[APPENDIX M.]
[See [p. 347.]]
Proposed Reduction in the Postage on Newspapers and other
Printed Matter.
Of the importance of distributing our cheap and excellent newspapers and other periodicals and serials over the whole face of the country there can be but one opinion amongst enlightened men. The aim of this memorandum is to show to what extent, and by what means, this great end can be attained, without undue sacrifice of other equally great interests.
With respect to the allegations made as to the cheaper conveyance of such matter in other countries, it is important to remark that no argument can be safely drawn from them, even when they are found literally correct, without careful examination into all the appertaining circumstances.[273]
And here it may be observed, that forty years ago our own journals, though laden with heavy duties, viz., the stamp duty and those on advertisements and paper, were constantly spoken of as carried free. An anomaly the more remarkable because if addressed anywhere beyond the narrow limits of what was termed the “free delivery,” every newspaper bore a postal charge. It scarcely need be said that to the “freedom” of those earlier days, no one, least of all the applicants in this case, would wish to return.[274]
It must, therefore, be inquired as respect the countries referred to—
1st. Whether the postage be in addition to a stamp duty.
2nd. Whether the post office undertakes house-to-house delivery, and that free of charge.