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Mekeel's Weekly Stamp News - March 18, 1911 - Volume XXV, Number 11, Whole Issue Number 1055

Page 89 NEW ZEALAND ADVERTISEMENT STAMPS. By BERTRAM W. H. POOLE. PRIZE OFFER After reading Mr. Poole’s article we invite our subscribers under 20 years of age to send in lists showing the different kinds of advertisements and naming the different values upon which they can be found. For best list we offer a bound volume of the WEEKLY for 1907 and for second best list 500 all different stamps. Replies must be in by April 15. Subscription may accompany entry. - Ed. The collector who yearns for fresh fields to conquer will find a collection of the New Zealand stamps of 1882-97 with advertisements on the back a source of much entertainment. It is a side-line which attracted a good deal of attention in England about ten years ago and it has more to be said in its favor than many side-lines, inasmuch as the advertisements were printed by the Government on the ordinary postage stamps. The idea of raising revenue in this manner originated with Sir Joseph Ward, who was Postmaster-General of New Zealand at the time. The advertisements were collected by a firm of advertisement contractors and they were printed at the Government Printing Office in Wellington. These stamps were probably first issued in January, 1893 (at any rate the earliest dated specimen bears that date). When the idea was abandoned is not known for certain but some values were used as late as September, 1895. The advertisements were discontinued on account of numerous complaints from people who objected to licking printing ink as well as gum. Altogether about twenty million stamps were printed under this scheme and the majority of these were perf. 10. Some few are, however, known perf. 12 x 11 1/2. The advertisements are found on the 1d, 2d, 2 1/2d, 3d, 4d, 5d, 6d, 8d and 1s values of this set. Of these at least 75% exist on the common 1/2d and 1d values so that the collector confining his efforts to these two denominations only could make a good show for a very little expenditure. An enthusiast might, however, endeavor to get all varieties on all values and then if his ardour was still unabated he might attempt to reconstruct the advertisements into the original positions they occupied on the sheets. It is more than probable there were several settings. The majority of the advertisements were printed in mauve but brown, red, and green were also employed. It is interesting to note that the idea of printing advertisements on the backs of postage stamps was mooted in Great Britain some years ago. I forget the exact date. A few sheets of the then current 1d lilac were prepared with “Pear’s Soap” printed on the back, but the experiment got no further. These essays are scarce and are now greatly prized by specialists.

Page 90 Written for MEKEEL’S WEEKLY. SWEDISH NEWS. By L. HARALD KJELLSTEDT. The Swedish Society has been informed that after the first of the present year, imitations of stamps now acceptable as postage, Swiss or foreign, cannot be manufactured and sold in Switzerland without the permission of the Swiss postal administration. Nor is it permissible to furnish such stamps with cancellations whether the motives for doing so are fraudulent or not. Exception to above regulations are made in the case of imitations of a much smaller size than the original, and printed in black for the illustrating of stamp albums, stamp catalogues and philatelic publications, etc. Punishment for infringement on the regulations is also provided for. It is to be hoped that the Swiss administratiton will go still further and also include demonetized stamps of old issues. On account of its 25 years’ anniversary, which will be celebrated next September, the Philatelic Society of Sweden has issued a set of three jubilee stamp labels priced 3, 2 and 1 mark respectively, or 5 mark for the set. The labels are printed in three colors, lilac, red and green. The shape is vertically oblong, 19 x 34 mm. The central part of the design consists of a framed octagon, containing a circular field with the monogram “S F F.” This field is surrounded by a post horn and an oak wreath. Above the post horn is a royal crown and below the horn is a band with the inscription “Philatelia Unit.” In the field above the octagon, in three lines, is the inscription “Sveriges Filatelist Förenings,” and in the bottom field, in two lines, “Jubileum 1886-1911." The labels are sold as souvenirs and album decorations for the benefit of the anniversary fund. At the January meeting of the Swedish Society, the secretary read his report for 1910. At the beginning of that year, the society counted 954 active members. During the year, 151 new members were admitted, 40 resigned, 20 were dropped for non payment of dues, 12 members died, and one member was expelled, leaving a total membership at the close of the year of 1033. The society’s library has been greatly increased and so has its stamp collection. The treasurer’s report shows that the capital reserve at the close of the year was 7589 kronor, an increase of 1024kr over previous year. The society’s journal, Svensk Filatelistisk Tidskrift left a net profit of 452kr for the year. The profit from the Sales Department was 1304kr and from the sale of the society’s publications 166kr. When it is taken into consideration that the society pays a rent of 1200kr per year for its headquarters and gives steady employment to two women clerks above figures indicate an exceedingly careful and business-like management.

