[246] In 1867, proceedings were taken against the Circular Delivery Company “for delivering letters contrary to the privilege of the Postmaster-General.” This Company delivered circulars at a very low rate. “The proper mode of proceeding,” Sir Rowland Hill recorded in his Journal, “would have been to adopt a plan which I long ago frequently discussed with the Assistant-Secretaries, and which has, I believe, been recently proposed in writing by my son, viz., to undertake the delivery of circulars at reduced rates (say a halfpenny), on certain conditions made with a view to the convenience of the Post-Office. * * * “I do not like an enforcement of the monopoly. It covers mismanagement.”—Ed.
[247] In Prussia this is effected by means similar to my plan of secondary distribution (see Vol. I., p. 251). The same means might be resorted to here.
[248] Carlyle’s “Life of Sterling” (edition of 1857), p. 221.
[249] See Vol. II., p. 389.
[250] See Vol. I., p. 438.
[251] Johnson’s “Life of Milton.”
[252] See Vol. II., p. 283.
[253] It is foreign to my present purpose to describe the after administration of the Post Office. I would refer my readers to “The Edinburgh Review,” Nos. 263 and 291, for articles on the Postal Telegraphs.
[254] The journal closes in the year 1869.
[255] The deputation consisted of Mr. Washington Lyon, mover of the resolution; Sir John Bennett, the seconder; Mr. Peter McKinlay, the Chairman of General Purposes Committee; Mr. Scott, F.R.A.S., the Chamberlain; and Mr. Monckton, F.S.A. (now Sir John Monckton), the Town Clerk.