1. Republica Oriental Del Uruguay - conclusion of article begain in Jan 28, 1911 issue - see that issue
2. Great Britain - King George favors Coronation stamps
3. Switzerland - free franking of charities using special charity stamps
4. Stamps collected by the Africa Missions charity of Quebec, Canada used to buy freedom of slaves in Africa
5. United States - protest against selling stamps more than face value by a vending machine
6. News Gleanings
7. United States
1. Buying new issues directly from postmaster of Washington DC
2. Some Postal Savings Bank stamps not for sale to the public
8. New Issues
1. Argentina
2. Ecuador
3. Honduras
4. Straits Settlements
9. Italy - Bomba Heads and vignette preserving postmark
10. Rhodesia - 1905 1d Victorica Falls issue

EDITORIAL.

Expected - According to the London Times, King George has directed his secretary, Arthur Bigge, to address a correspondent as follows: "York Cottage, Sandringham, January 5, 1911. Sir, - I am commanded to thank you for your letter of the 2nd inst., in which you suggest that the issue of a special Coronation stamp might be a source of income to the King's Hospital Fund, and in reply, his Majesty directs me to inform you that this matter has been under consideration." Philatelists will appreciate the significance of this intelligence; it shows that the subject of an issue of special kind was given attention before it was suggested by the writer who addressed the king. It seems to be a certainty, almost, that a distinctive issue of stamps will be made as one of the mementos of the coronation exercises, as aside from any philatelic question involved in such a proceeding, it must be admitted that stamps are an ideal means for marking an historical event. The coronation exercises are to be on a scale of grandeur and impressiveness almost without parallel; the magnitude of the spectacle will easily justify the creation of special stamps to signalize the wonderful pageant.
 

Something of a Variation - Switzerland  comes to the fore with an extra set of stamps whose character is explained in the following translation that has been made for us by the United Stamp Company, Chicago: "The Schweiz. Briefmarkenzeitung,  Bern, says that on January 1st, 1911, a new issue of stamps will be distributed. According to Article 61 of the new federal statute regarding Swiss postal regulations, the senate is authorized to issue a list of charitable institutions to be allowed to use the new issue of postage stamps, which may be used only by these institutions for franking their mail. To the stamp collectors the stamps will be furnished by the head post-office, and then, at face value, but only in used condition. The set is similar in design to the present postage due stamps, and consist of the 2, 5 and 10 centimes denominations, printed in olive and red on deep blue paper, and so, they are easily to be distinguished from the other issues. It must be taken into consideration that this issue is not the same as charity stamps of other countries. Such charitable institutions as are authorized by the government to use these stamps may have their mail franked and carried for the face value of the stamps; in other words mail will be handled free and the government charged the face value of the stamps used by the institutions in question. In this way, the government may estimate actually how much the system will save these establishments. Owing to the fact that the government has forbidden the institutions to circulate unused specimens, naturally uncanceled copies would be much scarcer unused than used. "The set is attractive and conforms to the description that has been given.
 

Missionary Stamps - A subscriber sends the following item and asks: "Can you explain this to me through your paper?" The words are from a church paper: "The Work of Cancelled Postage Stamps for the Ransom of Slaves in Africa. An appeal the editors of newspapers will kindly furnish. The Work of Cancelled Postage Stamps, though apparently an humble one, is in fact, a source of a great deal of good in the African missions, for the ransom of slaves. The White Fathers, established in Quebec for recruiting missionaries for the Evangelization of the Dark Continent are making an urgent appeal to the readers, in the Monthly Magazine, The African Missions, begging them to collect the postage stamps and send them to their address in Quebec, in as large quantities as possible. The proceeds that they derive from these stamps go to their missions in Africa, and are devoted towards the freeing of slaves. An illustration of the good they accomplish by such an humble means is the fact during the past year, thirty-one slaves, boys and girls, were ransomed with resources exclusively derived from the cancelled postage stamps. This represents 14 or 15 million stamps collected during the year. Who will refuse to contribute to such a good work when the means is within the reach of everybody? Our readers will be glad to help the White Fathers in their ransom work, by saving their own cancelled stamps and collecting some from others, and send them to the Rev. Father Director of the African Missions, 37 Ramparts St., Quebec, Can. The postage rate is one cent per ounce. Larger quantities should be sent by Express or Freight. In either case, shipments in sacks are preferred." We give enough space to present the question of missionary stamps properly to readers as so much curiosity on the subject is evinced that we are justified in doing so. From time immemorial almost, canceled postage stamps have been solicited from the public, on the strength of the statement that they would be applied to the promotion of the Christian influence. The stamps were sent to different points to those who were custodians of them, preparatory to shipping the stamps to the central depot, where they were handled so as to be acceptable to dealers. The money from the sale of the stamps was applied to the furtherance of missionary work. This is but a brief word on an interesting theme and does not include any reference to variations of the plan or to individual promotions of similar schemes.