Page 90 THE TRAVERS MATTER. Mr. Severn treats of this case so thoroughly in the editorial department this week that we do not feel called upon to make any further news mention. Any further developments of interest will be published.

Page 90 NEXT WEEK! We shall commence next week a finely prepared article on the stamps of Cook Ids. by Bertram W. H. Poole. It will be illustrated and the “last word” on the subject until the editor of the new issues department makes a further chronicle. Our special “World-Wide” number next week will have 16 pages with a beautifully designed cover by Mr. Frank Prescott of St. Louis, Mo. If you want to be sure of getting it, look up the whole number on your label. Should you receive a sample copy this week mail your subscription today so as to begin with the “World-Wide Special”. THE MANAGING EDITOR.

Page 90 RECEPTION TO MAJOR PARTELLO. The philatelists of Seattle to the number of thirty-five, assembled at the Fairfield recently, at a banquet of the Seattle Philatelic Club, in honor of Maj. J. M. T. Partello. A very enjoyable evening was spent and Secretary L. M. Sizer informs us that some ten new members were secured for the local club, the membership of which is now nearly forty. An interesting feature of the evening was a presentation of a watch fob to Major Partello, on one side being his initials “J. M. T. P.,” and on the reverse side, the words “A token from the Seattle Philatelic Club.” An address by the guest of the evening was a notable contribution to the program. The philatelists of Seattle feel that their city is very much on the philatelic map at the present time, and we congratulate them upon the enterprise that is being displayed.

Page 91 NEWS GLEANINGS. - L. E. Scott, giving his address as 5055 Columbus Av., Boston, Mass., applying to Carl Young, Chicago, Ill., for stamps on approval, gave as reference the State Street Trust Co., Boston, Mass. This firm does not know Mr. Scott and dealers should watch out. A reference amounts to little unless it be tested. - Clippings are acknowledged with thankss from Albert Ritter (2), R. G. Montgomery, A. R. Butler (2), D. B. Calder, Herman W. Boers, L. M. Sizer, C. Koehler, V. P. Hofmann, Henry MacConnell, J. H. Houston (2), Russell L. Stultz (2), E. A. Lifka, T. C. Mann, W. A. Sisson, J. Rausch (2), Cleveland Bundlie (2), F. S. Smith (2) and Hugo Kuenstler (8). - In accordance with the advance notice published in the WEEKLY, the Springfield Stamp Club held its exhibit Feb. 22, the room in which the exhibition was held being crowded with interested philatelists and their friends. The items of the exhibit were as indicated in our news notice, the committee in charge being J. D. Bartlett, Robt. C. Monroe and Henry C. Kitson.

Page 91 OUR BOOK REVIEW. The Stamp Collectors’ Annual for 1911 comes to us in familiar form but with a list of contents up-to-date and of more than passing interest. The leading article deals with “The King’s Collection”. The remaining contents present us with “The Story of the Year”, “The Stamps of Portugal”, “Robert Louis Stevenson and Stamp Collecting”, “The Stamps of King Edward” and “Great Britain - — The Queen’s Head Control Letters”. A useful philatelic literary index for 1909-10 is compiled by Percy C. Bishop, while under the list of philatelic societies no less than twenty-eight U. S. are given. This book has always been of interest to American collectors, who can obtain it from the publishers, Chas. Nissen & Co., 52 Chancery Lane, London, Eng. Price 25c.

