The second measure is one permitting the use of private postal cards to which a 1c. stamp is affixed, provided the same be approximately of the same size and weight as the officially made card. If passed, there will be some very handsome and many very humorous cards sent through the mail, and interesting collections could be made at a very little cost.
The third measure is one providing for the appointment of letter-carriers in small places, who shall collect 1c. for each letter or parcel delivered. This is practically applying to small villages the system which fifty years ago was common in New York, Philadelphia, and other large cities. If the charges are collected by stamps, it will revive the collecting of U. S. Locals.
B. J. Jones.—The old Anti-Surcharge Society was organized about six years ago through the efforts of Mr. C. B. Corwin, but it soon went to pieces, as the great body of collectors refused to discontinue the collection of the innumerable and uncalled-for varieties. The evil has abated of late years, from the fact that the burden grew too heavy for all philatelists excepting a small body of very rich men. The "Seebecks" are declining in price rapidly.
J. Learned.—The collecting of entire U. S. envelopes should be followed where possible. Discard all varieties of water-mark paper, shapes, sizes, gums, etc., collecting simply by dies and papers.
A. A. Weilman.—It is claimed that the first envelope in modern times used for prepayment of postage was the New South Wales for 1838. A genuine copy would probably bring $250.
W. H. Carr, Jun.—You can buy the Philatelic button of C. W. Kissinger, Reading, Pa.
H. F. King.—The Japanese wedding stamps were issued in 1894. The red is sold at 4c., the blue at 5c.
O. Lewis.—You do not state the paper, or whether used or unused. On white paper it is worth 20c.; on amber paper, 25c.; on blue paper, $5; on fawn paper, $15.
% %.—The half-dime, 1856, can be bought for 15c.
J. P. Wilton.—The stamp-dealers are offering $2 Columbian stamps at $1.75. They are used for postage by the large banking houses, chiefly for prepayment of postage on packages of bonds, stocks, etc., sent to Europe.
G. R. D.—I do not know what dealers pay for stamps. Their selling prices are quoted in the stamp catalogues. Your Agricultural Department envelope bears the seal of the department. No commercial value.
C. C. Ransom.—It is impossible to give values for long lists of stamps. Any catalogue will price the stamps both used and unused, give the date of issue, and much other information. The standard 1897 catalogue costs 58c., but good catalogues can be bought at 5c., 10c., or 25c. each.
Philatus.
The price of good things oft is high,
But wise housekeepers tell
That Ivory Soap is cheap to buy
And best to use, as well.