forms should be used: To the President of the United States, _The
President, Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C._; to King George, _His
Majesty, the King, London_ (omit _England_, as this is considered a
provincialism); to the Pope, _His Holiness, Pope Pius X., Rome_ (omit
_Italy_); to a member of the Cabinet, _To the Honorable the Secretary
of State_; to a duke, _His Grace, the Duke of ——_; to a baron, _The
Right Honorable, the Lord ——_; to a cardinal, _To His Eminence, William
Cardinal O’Connell_; to an archbishop in England, _The Most Reverend
—— His Grace the Lord Archbishop of ——_; to a bishop in England, _The
Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of ——_, in the United States, _The
Right Reverend_ (Christian and surname), adding honorary titles; to a
dean in England, _The Very Reverend the Dean of ——_; to an archdeacon
in England, _The Venerable the Archdeacon_ (surname); to a senator,
congressman, mayor, or judge, _Honorable_ (Christian and surname); to a
governor, _His Excellency, the Governor of ——_; to an ambassador, _His
Excellency the British Ambassador_. {125}
POSTAL CARDS
1. Postal cards have become much more common during the past few years,
the pictorial variety being particularly popular. The prejudice against
their use has largely disappeared.
2. Postal cards do not require salutation or complimentary close.
IN GENERAL
1. Use black ink and never use a pencil, even in friendly letters,
except in an emergency.
2. Do not practise economy of paper by writing in the margin.
3. Fold the letter so that when taken from the envelope it will open
right-side up.
4. Never omit the date from any note or letter, however unimportant.
5. In brief letters the first and fourth or first and third pages may
be written upon, leaving the others blank.
6. Avoid postscripts except in an emergency.
7. Unruled paper should be used for all correspondence.
8. Typewritten letters are permissible only in business correspondence,
and even in these the signature should be written by hand.
9. Any evidence of haste is a discourtesy. Never sign a letter, _Yours
in haste_.
10. Underscoring is permissible only in informal letters and should be
used sparingly. {126}
EXAMPLES OF CORRECT LETTER WRITING
1. BUSINESS LETTER I
NORWOOD, MASS.,
12 March, 1912
MESSRS. FREDERICK A. STOKES CO.
443 Fourth Ave.
New York, N.Y.
GENTLEMEN:
Your letter of 11 March is at hand, and we acknowledge
receipt of the MS. of “The Writer’s Desk Book,” together
with your detailed instructions. The MS. shall be put
into type without delay, and galley proofs shall be sent to
the author in accord with your advice. We expect to
complete the typesetting within two weeks’ time.
Thanking you for the order, we are
Yours very truly,
THE PLIMPTON PRESS
2. BUSINESS LETTER II (reverse indention)
443 FOURTH AVE., NEW YORK, N. Y.
25 March, 1912
THE PLIMPTON PRESS
Norwood, Mass.
GENTLEMEN:
We beg leave to take up with you the various details of
manufacture relating to the various books in your
hands, as follows:
WRITER’S DESK BOOK: In addition to the proofs which
you are now sending to the author, please send two
additional sets of galley and page proof to us.
MEISSONIER: The sample page which you submit is
accepted. We shall require two sets of page-proof only.
MAXIMS OF METHUSELAH: Please print an edition of
5000 copies, using paper which you have in stock for us.
Yours very truly,
FREDERICK A. STOKES CO.
{127}
3. INFORMAL OR FRIENDLY LETTER
NICE,
August 28, 1857
MY DEAR ENTHUSIAST,
Again I request your kind offices by the enclosed note,
in giving it or forwarding it to my brother. Charles and I
have been much gratified in reading aloud — he reading
to me while I work — the life of Shakespeare by Thomas
Campbell. It is put together in a most pleasant spirit,
which all the biographies are not. But a poet is sure to
write well on a poet. Everything that Coleridge, for
instance, says of our Idol is in charming taste; and also
Barry Cornwall’s Memoir and Essay on Shakespeare and
his Writings has the same delightful poetic charm. After
reading the heap of inappreciative discussions on the subject,
it is truly refreshing to go through the dissertations
of such authors as these upon our poet of poets. They
can best feel his merits, and can therefore most veneratingly
and modestly treat the theme of his genius and
greatness.