Page 91 NEW UNION OF SO. AFRICA STAMPS. W. Morton Webb sends us a clipping from the Johannesburg Star giving the particulars of a proposed new issue of stamps. The information that it contains will be of interest to our readers: “Competitive designs are invited for a new series of postage stamps which it is the intention to issue in connection with the Union of South Africa. The series will comprise eleven separate designs, one for each of the following denominations, namely, 1/2d, 1d, 2d, 2 1/2d 3d, 4d, 6d, 1s, 2s, 6d, 5s and 10s. A premium of £10 is offered for the design selected as being the best in the case of each of these postal values. All designs sent in must be for an upright stamp and drawn or reduced to about the size of the present postage stamps in the various Provinces. They must show the following. - (1) The King’s head and crown. (2) The words “Union of South Africa” and “Unie van Zuid-Afrika." (3) The denomination in figures and (4) The words “Postage” and “Postzegel.” Any characteristic figures or features specially suitable to represent some aspect of South Africa may be included. The designs submitted need not be in colours, but those for the 1/2d, 1d, and 2 1/2d stamps must be suitable for reproduction in green, red and blue respectively. The Government’s decision will be final as regards the selection of designs and the award of prizes under this competition. Competitors are permitted to compete for one or more designs.” Mr. Webb speaking of the 2 1/2d stamp now in use makes this comment upon the same :“Criticisms have been made of the use on this stamp of ‘Orange Free State’, instead of Orange River Colony. Neither the designer of the stamp nor the powers that decided to issue it are responsible for this, but it goes back to the very act of Union itself, as this colony entered the Union as ‘Orange Free State’.”

Page 92 EDITORIAL. An Arrest - Many of our readers have absorbed the Associated Press despatch sent from Washington recently, telling of the dismissal of Arthur M. Travers, chief clerk to the Third Assistant Postmaster General, from the postal service, in disgrace. The Postmaster-General has declared that the accused clerk “had manipulated postage stamps for his own benefit.” The newspapers proceed to say that “certain rare stamps” were juggled so that an inflated market value was conferred upon them. For over a year, the inspectors have had Mr. Travers under surveillance; and when confronted by damaging evidence, he is alleged to have confessed that he had altered the records of his office to show ostensibly that the stamps in question had been destroyed, when in reality, they had been sold in this country and abroad. It is said that the philatelic value of the stamps that it is alleged have been disposed of exceeds $10,000, but as ordinary stamps have replaced the rare ones complementarily, the government will suffer no actual or monetary loss. We shall be sorry to have to register the delinquency of a trusted and confidential attache of the department; previous scandals have not been forgotten, — the Pan American four-cent inverts and proof irregularities under Postmaster-General Madden and the Rathbone connection with the Cuban surcharges on U. S., of twelve years ago. In one way, philately has been the cause of these blots on the escutcheon of the postoffice department; yet to tax stamp collecting with the responsibility for the weaknesses or worse, of venal and corrupt officers of the government is wholly unfair and absurd. If the cupidity of Mr. Travers has led to his lapse from the path of departmental rectitude or to the loss of his clearer vision, caused by the blinding flash of gold, he must be judged impartially; and if he is found guilty, punished. How great or adroit the temptation to which Mr. Travers is said to have yielded, we do not know, but there are some phases of the case that we feel competent to discuss. * * * Particulars - We believe that stamp dealers and perhaps others have had reason to suspect from inquiries that have been instituted that something was amiss at Washington and that an investigation was being made. The tale that was circulated in a vague, undefined way, was that a part of the sheets held by the authorities as, say, samples of the blued paper varieties had mysteriously disappeared and it was a natural inference that the stamp dealers might afford a channel for the marketing of the stamps. So much for rumor. In the accounts of Mr. Travers’ arrest in the Washington newspapers, nothing is said of the blue papers; from the Post, we quote: “The stamps said to have been used by Mr. Travers belonged to the redemption bureau, which was under his direction. All of them had been redeemed because of mutilation and for other reasons. Many were of old design and, therefore, it is said of considerable value in the stamp market. According to a statement of one of the postal officials last night, Mr. Travers took these stamps, and in their places substituted current issues, purchased by him at their face value. The difference between the purchase price of the new stamps and the price received from the old stamps, sold at more than their face value, represents the big profit which the accused is said to have made in his dealings. The fact that only Mr. Travers handled redeemed stamps made it possible for him to manipulate them for years without exciting suspicion.” The Herald says: “It is alleged that Travers, who acted as the Third Assistant Postmaster General during the absence of the incumbent of that office, James J. Britt, embezzled $64 worth of stamps, some of which had enhanced in value several thousands of dollars.” It has been pointed out that a sheet of one hundred stamps of each of the 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13 and 15 - cents on blue paper would have a face value of $64. * * * How it Happened - We read that a “disinterested party” to whom Mr. Travers is supposed to have offered stamps reported the circumstances to the department. The “sleuths” who then took charge of the case are alleged to have obtained proof that other stamp handlers bought from Mr. Travers. It becomes plain that there are “wheels within wheels” in the case, which to all present indications will be a celebrated one indeed and make a profound sensation in our little world. In the course of the process of learning the truth at Mr. Travers’ trial, should the department decide to prosecute with characteristic vigor, and, it may be added, relentlessness, many stories may be developed that will deeply impress, not to say, stir, philatelists. The name of Mr. Travers is well-known to philatelists who are under obligations to him for many courtesies; he has been obliging in furnishing information to many of us, who will learn of his predicament with sincere regret. He has not a few personal friends among philatelists who will rejoice if vindication is in store for him. One of his stamp friends remarks that Mr. Travers is too square a man to stoop to dishonesty, if he knows it. Believe in Him - Mr. Travers who was born in Port Huron, Michigan, in May, 1870, is a man of engaging personality and possesses a host of friends who seem to have every confidence that he will escape unscathed from his present predicament. They are serene in the belief that Mr. Travers would not commit any crime that could be regarded as a culpable one in the estimation of the average juror. Mr. Travers’ attorney is reported as saying that in his opinion, a mistake was made in the arrest of Mr. Travers on the charge of embezzlement; he said: “I am unable to understand just how the postoffice officials find a charge of embezzlement against my client, as there has been nothing in the transaction which robs the government. As I understand the case, the government cannot conduct a speculation in stamps, and there has resulted no loss by reason of the transfer said to have been made by my client.”