Even Then - We have said that for many years the custom of collecting stamps from the public for the prosecution of evangelical work, and quite opportunely, we find in the Pall Mall Gazette, 1868, the following paragraph: "Thanks to the public appeal by Pastor Maurach in Livonia, we have at last learned what becomes of the old postage stamps, and to what end the thousands of aged and youthful collectors are in the habit of plaguing our lives out... The Rhenish mission, which has a station in China, collects these stamps, and sells them at three shillings the thousand. For the money so acquired, the mission educates such children as have been either exposed or sold as slaves by their unnatural Chinese parents."
 

Already Exists - A writer in a magazine protests bitterly against the action of the automatic machine company that charges five cents for four cents' worth of unused stamps and says that it should be contrary to law to sell a government product at a price other than that attached to it by the authorities. The postal regulations do say that it is unlawful to sell postage stamps at a price higher than face but the intent of the passage is to prevent any advantage to be taken of the need for necessities, as postage stamps are. Stamp dealers need have no fear of the invocation of this law against them, it is needless to add.

WITH THE TRADE.

We have made no mention of the various price lists, circulars, etc., that have recently reached the office and in this respect all have been treated exactly alike. Our advertising columns are open for just as much publicity as may be desired and all are placed upon the same footing.

There is so much similarity between auction catalogs that we have refrained from listing these for the reason that it must needs be done in a perfunctory manner. All in all the new order of things must be satisfactory when considered from all standpoints.

When it comes to the point of furnishing news it is the duty of the managing editor to draw upon the advertising columns so far as facts gleaned may possess a "news" interest. For instance the sale of the Luff collection to the Scott Stamp & Coin Co. is an event well worth mentioning in our news columns.

The Canada book, so soon to be issued by the New England Stamp Co., will be the "last word" on the stamps of this country and will be a marvel of beauty as well as authoritative in its findings. Mr. Howes' name is a sufficient guarantee that the book will be a superb production. No book-loving philatelist can afford to be without it.

THE MANAGING EDITOR.
 

NEWS GLEANINGS.

Under this heading we desire to publish all the news from the various philatelic centers. Correspondents' names will be given unless prohibited as we desire to give full credit for services rendered.

- Clippings are acknowledged with thanks from Chas. E. Fisher, R. G. Montgomery (3), Clifford Bresee (2), R. V. Seaman (2).

- A prospectus is at hand announcing the early publication of "The Catalog of the Philatelic Library of the Earl of Crawford, K. T."

- Cleveland Bundlie sends us a bit of information for some of our readers. His postal savings bank is located at Bemidji. Minn., and an order for specimens of the 10c stamp was sent to a friend in the town. Mr. Bundlie reports that to secure any specimens of the stamp a deposit of not less than $1.00 must be made, in the name of the person making application.

- "The results from my previous advertisement have been very satisfactory to me, and I have already disposed of one-third of my general collection. The advertising cost, which is roughly $5.00, does not amount to a row of beans, when comparing the benefit derived from the expenditure." - A. A. KELSON.

- John W. Dye, who has been stationed at Genoa, Italy, in connection with the American Consul Service, has received an appointment as American Vice-Consul General at Boma, Belgian Congo, where he will be pleased to hear from his philatelic friends.

- Cleveland Bundlie sends us a couple of clippings, one of which is of interest to philatelists in that it states that the House of Representatives at Washington has voted down the proposition to substitute official stamps for the franks now used by members of Congress. This action might naturally have been expected. Mr. Bundlie suggests that possibly they were afraid that the "dead-headage" design might be adopted.

- According to the Postal Bulletin the new 1c card recently chronicled by us was issued Jan. 21. It is designed for index and library purposes and will be known as No. 5. The card is white and is printed in red ink with profile head of Lincoln to the left.

- Emil J. Rall sends us official notice concerning new 1/2c Panama to be placed on sale February 1. Details will be published in next week's chronicle of new issues.
 

Written for MEKEEL'S WEEKLY.

HOW TO OBTAIN CURRENT U.S. UNUSED.

By L. HARALD KJELLSTEDT.