With united kindest regards from Charles and myself
to you and Mrs. Balmanno, believe me to be
Gratefully,
_Mary Cowden Clarke_
ROBERT BALMANNO, ESQ.
NEW YORK, N. Y.
4. FORMAL SOCIAL NOTES
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Winslow
request the pleasure of Mr. James
Gorham’s company at dinner on
Thursday evening, January the
twelfth, at half after seven o’clock.
487 Beacon Street
January the fourth[25]
[25] While this form is commonly used, it is not grammatically correct.
One may say George the Fourth, because three Georges have preceded him.
Strictly speaking, one should write _The fourth of January_.
{128}
Mr. James Gorham regrets that
an engagement previously made
prevents[26] him from accepting the
kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs.
Winslow for dinner on Thursday
evening, January the twelfth.
289 Commonwealth Avenue
January the fifth
5. FORMAL NOTE TO TRADESMAN
Mrs. Gorham desires Messrs. Smith
& Robinson to send for her examination
the electric ironing apparatus
advertised in this morning’s “Herald.”
312 Sigourney Street
12 January, 1912
(_A note of this kind should always have the address._)
[26] See under _Tense_ on page 112.
{129}
POSTAL REGULATIONS
CLASSES OF MAIL
Domestic matter is divided into four classes, governed as follows:
_First Class_ embraces letters, postal cards, post cards, all matter
wholly or partly in writing or sealed against inspection. Rate, 2 cents
for each ounce and fraction. Limit of weight, 4 pounds.
_Second Class_ applies to newspapers and periodicals in their
entirety bearing the printed statement “Entered at the post-office as
second-class matter,” etc., when they are mailed by the public. Parts
of publications are third-class matter. Additions may be made on the
wrapper or the matter itself; there may be written or printed the name
and address of the sender, preceded by the word “from”; the name and
address of the person to whom sent; the words “sample copy” or “marked
copy,” or both, as the case may be. On the matter itself the sender
may place all that is permitted on the wrapper; correct typographical
errors in the text; designate by marks, not by words, {130} a word or
passage in the text to which it is desired to call attention. Other
writing will subject the package to the first-class rate.
Rate 1 cent for each 4 ounces or fraction. Full prepayment required. No
limit of weight.
_Third Class_ includes unsealed books, newspapers and periodicals not
admitted to the second class, circulars, miscellaneous printed matter
on paper not having the nature of personal correspondence, and proof
sheets, corrected proof sheets, and manuscript copy accompanying the
same, engravings, lithographs, seeds, scions, cuttings, bulbs, roots,
and plants. Also facsimile copies made by a mechanical process such as
the printing press, electric pen, mimeograph, hektograph, copygraph,
etc., provided that they are mailed at the post-office window in the
minimum number of twenty identical copies separately addressed. If
mailed elsewhere or in less number, first-class postage is required.
A circular may have in writing therein the name of the addressee or
sender or date.
Corrections in proof sheets include the alteration of the text and
insertion of new matter, as well as the correction of typographical and
other errors. They include also marginal instructions to the printer
necessary to the correction of the matter or its proper appearance
in print. Part of an article may be entirely rewritten if that be
necessary for {131} correction. Corrections must be upon the margin
of or attached to the proof sheets. Manuscript of one article cannot
be inclosed with proof or corrected proof sheets of another except at
the first-class rate. Written designation of contents, such as “book,”
“printed matter,” “photo,” is permissible upon the wrapper of mail
matter of the third class.
A single card bearing the written name and address of the sender, or an
envelope bearing a written or printed name and address of the sender,
may be inclosed with a circular, catalogue, or other third-class matter
without affecting the classification thereof. Public library books,
otherwise mailable at the third-class rate, may bear any printed
or written mark which may reasonably be construed as a necessary
_inscription_ for the purpose of a permanent library record.