Page 92 New Envelope Contract - Postmaster-General Hitchcock signed a contract on March 9th with the Mercantile Corporation of New York City, to run four years, for the manufacture and printing of stamped envelopes and newspaper wrappers. It is said that under the new terms, a saving of $297,880 will result “based upon the number of envelopes and wrappers used in 1910.” During the last fiscal year, 40 millions of stamped envelopes and one and a half million of newspaper wrappers were supplied to the government. “The contract cost of manufacture was $1,277,329, leaving for cost of distribution by the government, $739,010.” This new contract will sound the knell of the Dayton, Ohio, issues which have provided an interesting field for envelope collectors.

Page 92 Try for a Prize - From different newspapers, it is learned that both the Australian and the Union of South Africa governments have inaugurated prize contests for the most appropriate designs for new postage stamps and from an English newspaper, we take the following compact description of the conditions and requirements of the competition: “The Australian and South African Governments are offering handsome prizes for designs for new postage stamps. Australia offers a premium of £100, and another of £50, for the best and second best designs for a uniform postage stamp for the Commonwealth. The designs must contain features charcteristic of Australia, and also the words “Australia” and “Postage,” as well as the stamp value in Arabic figures or in both figures and letters. The treatment of the designs should not be made too photographic or realistic, and it must be in accordance with the more formal designs to be found in the best postage stamps. Designs will be received up to noon on May 31, 1911, and must be addressed to the Secretary, Postmaster General’s Department, 51, Spring-street, Melbourne. The South African offer is one of £110, divided into 11 prizes of £10 each for the best designs for a series of 11 stamps to be issued to the Union. The values are to be 1/2d, 1d, 2d, 2 1/2d, 3d, 4d, 6d, 1s, 2s 6d, 5s and 10s. Every design must include the King’s head and Crown, the words “Union of South Africa” and “Unie van Zuid Afrika,” with “Postage” and “Postzegel,” and the figure of value. The artist may use any characteristic figures or features specially suitable to represent some aspect of South Africa. Any design not winning the prize in its class may be purchased at a price not exceeding £10. The designs must reach the Postmaster-General at Cape Town not later than March 31."

Page 93 WITH THE MANAGING EDITOR. In our next issue we shall commence a specialized study of the stamps of the Cook Islands, by Bertram W. H. Poole. It will be the finest article the WEEKLY has ever published, and owing to its length, will be published in several instalments. We shall illustrate the article freely, and promise a rare treat for our readers. In this same number of the WEEKLY, (our "World-Wide Special”) will be an article by C. A. Howes dealing with philately as a world wide pastime. The cover has been designed by Frank Prescott of St. Louis, and is the finest within our memory. Should a sample copy of this week’s paper fall into your hands, give it a careful perusal and note the fact that a special number of unusual merit will appear next week. Our younger subscribers under twenty will be interested in the several contests outlined elsewhere. Should you not be a subscriber, your subscription may be sent in with your entry in any one of these contests. THE MANAGING EDITOR.

