Volume 16 , Issue 32

1889 U.S. Postal Regulations

First Class Matter -- Letters, matter wholly or partly in writing, drawings and matter which is sealed against inspection, were first class matter, and subject to the postage rate of two cents for each ounce or fraction thereof. Postal cards having anything attached, or having writing or printing on the face other than the address, were subject to letter rates of postage.

Second Class Matter -- Embraces all newspapers and other periodical publications which were issued at stated intervals, and as frequently as four times a year. On newspapers and periodical publications of the second class, when sent by others than the publisher or news agent, the postage shall be prepaid at the rate of one cent for each four ounces or fractional part thereof.

Third Class Matter -- Embraces books, circulars, photographs, proof-sheets, corrected proof-sheets with manuscript copy accompanying the same, and postage shall be paid thereon at the rate of one cent for each two ounces or fractional part thereof.

Fourth Class Matter -- Embraces labels, patterns, playing cards, visiting cards, ornamented paper, and all other matter of the same general character, the printing upon which is not designed to instruct, amuse, cultivate the mind or taste, or impart general information. This class also includes merchandise, and samples of merchandise, models, samples of ores, metals, minerals, seeds, etc., and any other matter not included in the first, second, or third classes and which is not liable to destroy or otherwise damage the contents of the mailbag. Postage rate thereon, one cent for each ounce or fractional part thereof.

Packages of transient printed matter are limited to four pounds each, unless in the case where a single volume of a book shall exceed that weight. The sender may write his name on the wrapper, preceded by the word "from," or may mark a passage of the text, or write on a fly-leaf a simple inscription or dedication. Package must be wrapped with open sides or ends.

Postage on merchandise, cards, patterns, photographs, letter envelopes, letter paper with or without printing, printed blanks, seed cuttings, bulbs, roots, original paintings in oil or watercolors, chromes or maps, mounted or on rollers, printed letterheads, models, ores, metals, and all mailable matter not embraced in the foregoing classes, one cent, prepaid by stamp, for each ounce or fraction thereof. Liquids (except orisons, explosive, inflammable or offensive articles), in packages properly secured, may be transported. The limit of weight is four pounds.

First, third and fourth class matter may be registered. First class matter, or matter on which letter rates of postage have been paid, must always be sealed. Third and fourth class matter must be unsealed, fully prepaid at the proper rates, and conform to all requirements. No matter excluded by law from the mails can be registered.

The fee on any registered matter, domestic or foreign, is ten cents on each letter or parcel, to be affixed in stamps, in addition to the postage. Two or more letters or parcels addressed to, or intended for, the same person, cannot be tied, or otherwise fastened together and registered as one.

The Post office department or its revenue is not by law liable for the loss of any registered. mail matter.   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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