Rate 1 cent each 2 ounces or fraction. Limit of weight, 4 pounds,
except single books. Postage must be fully prepaid and great care
exercised not to add any written words or figures except such as are
permissible.
_Parcel Post_ includes all (unsealed) matter not embraced in the three
classes already enumerated, except seeds, cuttings, bulbs, roots,
scions, and plants, on which the rate is one-half cent per ounce.
Important changes are certain to be made from time to time during the
experimental period, so readers are urged to secure the {132} latest
information from their own post-office. The basic regulations at
present are as follows:
SPECIAL STAMPS REQUIRED. Denominations 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50 and 75c. $1.
WEIGHT LIMIT: Eleven (11) pounds.
SIZE LIMIT: 72 inches, length and girth combined.
PARCELS MAY BE INSURED up to $50.00 by paying a fee
of 10 cents.
RATES PER POUND: Depend on distance parcel is to be
carried. See Table of Rates on page 162.
MARKING: Parcels must bear name and address of sender,
preceded by word “From.”
MAILING: Parcels exceeding 4 ounces in weight must be
mailed at post-office.
WRAPPING OF MAIL MATTER
All mail matter should be so wrapped as safely to bear transmission
without breaking, or injuring mail bags or the contents of mail bags
or the persons of those handling them. Second, third, and fourth-class
matter must be so wrapped or enveloped that the contents may be
examined easily by postal officials. When not so wrapped, or when
bearing or containing writing not authorized by law, the matter will be
treated as of the first class.
FORWARDING MAIL MATTER
Matter of the first class may be forwarded until it reaches the
addressee. All other classes require prepayment of the original postage
before forwarding.
WHAT CANNOT BE MAILED
All transient second-class matter and all matter of the third or fourth
class not wholly {133} prepaid, and letters and other first-class
matter not prepaid are full rate — 2 cents.
All matter weighing over 4 pounds, except second-class matter, single
books, and documents printed and circulated by authority of Congress.
Postal, post, or other cards mailed without wrappers and all matter
bearing upon the outside cover or wrapper any delineations, epithets,
terms, or language of an indecent, lewd, lascivious, obscene, libelous,
scurrilous, defamatory or threatening character, or calculated by the
terms of manner or style of display, and obviously intended to reflect
injuriously upon the character or conduct of another.
Post cards bearing particles of glass, metal, mica, sand, tinsel, etc.,
are unmailable.
All matter concerning any lottery, so-called gift concert, or other
enterprise of chance, or concerning schemes devised for the purpose of
obtaining money or property under false pretenses.
CONCEALED MATTER
For knowingly concealing or inclosing any matter of a higher class
in that of a lower class, and depositing or causing the same to be
deposited for conveyance by mail at a less rate than would be charged
for both such higher and lower class, the offender will be liable for
every such offense to a fine of $10. {134}
DOMESTIC RATES
The domestic rates apply to the United States, Porto Rico, Guam,
Philippine Islands, Shanghai (China), Tutuila, Cuba, Canada,[27]
Mexico,[27] Hawaii, Republic of Panama and the Panama Canal Zone.
[27] See exceptions which follow.
FOREIGN RATES
Mail matter addressed to countries in the Universal Postal Union is
subject to the following rates: Letters and sealed packages, 5 cents
for one ounce or fraction thereof, and 3 cents for each additional
ounce or fraction thereof, if prepaid, and double that rate if not
prepaid, except Great Britain, and Germany (if sent by steamers sailing
for Germany direct), which is 2 cents per ounce.
Postal and private mail cards, 2 cents each.
Printed matter of every kind, commercial papers, samples of
merchandise, 1 cent each 2 ounces or fraction thereof, but at least 5
cents must be paid on each packet of commercial papers and 2 cents on
each packet of samples of merchandise.