Page 93 PRECANCEL PARAGRAPHS. By John A. Solomon. Precancelled stamp collecting has certainly taken a new lease of life. At present more interest is shown than for several years past. Nearly all stamp papers have paid some attention to precancel matters of late, and if frequent advertisements regarding these stamps count for anything, there is surely some demand for precancelled stamps. Many U. S. collectors who formerly would not even look at precancels, are beginning to realize that a showing of precancelled stamps is entirely in keeping with other U. S. A good precancel collection is not so easily built up as one may suppose. Although many varieties of the 1902 and present issue can be secured with little effort, most of the high values of the 1898 and earlier issues are scarce and are always in demand. Much has been said concerning the status of stamps with the regular office or newspaper cancellation mark. It places the precancel collector in a peculiar situation when it comes to proofs concerning these stamps when off the cover. In my opinion, the right way to distinguish these stamps is to preserve them on the original cover, thus preventing any doubt about their standing. Among many, Milwaukee, Providence and Augusta, Me., have recently been guilty of such practice. This is some excuse for Augusta, as it has always used this form, but why Milwaukee and Providence, where the regular precancel method has prevailed should do this, cannot be explained. St. Louis, which recently adopted the precancel method, has come out with a new type, New Haven, Conn., which has been off the precancel map for nearly a decade, has loomed up with a new precancel. Fort Wayne, after nearly ten years use, has discarded its fancy framed precancel, for a plain two line horizontal type effect. When precancelled stamps were an innovation, many cities sent out their stamps showing the date of the month and year. Binghamton, is the only city left that uses this form today. Commemorative issues are by long odds, the most popular kind of precancels. Aside of a few one cent varieties, these issues are very scarce and constantly in demand, still precancel collectors do not seem over anxious to sell them in spite of alluring prices. Montpelier, Vt., Spencer, Mass., Lyons, N. Y., and Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, are among the latest towns to adopt precancelled stamps, Lowell, Mass., probably holds the record for using the same precancellation the longest time. Lowell issued precancelled stamps as far hack as 1894 and has yet to change its original type. Judging from business possibilities, it would seem that the larger cities would have a tendency to monopolize the precancel market, but this is not so. Many small towns, some scarcely heard of outside of their own states, have their own precancelled stamps. Among others may be mentioned Clintonville, Conn., East Clarendon, Vt., Sherman, N. Y., West Grove, Pa., Calla, Ohio, Exeter, Nebr., Edella, Pa., Hika, Wis., North Cohocton, N. Y., East Whitman, Mass., etc. The population of most of these towns are even less than one thousand. Canadian cities are certainly making their sister cities in the states sit up and take notice, no less than eighteen Canadian cities and towns are using precancelled stamps in a clean manner. There are no sensational questionable varieties, in fact, I have seen but one double impression, that being a 2c issue from Montreal. It certainly speaks well for King 'William's domain. Springfield, Mass., and Springfield, Ohio are the only two cities of the same name in this country that issue precancelled stamps, although Niagara Falls, N. Y., and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Can., are also in this class.

Page 93 THE PHILATELIST IN LOVE. The normal young man is generally desirous of meeting a girl of the right stamp, yet the Figaro advertisement below wears the air of novelty. A collector of postage stamps, possessing 12,544 specimens, desires to contract a marriage with a young lady, also a collector, who has the blue Mauritius stamp of 1847. No other need apply. - Youth’s Companion.

Page 93 THE STAMP MARKET. By SENEX. Shilling Malta Queen’s, when they were a certain price some few years ago, proved a good purchase; no doubt the present shilling values will eventually prove an equally good investment. People who buy a “rising” stamp, when it has only just started on its upward flight, may be numerous, but the number of collectors who buy the stamp after it has risen is probably much smaller. Possibly one reason why the 14 satangs Siam 1910 seems to be coming over here rather slowly may be because there seems to have been a goodly quantity of the 14-on-9 atts of 1909 to be got through first. Three of the recent Hyderabad official stamps sell pretty freely just now: the 1 anna black, the 1 anna carmine, and the 2 annas green. Indian correspondents may very likely have some for exchange. The current 40c Tunis pictorial seems something of an invisible quantity; the 35c is accumulating; one would like to see the 35c current Gaudeloupe equally easy to get. The price of the 5c British Honduras 1905-09 seems to vary a good deal in different parts of the world. Possibly the 2 mils Sudan Army Service is not often seen quoted for by itself, in quantity, although it occurs pretty frequently in sets. The Johore Kemahkataan are apparently travelling towards comparative scarcity. The shilling multiple Natal, postage and revenue, seems to be having a fling. Has the 1/2c Canada Quebec disappointed anybody? There are noticeably fewer quotations, at the moment, for the Austrian stamps of 1910. The 2d Barbados Nelson is not so frequently quoted for as the 2 1/2d. I have received some unfamiliar Uruguay, which I take to be a new issue: 2c marone and 5c lilac, with portrait of one Artigas, the stamps being of excellent workmanship and attractive in appearance. The 2 pesos Uruguay 1897 seems procurable in ones and twos. The various Commemoratives of recent date do not seem to be over plentiful. Used Montenegro 1910 seem procurable in the realm of the low values. Used Paraguay, 1908, ‘09, and ‘10 can be got up to the 20c value. It seems there are two sorts of the 40 bani Roumania 1908. Current mark values of Finland should be examined as to whether they are on chalk or ordinary paper, as the price varies considerably. Of the values of current Iceland above the 10 aur, possibly the 25 aur is the most accessible, but it is not cheap. - Stamp Collectors Fortnightly.