A few days ago I addressed a communication to the Third Assistant Postmaster General pointing out the arrangement made by various European postal administrations whereby collectors are enabled to obtain at face value, and well centered, blocks, pairs or single copies of stamps of current issues which are not to be had at the smaller post offices. I pointed out that American collectors, as a rule, must pay a premium to the stamp dealer on new issues of U. S. stamps, and on such values which cannot be had at local post offices. His attention was also called to the inability of anyone not residing in one of the towns provided with postal savings banks, of obtaining the labels issued for that service, the postmasters concerned not accepting mail orders for the savings stamps.

The reply to this communication is dated Jan. 20th and reads as follows:

"In reply to your letter of Jan. 16th, you are advised that provision is made for the purchase through the Postmaster, Washington, D. C., of current postage stamps and other stamped paper not carried in stock by the purchaser's postmaster.

Your suggestion with reference to postal savings stamps has been referred to the Secretary, Board of Trustees, Postal Savings System.

JAMES J. BRITT,
3rd Assist. Postmaster General."

As a sequel to previously mentioned communication from the Third Assist. Postmaster General in regard to sale of U. S. current issues, I give the following letter received from the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Postal Savings System, dated Jan. 24.

"In reply to your letter of the 16th inst. concerning the sale of stamps of the Postal Savings System, which has been handed me by the Third Assistant Postmaster General, I beg to state that while the receipt of deposits is at present confined to patrons of the post offices at which depositaries have been initially established, there is no objection to the sale of ten-cent postal savings cards and stamps to persons who are not patrons of the depository offices, provided stamps are enclosed to cover return postage. You are also informed that the two-cent adhesive postage stamps and the two-cent embossed stamped envelopes prepared in compliance with the requirements of the Postal Savings Act are for use in the transmittal of free mail resulting from the administration of the system and are not for sale to the general public."

It should be stated that heretofore, the postmaster of the depository office in Pennsylvania has refused mail orders for postal savings stamps.

CHRONICLE OF NEW ISSUES AND VARIETIES

Edited by Henry A. Kidder

Any information regarding new issues will be gratefully received and acknowledged. Address HENRY A. KIDDER, 17 Addison St., Arlington, Mass. Letters calling for a reply should contain a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot give applicants the addresses of our correspondents.

ARGENTINE - Harry Fox calls attention to the fact that the 12c of the current Centenary set is printed at two impressions, though in the same colors, and shows specimens of the stamps showing poor registration. Mr. Fox's correspondent writes that the 5, 10 and 20 peso stamps are mostly used on receipts for subscriptions to post office boxes.

ECUADOR - The promised new stamps from Ecuador have begun to arrive on the mail from that country, Hermann Focke having shown us two values. The portraits are the same as those on the 1907 set, and the designs very much resemble recent issues, as they are in two colors.

Adhesives.
2c blue and black; Noboa.
5c red and black; Urvina.

HONDURAS. - Hermann Focke sends us a new stamp from this country, but whether it is the forerunner of a complete set or a cheap substitute for a permanent series remains to be seen. The stamp is larger than the recent issues though resembling them very much in the arrangement of the design. The principal differences are the substitution of "Centavos" for the date at the top, the central design and the continuation of the band around the central oval, so as to admit the letters "U. P. V." at the bottom and "1911" repeated at each side. The central picture represents a small steamer upon a tropical river, with overhanging palms and other foliage. The stamp is perforated 12, the size of the design being 25 x 30 mm. It appears to be lithographed, and but for the fact the cover also bears two of the current 10c stamps, and one of the recent provisional "1" on 20c, might be thought to be some revolutionary issue. The total postage on the cover is 26 centavos.

Adhesive.
5c carmine.

SIAM. - Harry Fox shows us a new value in the current set, printed in two colors like the 2s. Ewen's Weekly chronicles a new provisional, the 4a gray and red of 1906 having been overprinted with new value in satang.

Adhesive.
12s black and brown.

Provisional Adhesive.
6s on 4a gray and red.

STRAITS SETTLEMENTS - The Stamp Collectors Fortnightly chronicles two new values, and reports that the $1 stamp has been issued in new colors.

Adhesives.
21c purple and lilac.
45c black on green.
$1 black and red on blue.

A STAMP STORY.

The interest of certain stamps is urther increased by the stories attaching to their design or to the incidents which led to their issue. I propose to retell some of these stories from time to time and this week relate the amusing history connected with the issue of the first stamps of Sicily, which bear the portrait of King Ferdinand II, nicknamed "King Bomba." I cannot do better than give it as related by Messrs. Hardy and Bacon in "The Stamp Collector" - a book which, by the way, should be obtained by every young collector who can afford it.