Mail schedules showing the name of steamer, hour of closing of the mail
at the General Post-Office, etc., may be found in the corridors of the
General Post-Office or any of its stations. {135}
Exceptions for Cuba, Mexico, Canada, and Republic of Panama
Matter mailed in United States addressed to MEXICO is subject to the
same postage rates and conditions as that addressed in the United
States, except that articles of miscellaneous merchandise (fourth-class
matter) in unsealed packages not sent as bona fide trade samples are
required to be sent by “Parcels Post,” and that the following articles
are absolutely excluded from the mails:
All sealed packages other than letters in the usual form; all packages
(including packages of second-class matter which weigh more than 4
pounds 6 ounces), except such as are sent by parcels post; publications
which violate any copyright law of Mexico.
Samples of merchandise: Packages not in excess of 4 ounces, 2 cents.
Packages in excess of 4 ounces, for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof,
1 cent. Limit of weight, 12 ounces.
Mail matter in United States addressed to CANADA and CUBA is subject to
same postage rates and conditions as addressed for delivery in United
States, except that the following articles are absolutely excluded from
the mails:
All packages closed against inspection and not in usual form of a
letter; all packages, except single volumes of printed books, {136}
which weigh more than 4 pounds 6 ounces; publications which violate
any copyright law of Canada, Cuba, or Republic of Panama.
Unsealed packages of “commercial papers” are admitted to the mails
dispatched from this country to Mexico and Canada at the same rate and
subject to the same conditions as to weight and dimensions as apply to
commercial papers in mails dispatched to other countries of Universal
Postal Union.
FOREIGN PARCELS POST
Parcels Post conventions are in effect with the following countries,
the rate of postage being 12 cents a pound or fraction: Australia,[28]
Austria,[28] Bahamas, Barbadoes,[28] Belgium,[28] Bermuda, Bolivia,
British Guiana, British Honduras, Chili, certain places in China; Costa
Rica, Denmark.[28] Dutch Guiana — _Parcels cannot be registered_.
Ecuador — _Parcels must not exceed $50 in value_. France — _Parcels
cannot be registered and must not weigh over 4 pounds 6 ounces or
exceed $50 in value_. Germany. Great Britain and Ireland — _Parcels
cannot be registered_. Guatemala, Honduras, Hongkong,[28] Hungary,[28]
Jamaica, Japan.[28] Mexico — _Limit of size, 2 feet in length, 4
feet in girth_. Netherlands[28] — _Parcels cannot be registered_.
Newfoundland, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway,[28] Peru, Salvador,
Sweden,[28] Trinidad. {137} Uruguay — _Parcels cannot be registered_.
Venezuela, Windward Islands.
[28] Parcels not to exceed $80 in value.
Parcels Post packages may be mailed only at the main post-office or at
branch carrier stations after each package has been examined and is
attached to a parcels post declaration.
MONEY ORDER FEES
Fees for money orders payable in the United States (which includes
Hawaii and Porto Rico) and its possessions comprising the Canal Zone
(Isthmus of Panama), Guam, the Philippines, and Tutuila, Samoa; also
for orders payable in Bahamas, Bermuda, British Guiana, British
Honduras, Canada, Cuba, Newfoundland, at the United States postal
agency at Shanghai (China), and in certain islands in the West Indies:
Not exceeding $2.50 3c
Over $2.50 to $5 5c
Over $5 to $10 8c
Over $10 to $20 10c
Over $20 to $30 12c
Over $30 to $40 15c
Over $40 to $50 18c
Over $50 to $60 20c
Over $60 to $75 25c
Over $75 to $100 30c
Fees for International Money Orders
When payable in Apia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Chili, Costa Rica,
Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Hongkong, Japan, Liberia, Luxemburg, Mexico,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Orange River Colony, Peru, Portugal,
Sweden, Switzerland, and Transvaal: {138}
Not exceeding $10 8c
Over $10 to $20 10c
Over $20 to $30 15c
Over $30 to $40 20c
Over $40 to $50 25c
Over $50 to $60 30c
Over $60 to $70 35c
Over $70 to $80 40c
Over $80 to $90 45c
Over $90 to $100 50c
When payable in Cape Colony, France, Great Britain, Greece, Republic of
Honduras, Italy, New South Wales, Queensland, Russia, Salvador, South
Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria:
Not exceeding $10 10c
Over $10 to $20 20c
Over $20 to $30 30c
Over $30 to $40 40c
Over $40 to $50 50c
Over $50 to $60 60c
Over $60 to $70 70c
Over $70 to $80 80c
Over $80 to $90 90c
Over $90 to $100 $1
REGISTERED MAIL
_Domestic_
Any article of the first, second, third, or fourth class mail matter
may be registered at any post-office in the United States. The fee on
registered matter, domestic or foreign, is 10 cents for each letter
or parcel, to be affixed in stamps, in addition to the postage. Full
prepayment of postage and fee is required. 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.