Page 94 BRITISH STAMPS IN ROLLS. Fred J. Melville in his department in the London Standard states that the G. P. O. will shortly issue stamps in rolls for the convenience of the public. Each strip will contain one thousand stamps and in order to cover the additional cost of preparation a charge of two pence extra per thousand stamps will be made. Automatic stamping machines are said to be next in order, while for the convenience of small users of stamps the G. P. O. authorities are planning to issue books of stamps costing exactly the value of the stamps contained therein. Heretofore these pocket stamp books have been sold at a slight advance over actual face value. To meet the cost of the new book the P. O. Dept. intends to sell the space on the oiled interleaves for advertising purposes.

Page 94 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. United States. - B. F. Fuller reports having seen two permits with odd values: No. 304 of Cincinnati, Ohio, for 38c and No. 259 of the same city with 41c paid. B F. Fuller reports the following new precancels: Montpelier, Vermont, 1909, 1c and 13c, normal; without bars. Montpelier, Vermont, 1901, 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c, 5c, 6c, 8c, 10c, 15c, normal; with bars. Meriden, Conn., 1909, 3c normal. Dallas, Tex., 1909, 1c normal; package cancelling stamp. Schenectady, N.Y., 1909, 1c, inverted, double. Jacksonville, Fla., 1909, 1c; two heavy horizontal lines, 6 mm. apart. Chattanooga, St. Elmo Sta., Tennessee, 1909, 1c, normal and double. Prov., R. I., 1909, 10c, inverted. Philadelphia, Pa., 1909, 50c, narrow spacing between bars. Chicago, Ill., 1902, 50c, inverted. Chicago, Ill., 1902, 50c, normal and double. Biltmore, N. C., 1909, 10c; four concentric rings. Cincinnati, Ohio, 2c due stamps; new type; normal and inverted. Prov., R. I., 1c due stamp, inverted; black ink. Prov., R. I., 2c due stamp, inverted and double; black ink. Prov., R. I., 2c due stamp, normal and inverted; purple ink. La Crosse, Wisconsin, 2c due stamp, normal. Chicago, Ill., 1909, 13c, normal. Racine, Wis., 1909, 6c reading up. Herman W. Boers has shown us specimens of the Cincinnati precancelled dues, the 2c of which is noted by Mr. Fuller. All denominations from 1c to 10c have been thus treated, and all are to be found inverted. The design has “Ohio” in a straight line in the centre, with “Cincinnati” in a curved line above, and two lines of dotted rule in a curved line below: Cincinnati, Ohio. 1c, 2c, 3c, 5c and 10c due stamps; new type; normal and inverted. Gibraltar. - Champion’s Bulletin reports the issue of specimen copies of the 8sh value in new colors. This stamp is printed on chalky multiple paper. Adhesive. 8sh violet and green. Newfoundland. - L. C. Young reports having found the 1c Guy stamp perforated 11 x 12. Nicaragua. - Hermann Focke corrects an error made in chronicling the provisional official stamps noted in No. 1054. He says “They are official stamps pure and simple. There were no 3c nor 4c values in the official set of 1909, the postage stamps now being surcharged with 5c and 10c respectively, probably on account of shortage of the regular values of the official set. For future reference it should be recorded that the postage stamps are now surcharged locally for official use with the word ‘Oficial’ in black in different type from that applied in 1909 by the American Bank Note Co. The new surcharge measures 17 1/2 x 2 3/4 mm. against 20 x 3 1/2 mm. of the old surcharge, and the print is not so clean as that of the American Bank Note Co. I also enclose the 1 peso yellow with surcharge ‘B-Vale-10 cts.' for use at Bluefields, same type as the 5c provisional on same stamp recorded recently. From a full sheet of 25 of this provisional it appears that Nos. 4, 5 and 24 have the stop after ‘cts.’ missing, otherwise it is free of errors. I have received today the provisory ‘Vale 5c’ in red on 20c brown with surcharge inverted, also the 10c on 15c black. At the last moment I discover a new printing of the surcharge ‘Vale-10 cts.' on the 1 peso yellow, the principal difference from the first printing being the number ‘1’ and the wider space between ‘Vale’ and ‘10 cts.’. The new printing has perfect figures, while the first printing had very thin figures with little or no serifs.” Philippines. - Theodore Siddall sends us the new post card, issued at Manila in January. The printing is in dark blue on pale blue card and the front is divided. The stamp is in the right corner of the address space and the Arms in the other corner. The inscriptions are the same as on the old McKinley card of the United States, and are placed just above the centre. Post Card. 2c blue on pale blue. L. Ray Starkweather reports having found the new 30c stamp in bright instead of pale ultramarine, as at first chronicled. Union of South Africa. - The Government of this Colony proposes to issue a series of postage stamps of 11 values and has invited competitive designs for the same. The values will be 1/2d, 1d, 2d, 2 1/2d, 3d, 4d, 6d, 1sh, 2sh 6d, 5sh and 10sh. All designs must show the King’s Head and Crown, the denominations in figures and “Union of South Africa” and “Postage” in two languages. All stamps are to be upright, and of the size of the present postage stamps in the various Provinces. Uruguay. - We are indebted to the C. E. Hussman Stamp Co. for specimens of the 1c and 5c values of the new set.

