[256] Before sending this letter Sir R. Hill read it to his eldest brother. “I remember,” says one who was present at the time, “Mr. M. D. Hill saying, ‘Mind, Rowland, if you send this, and if they do not do what you ask, you must resign.’ Sir Rowland answered, ‘I know that, and I am ready to resign.’”—Ed.
[257] “Eighth Report of Postmaster-General,” p. 31.
[258] “Eighth Report of Postmaster-General,” p. 20.
[259] The number of free newspapers delivered in the United Kingdom, in 1861, was about 45,700,000.—Vide “Eighth Report of Postmaster-General,” p. 28.—But of these about 4½ millions were newspapers from abroad.
[260] “Seventh Report of Postmaster-General,” p. 12.
[261] It is true that some few newspapers exceed the limit of weight (4 ozs.) which is carried for one penny, and they are therefore charged higher rates; but, on the other hand, two or more of the lighter newspapers—the aggregate weight of which does not exceed the 4 ozs.—are frequently sent under the same cover, and only one penny is charged on the packet. The average postage of each newspaper, when prepaid with the postage stamp, will therefore, in all probability, not exceed one penny per transmission.
[262] “Report of Select Committee on Postage (1843),” Mr. R. Hill’s evidence, p. 46.
[263] “Hansard”—Debate in Lords, June 21, 1842.
[264] Letter to Postmaster-General, 10th January, 1860.
[265] Pp. 20-22.