the stencil, mimeograph, or hectograph process or in imitation of typewriting shall not be regarded as printed within the meaning of the third clause of section 226, 39 U. S. Code, which prescribes that publications to be admitted to mail matter of the second class shall be formed of printed paper sheets.

Act of June 12, 1934 (48 Stat. 933), effective July 1, 1934:

Fixed the rate of postage on air mail at 6 cents for each ounce or fraction thereof.

Act of June 18, 1934 (48 Stat. 992):

Authorized the restricted delivery to the addressee only, or to the addressee or order, of registered, insured or collect-on-delivery mail for a fee of 10 cents.

Act of June 26, 1934 (48 Stat. 1224):

Amended the act of July 7, 1932, so as to provide that the fee to accompany applications for entry as second-class matter of publications having a circulation of not more than 2,000 copies shall be $25; and of publications having a circulation of not more than 5,000 copies shall be $50 and continues the fee of $100 in the case of applications for entry of publications having a circulation of more than 5,000 copies. Also provides that one-half of fees collected shall be returnable to the applicant upon failure of his publication to obtain entry.

H. J. Resolution 324, approved June 28, 1935:

Continued the 3-cent rate of postage for nonlocal first-class matter until July 1, 1937.

Order No. 7434, June 29, 1935, effective July 1, 1935:

Provided that pursuant to the authority of the act of June 7, 1935, a fee of 5 cents shall be collected on letters and parcels of the first class returned from the Dead Letter Office to the writers.

Act of August 23, 1935 (49 Stat. 721 and 722):

Declared each deposit in a postal depository office to be a savings deposit and prohibited payment of interest on deposits for a period of less than three months; also limited the rate of interest to that prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for member banks located in or nearest to the place where the depository post office is situated.

Act of August 26, 1935 (49 Stat. 867):

Extended free holding period of collect-on-delivery mail to 20 days and authorized collection of demurrage charge of not exceeding 5 cents a day thereafter. Exempted from charge COD parcels exchanged between continental United States and the Territories and island possessions.

Airmail route established by instructions of Second Assistant Postmaster General dated October 28 and 31, 1935:

Airmail service established from San Francisco, Calif., by Honolulu, T. H., and Guam, to