The question of the unlimited validity of the Jubilee stamps for postage was also brought up, doubtless because of the temporary nature of their issue,
and a special circular was issued touching this point, of which the following is a copy:[135]—
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, CANADA.
POSTAGE STAMP BRANCH.
OTTAWA, 24th June, 1897.
SIR—I am directed to send you for your information and guidance, the following statement, which has just been given to the press:
"Enquiry having been made at the Post Office Department as to whether the Canadian Jubilee Postage Stamps would continue good as postage for a limited period only, it has been officially stated that the Jubilee stamp will remain valid for postage purposes so long as they may continue in circulation. They will not, however, be redeemed by the Department, a distinction being drawn in this respect between them and the ordinary postage stamps."
I am Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
E. P. STANTON,
Superintendent.
A curious case of splits is recorded from the Sussex, N. B., News:[136]—
The Railway News last week on account of not receiving permission from the Post-Master General to allow papers to go through the mails free, was compelled to pay postage. No half cent stamps being available, the post office department allowed one cent stamps to be cut in halves for postage. This is the first time on record we believe where such was allowed and the stamps have been eagerly sought after, one dollar being paid for a single stamp with the post office stamp on it. The News will pay twenty-five cents each for the one cent Jubilee stamps cut in halves bearing the post office stamp of November 5th, 6th, or 8th, which was allowed to pass through the mails on that date owing to there being no regular half cent stamps obtainable.
The 1 cent ordinary also did duty at some offices for like reasons, but the practice was not approved from headquarters, as postmasters were officially instructed in such cases to use whole 1 cent stamps and get a refund on the difference in value.