Page 95 WITH THE BOY PHILATELIST. Edited by BERTRAM W. H. POOLE, Route 2, Box 40, Pasadena, Cal. We propose to insert upon this page matter that will be of interest to the boy collector. Some two thousand boys are now on our mailing list and it is our desire to come closely in contact with them in such a manner as will be most helpful. Any information desired will be cheerfully rendered through these columns. Do not submit stamps for examination. ANOTHER COMPETITION. Although, I take it, all my boy readers are general collectors, in common with most older philatelists, I feel sure that most of you have a preference for some particular country or other. Perhaps the handsome designs of some country’s stamps makes it a special favorite, or perhaps the stories relating to the designs gives them an interest possessed by no other stamps in your album. Whatever the reasons, I invite readers under 20 years of age to send me a short essay, not more than 500 words, stating why you prefer the stamps of any particular country. Essays should be headed “My Favorite Country” and should be received by April 25. They should be addressed to B. W. H. Poole, Box 40, Route 2, Pasadena, California and “Favorite” should be marked on the back of each envelope. The prizes will be :- First, 400 all different foreign stamps. Second, 300 all different foreign stamps. Third, Hinton’s Hints on Stamp Collecting. FOR GIRL READERS. A girl reader writes to enquire if girls may take part in the WEEKLY competitions. Certainly, girls are as cordially invited to compete as the boys. These columns are intended for all young collectors, both boys and girls, and I know from experience that girl collectors are every bit as keen and enthusiastic as boys. I therefore hope to have many entries from girls in any of our future competitions. PART PERFORATES. “Are stamps on the sides of whole sheets called either imperforate horizontally or vertically?” asks Ralph Holzworth. My correspondent refers, I expect, to U. S. stamps which are frequently found without perforation on one side. These stamps are usually described as having “straight edge,” and they are caused by the fact that U. S. stamps, though printed in sheets of 200 or 400, are always divided into sheets of 100 before issue to postmasters. For many years lines have been drawn on the plates to mark where the large sheets are to be cut and the stamps on each side of these lines are without perforations on one side. Stamps that are imperforate horizontally or vertically are without perforations at both sides or at top or bottom. As a rule these are due to error in omitting two or more lines of perforation from a sheet of stamps. There is one notable exception, the U. S. Revenue stamps of 1862-71. These were intentionally issued with perforations on two sides only and are known as “part perforated.” When one row of perforation is omitted from a sheet of stamps we get vertical or horizontal pairs imperf. between. THE FIRST ISSUE OF PERU. The first stamps issued by the government of the Republic of Peru may well form the subject of a stamp story for they are unique in the fact that they were not printed specially but were borrowed from the Pacific Steam Navigation Company. This English shipping company had a trading connection between Liverpool and the chief ports on the western coast of South America. Quite a number of letters were carried by the steamers between the various ports at which they called. Indeed the conveyance of mails formed such an important part of the company’s business that they issued special 1 and 2 reales stamps for use on letters. The design consisted of a two masted schooner in a central oval surrounded by an engine turned oval, on which the value ("1 Rl” or “2 Rls”) and the weight ("1/2 oz.” or “1 oz”) were indicated. In the corners the letters “P. S. N. C” were shown, these of course standing for Pacific Steam Navigation Company. In 1857 the Peruvian Government decided to follow the lead of other countries and give postage stamps a trial. Not being particularly optimistic as to the success of the venture the postal authorities decided to limit expenses as much as possible, so instead of causing special