A return receipt signed by the recipient and showing delivery is
returned to the sender of each domestic registered letter or parcel if
requested at the time of mailing. {139}
If it is desired that registered matter be delivered to the addressee
only, it should be endorsed “To be delivered to the addressee only.”
The postal authorities give an indemnity for domestic first-class
registered mail lost in transit up to $50.
_Foreign_
1. Any article of mail matter, except parcels post packages for France,
The Netherlands, Uruguay, Great Britain, Barbadoes, Dutch Guiana,
may be registered, provided that when presented for registration the
postage thereon be fully prepaid by postage stamps affixed, also the
registration fee, which is uniformly 10 cents.
2. Name and address of sender in full must be indorsed on or written
across the end of the letter or article before it can be registered.
3. The senders of registered articles may obtain assurance of their
receipt by persons addressed by indorsing them with the words, “Return
receipt requested.”
SPECIAL DELIVERY SYSTEM
A special 10 cent stamp, when attached to a letter or package (in
addition to the lawful postage), will entitle such to immediate
delivery at destination within the carrier limit of a free delivery
office between the hours of 7 A.M. and 11 P.M., and from 7 A.M. to
{140} 7 P.M. at all other offices, or until after the arrival of the
last mail at night, provided that be not later than 9 P.M. Special
delivery mail must be delivered on Sunday, as well as on other days, if
post-office is open on Sundays.
If special delivery matter fails of delivery because there is no person
at the place of address to receive it, the matter is returned to the
post-office and delivered in the ordinary mail.
Ten cents worth of ordinary stamps with “special delivery” written on
envelope serves the same purpose. Short-paid second, third, and fourth
class matter, to which is attached a special delivery stamp, cannot be
forwarded.
POSTAL DISTANCES AND TIME FROM NEW YORK CITY
SHORTEST ROUTES AND TIME IN TRANSIT BY FASTEST TRAINS
_Subject to alterations occasioned by changes in time tables and
connections_
-------------------+------+---------
Cities in U. S. | Mls. | Hrs.
