It is expected that China and Corea will ask for admission at the present meeting in Washington, and then, to quote the words of Postmaster-General Gary in opening the Congress:
"When these two countries shall have joined us, the sun in its daily circuit will not rise on a civilized people which is not included in the Postal Union."
Many subjects will be discussed during the session of the Congress. One of the most important will be that of having a Universal Postage Stamp. Stamp collectors won't like the idea, because there will only be one kind of stamp in use between all countries; it will, however, be a great benefit to people in foreign countries who would like to prepay the answers to their letters.
New York has decided to make some important changes in her mail service.
These changes have not been suggested by the Postal Congress; but if they were only in working order, they would give some of the delegates much to talk about when they return to their own countries.
The changes to be made are in the line of hastening the despatch and delivery of letters.
This is to be accomplished by means of a network of pneumatic tubes, which will be laid under the streets.
When a letter is posted at any of the sub-stations, instead of lying in the box until, the postman comes round to collect it, it will be instantly sent through the tube and deposited on the cancelling desk at the nearest station.
By this means a great deal of time will be saved; it is even said, by the persons interested in the scheme, that a letter which now takes two hours to go from Wall Street to the Grand Central Depot, can be sent by the pneumatic tubes in less than ten minutes.
The Government has given out the contract for laying the tubes, and one circuit is to be in working order by October.