"No doubt," these authors write, "that monarch regarded such public conveniences as postage stamps with indifference, but policy at last induced him to issue them. And what a fuss there was about their design! Everybody agreed that the stamps should bear his Majesty's portrait, his armorial bearings having been previously employed for the separate stamps of Naples, but numerous patterns were submitted, before a likeness thought to be suitable (executed by Signor Aloisio) was adopted. Then there was the question of colour. Colours after all are limited in number, and the House of Bourbon was extremely sensitive in this matter, and strong in its hatred to those hostile to it or its traditions. Red and green (both very serviceable for postage stamps) were wholly tabooed, as they formed component parts of the banner and cockade of the Italians. Some suggested one colour for all values, as in the case of the first issue of Naples, but the drawbacks of such a plan were already apparent, and the possibility of fraud on his Majesty's revenue a proved fact. So at last a compromise was reached; red and green were both employed, but of different shades to the red and the green in the Italian national colours. But there arose another terrible dilemma. The stamps had to be obliterated as they passed through the post, and that would mean disfiguring the features of the great ruler of Sicily. On this point Ferdinand only gave way when it was pointed out to him that his exchequer would suffer materially, unless some indelible, cancelling process was used for the stamps; and he did so the more readily on being informed that by employing a postmark of novel design he might be spared the indignity of having his features rudely struck by a post-office employee. This postmark was in the nature of a three-sided ornamental picture frame, and when carefully applied would not in the least disfigure his Majesty's countenance; it would also have the value unobliterated."
 

RHODESIA STAMP STUDY.

Mr. Poole as judge of the entries in our Stamp Study Contest No. 1 has awarded first honors to R. H. Martin, Detroit, Mich., with David D. Reid, Malden, Mass., second and R. V. Seaman, Craigville, N. Y., third. The prizes have been sent accordingly.

Mr. Poole suggests that Mr. Martin's entry is worthy of being published and we give it herewith :-

STAMP STUDY CONTEST.

By R. H. Martin (Age 16).

The stamp in question was issued by Rhodesia, or the British South Africa Company, in the year nineteen hundred and five. It is perforated fourteen to fifteen, and is unwatermarked. It is a penny stamp, and the color is red.

In each upper corner is an eight-notched, square-shaped frame, which bears the date of issue, "1905," while in the lower corners of the stamp is the inscription "1d", also in frames of eight notches, but they differ materially from the top frames: first, in shape - the lower ones are round, while the uppers, as before stated, are square in shape. Again, in position: the lower frames are placed vertical, and the upper ones are at an angle of twenty-two and one-half degrees. The lower frames also differ from the upper ones in that the latter have three very small circles just on the outer edge of the border: one small one at the top, and two others, not quite so small, one on each side, near the top; but the lower frames have no circles. Another difference between the two pairs of frames is in the groundwork, which is formed of straight horizontal lines, in the lower, but in the upper pair what little background there is is composed of numerous small dots, placed around the dates.

In the center of the stamp, which measures thirty-five millimeters long by twenty-four and one-half millimeters high, is a picture of the Victoria Falls. Away off in the distance are seen the lofty summits of Mount Hampden and adjacent mountains, while in the very middle of the scene are shown the spray and foam caused by the "African Niagra." On the right is a high cliff of rocks, and to the left of the depiction is a quantity of vegetation, which extends nearly across the bottom of the view. In the sky above the picture, in a long curved line extending across the top of the engraving are the words "British South Africa," in plain broad double-lined capitals; and under this line the inscription is completed by the word "Company," in the same type, but in a straight line.

Under the scene is its subject, "Victoria Falls," inscribed on a very broad band extending across the stamp between the two lower frames containing the numeral of value. Five very light lines constitute the groundwork on this wide band, which is shaded at the top and bottom, and which has a small Cshaped ornament at each end.

The stamp has a border two millimeters wide at the top and on the sides. The outer line is broken near the four corners, where the frames bearing the date of issue and the denomination project the least bit beyond it.

The design is a good piece of engraving, but it could be improved upon in several places. For instance, the "O" in "Victoria" is printed in two distinct halves, like the parts of a parenthesis; and the lines forming the groundwork of the two lower frames are very irregular, converging in several places.

The awards in the Siam Study will be announced shortly.
 

How many stamps show pictures of boats or vessels? For the longest list sent to the editor, Mr. Poole, two prizes will be awarded :- 1st, an unused current 1sh Papua, and 2nd a 6d same. The following rules must be observed :- 

(1) Competitors must be 20 years of age or younger; 

(2) name the year of issue where an entire set has a common design; 

(3) surcharged stamps debarred from entry; 

(4) entries must be posted Feb. 18; 

(5) write "Navy" on. envelope.