-------------------+------+---------
Albany, N. Y. | 142 | 3 1/2
Atlanta, Ga. | 882 | 24 1/4
Baltimore, Md. | 138 | 6
Bismarck, N. Dak. | 1738 | 60 1/2
Boise, Idaho | 2736 | 92 1/2
Boston, Mass. | 217 | 6
Buffalo, N. Y. | 410 | 9 1/2
Cape May, N. J. | 172 | 5
Carson City, Nev. | 3036 | 109 1/4
Charleston, S. C. | 804 | 21 1/4
Chattanooga, Ten. | 853 | 32
Cheyenne, Wyo. | 1899 | 54
Chicago, Ill. | 900 | 23
Cincinnati, O. | 744 | 23
Cleveland, O. | 568 | 19 1/2
Columbus, O. | 624 | 20
Concord, N. H. | 292 | 9 1/2
Deadwood, S. Dak. | 1957 | 65 1/2
Denver, Col. | 1930 | 61 1/2
Des Moines, Ia. | 1257 | 37 1/2
Detroit, Mich. | 743 | 21
Galveston, Tex. | 1789 | 56 1/2
Harrisburg, Pa. | 182 | 6
Hartford, Ct. | 112 | 4
Helena, Mont. | 2423 | 89
Hot Springs, Ark. | 1367 | 55
Indianapolis, Ind. | 808 | 23
Jacksonville, Fla. | 1077 | 30 {141}
Kansas City, Mo. | 1302 | 38 1/4
Louisville, Ky. | 854 | 30
Memphis, Tenn. | 1163 | 40
Milwaukee, Wis. | 985 | 29 1/4
Montgomery, Ala. | 1057 | 26
Montpelier, Vt. | 327 | 10 1/4
New Orleans, La. | 1344 | 32
Omaha, Neb. | 1383 | 43
Philadelphia, Pa. | 90 | 3
Pittsburgh, Pa. | 431 | 13
Portland, Me. | 325 | 12
Portland, Ore. | 3181 | 141 1/2
Prescott, Ariz. | 2724 | 94
Providence, R. I. | 189 | 5
Richmond, Va. | 344 | 11 1/4
St. Louis, Mo. | 1048 | 29
St. Paul, Minn. | 1300 | 37
Salt Lake City, U. | 2452 | 71 1/2
San Francisco, Cal.| 3250 | 105
Santa Fe, N. Mex. | 2173 | 82
Savannah, Ga. | 905 | 26 1/4
Tacoma, Wash. | 3209 | 102
Topeka, Kan. | 1370 | 48
Trenton, N. J. | 57 | 2
Vicksburgh, Miss. | 1288 | 50
Vinita, Ind. Ter. | 1412 | 42
Washington, D. C. | 228 | 6
Wheeling, W. Va. | 496 | 14 1/4
Wilmington, Del. | 117 | 5
Wilmington, N. C. | 593 | 20
-------------------+------+---------
FOREIGN CITIES FROM NEW YORK CITY
----------------------+-------+-----
By Postal Route to | Mls. | D’s
----------------------+-------+-----
Adelaide, v. Frisco | 12845 | 34
Alexandria, v. Lon. | 6150 | 13
Amsterdam, v. Lon. | 3985 | 9
Antwerp, v. London | 4000 | 9
Athens, v. Lon. | 5655 | 12
Bahia, Brazil | 5870 | 21
Bangkok, S. v. Frisco | 12990 | 43
Batavia, J. v. Lon. | 12800 | 34
Berlin | 4385 | 9
Bombay, v. London | 9765 | 24
Bremen | 4235 | 8
Buenos Ayres | 8045 | 29
Calcutta, v. London | 11120 | 26
Cape Town, v. Lon. | 11245 | 27
Const’ople, v. Lon. | 5810 | 11
Florence, v. London | 4800 | 10
Glasgow | 3370 | 10
Greytown, v. N. O. | 2815 | 7
Halifax, N. S. | 645 | 2
Hamburg, direct | 4820 | 9
Havana | 1366 | 3
Hongkong, v. Fris. | 10590 | 25
Honolulu, v. Frisco | 5645 | 13
Liverpool | 3540 | 8
London | 3740 | 8
Madrid, v. London | 4925 | 9
Melbourne, v. Fris. | 12265 | 26
Mexico City (R.R.) | 3750 | 5
Panama | 2355 | 6
Paris | 4020 | 8
Rio de Janeiro | 6204 | 23
Rome, v. London | 5030 | 9
Rotterdam, v. Lon. | 3935 | 9
St. Ptrsburg, v. Lon. | 5370 | 10
Shanghai, v. Fris. | 9920 | 25
Stockholm, v. Lon. | 4975 | 10
Sydney, v. Frisco | 11570 | 21
Valparaiso, v. Pan. | 4808 | 21
Vienna | 4740 | 10
Yokohama, v. Fris. | 7348 | 20
----------------------+-------+-----
{142}
APPENDIX
STANDARD TIME