stamps to be printed they borrowed a supply from the Pacific Steam Navigation Company. The two stamps were placed on sale in the towns of Lima, Chorrillos and Calloa only on the 1st December, 1857. The experiment was eminently successful and four months later these “borrowed” stamps were replaced by a regular issue bearing the Arms of the Republic. The stamps used by the Peruvian Government can only be distinguished from those used by the shipping company by the postmarks. HOW STAMPS ARE GUMMED. Some weeks ago I made a few remarks on the subject of original gum and although the adhesive matter on the backs of postage stamps seems such a commonplace, if useful, part of the labels, it will probably astonish my readers to learn with what care it is applied. Some years ago a Scotch newspaper gave an interesting account of the process from which I take a few extracts. If there is one thing above another which has been brought down to an exact science it is the gumming of adhesive postage stamps. The precautions taken to secure a uniform coating of gum on the back of stamps approaches the marvelous. When the stamps are gummed they are tested to establish if the coating varies on sheets one seven-thousandth of a pound. The stamps after being printed go to the gumming room. Pipes convey the gum in a heated and melted state to small vats, into which it is slowly dropped as needed. From these vats it is allowed to ooze slowly onto rollers. The sheets if stamps pass under the rollers, receiving a thin coating of gum, and then drop onto a continuous coat or belt. The belt carries them into vats which contain coils of steam pipe 50 feet long. The slow passage of the freshly gummed stamp sheets through the vats dries them. When they reach the other end of the vats they are dry enough to be piled one upon another, counted, tested, and sent to be perforated. The precautions taken to ensure uniformity in the gumming are the most interesting part of the work. Each morning when the workmen report for duty they are given a series of blanks, which they must fill out during the day as their work progresses. A most careful account is kept of every ounce of gum given to the men and of every sheet of stamps which they handle. The system is an absolute check on the stamp sheets, but was designed to ensure the use of the proper quantity of gum in proportion to the stamp sheets. When the work starts in the morning each of the men is charged up with so many sheets of stamps and so many pounds of gum. He must spread that amount of gum over the given number of sheets. Exhaustive experiments and exact scientific calculation have determined the proportion of gum and paper. Rigid and continuous inspection and the keeping of a running account with each operator in the gumming room makes it almost impossible to neglect any sheets or to dispose of the gum except by spreading it with absolute uniformity over the sheets. The little vats which hang over the rollers contain delicate instruments, which show the temperature at which the gum is kept and its specific gravity. Moisture in the atmosphere presents the greatest problem to the operators in the gumming room. The quantity of the gum varies with the seasons. To secure the desired results it is not only necessary for the employees to be carefully watched, but the actual atmospheric conditions in which they work are carefully regulated. SHORT REPLIES. A. W. H. - The British stamp, Scott’s No. 224, with “for W. B.” written across it shows that it was used as a revenue stamp and not for postal duty. J. V. W. - (Buckland, Mass.) - The stamp of which you send me a tracing is evidently a bogus label of some sort or other. It may possibly be of private local issued by a trading company, but I can find no record of this design among the recognised locals. C. R. - The 35c stamp of the 1886-91 issue of Belgium (Scott’s type A 21) may be distinguished from the 35c of the 1893 issue (type A 23) by the fact that the margin under the lower frame line is quite plain. In the 1893 variety part of the engraving connecting the lower part of the stamp with the “Sunday label” can always be seen.

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