Observe that the weight of second-class matter is 752,428,141 pounds greater than in 1872, costing therefore (according to some official mathematicians), more than 9 cents a pound for transportation, or a total of $67,718,532.69. The deficit for 1910 is almost identical with that of 1872.
1885-1910
As late as 1885 the government income from the issue of stamps, stamped envelopes and wrappers and postal cards was $35,924,137.70.
In 1910 it was $202,064,887.96, more than five times as much.
The number of registered letters issued in 1885 was 11,043,256; in 1910 it was 40,151,797.
The amount of money orders issued rose from $117,858,921 in 1885 to $498,699,637 in 1910.
The total postal receipts rose from $42,560,844 in 1885 to $224,128,657 in 1910, an increase of $181,567,813.
The postage rate on second-class matter in 1885 was double what it is now.
During the intervening period the weight of second-class matter had increased about 600,000,000 pounds.