Chapter I: Part 1

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CANADIAN POSTAL GUIDE:

CONTAINING THE

CHIEF REGULATIONS OF THE POST OFFICE,

THE RATES OF POSTAGE,

EVERY INFORMATION IN REGARD TO MONEY ORDERS,

COMPILED BY JOHN DEWE, POST OFFICE INSPECTOR.

Published with the permission of the Postmaster General.

PRICE 25 CENTS.

TORONTO: R. & A. MILLER, 62, KING STREET; AND 60, ST. FRANCOIS XAVIER STREET, MONTREAL. AND FOR SALE AT THE BOOK STORES.

1863.

TORONTO:

PRINTED BY LOVELL AND GIBSON, YONGE STREET.

Reprinted 1966

DEV-SCO PUBLICATIONS LIMITED 2345 MONTEE ST. AUBIN CHOMEDEY, LAVAL, P.Q.

This Canadian Postal Guide is being reprinted with the hope that Postal Historians and Collectors of Canadian stamps will benefit greatly from the information contained therein.

CHARLES P. DEVOLPI

PREFACE.

The principal object of this little work is the dissemination of information in regard to the Canadian Postal Service. It is published with the kind permission of the Postmaster General, and it is hoped will be useful to the public as well as conducive to the interests of the Post Office.

The short and imperfect sketch of the progress of the post office in Canada, which has been compiled from authentic sources, will be found interesting. It extends over a period of one hundred years, and serves to mark a rapidity of improvement which, in a country purely agricultural, has seldom been surpassed.

As the regulations of the post office are subject to constant change, it is proposed to issue new editions of the Canadian Postal Guide, revised and corrected to the latest date, half-yearly, or yearly, as circumstances may appear to require.

Toronto, January, 1863.

CONTENTS.

Page

A Few Facts about the Post Office in Canada 9

Chief Officers of the Department at Quebec 15

Post Office Inspectors 15

Postal Divisions 16

RULES AND REGULATIONS:
Officers 17
Post Office 17
Office Hours 18
Mails 18
Rates of Postage on Letters 19
Soldiers' and Seamen's Letters 20
Rates of Postage on Newspapers 21
Periodical Publications 24
Book Post 25
Printed Papers, Prices Current, Hand Bills, &c. 26
Printed Votes and Proceedings of the Imperial Parliament
and Colonial Legislatures 27
Parcel Post 27
Franking and Free Letters 28
Abating and Refunding Postage 28
Undelivered and Dead Letters 29
Registration 30
Postage Stamps 30
Money Orders 31

General Regulations 33

Suggestions to the Public 34

Rates of Postage from Canada to British Colonies and Foreign Countries, by Canadian Ocean Steamers 36

Rates of Postage from Canada to British Colonies, &c., by
Cunard Steamers 39

Do. do. do. by the United States 40

A FEW FACTS ABOUT THE POST OFFICE IN CANADA.

COMPILED FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES.

The earliest records of the administration of the post office in Canada bear date 1750, at which period the celebrated Benjamin Franklin was Deputy Postmaster General of North America. At the time of his appointment the revenue of the department was insufficient to defray his salary of L300 per annum; but under his judicious management not only was the postal accommodation in the Provinces considerably extended, but the revenue so greatly increased, that ere long the profit for one year, which he remitted to the British treasury, amounted to L3000.

In the evidence given by Franklin before the British House of Commons in the year 1766, in regard to the extent of the post office accommodation in North America, he made the following statement:--

"The posts generally travel along the sea coasts, and only in a few cases do they go back into the country. Between Quebec and Montreal there is only one post per month. The inhabitants live so scattered and remote from each other in that vast country that the posts cannot be supported amongst them. The English colonies, too, along the frontier are very thinly settled."

Franklin was removed in 1774. War broke out a few months afterwards between the North American Provinces and the Mother Country; and the charge of the post office in Canada was assumed by Mr. Hugh Finlay, who, it appears, had under Franklin performed the duties of postmaster at Quebec.

Mr. Finlay is designated in his commission as Deputy Postmaster General of His Majesty's "Province of Canada," from which it would seem that the Lower Provinces were not included in his charge.

An Almanac published in Quebec in the year 1791 thus describes the condition of the Department:--

Hugh Finlay, Esq., Deputy Postmaster General Quebec, L. C.
Wm. E. Edwards, Postmaster Montreal, "
Samuel Sills, " Three Rivers, "
Louis Aime, " Berthier, "
Hugh Munroe, " Bai edes Chaleurs, "
Samuel Anderson, " Cornwall, U. C.
John Munroe, " Matilda, "
John Jones, " Augusta, "
Peter Clarke, " Kingston, "
Joseph Edwards, " Niagara, "
George Leitch, " Detroit, "
---- Mitchell " Mickelmackinac, "

There were thus five post offices in Lower Canada, and seven post offices in Upper Canada.

Between Quebec and England mails were despatched once per month; between Quebec and Halifax, twice per week in summer, and once per week in winter; between Quebec and Montreal, twice per week; and between Montreal and the offices above Montreal, once per month; between Quebec and Baie des Chaleurs mails were despatched "as occasion offered."

In the year 1792, 1793, and 1794, the mail was carried once per month between Montreal and Kingston by a French Canadian named Morisette; between Kingston and York it was carried by Alex. Anderson; and between York and Niagara by a Mohawk Indian. The rate of travel was probably about 20 miles per day; the route being either by a path through the woods or along the shores of the River St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario: no regular road having been at that time in existence.

In the summer season the mail was carried between Kingston and Niagara by the Government vessels,--

Caldwell,
Mohawk,
Oneida, and
Speedy.

Between Canandaigua, in the State of New York, and Niagara, the mail was carried once per week at a cost of $200 per annum.

In the year 1796 there were precisely the same number of offices, and generally the same amount of mail accommodation, as in in 1791.

Mr. Finlay was succeeded in the year 1800 by Mr. George Heriot. In 1803 Upper Canada had 8 post offices, but the mails were not more frequent than in 1791. In 1804 there were in Lower Canada 5 post offices; in Upper Canada, 9; in Nova Scotia, 6; in Cape Breton, 1; in Prince Edward's Island, 1; in New Brunswick, 4.

The late Mr. Wood, who filled the office of postmaster of Cornwall for many years, thus describes the condition of the department in the Upper Canada Province about the year 1807:--

"When I first took charge of the post office in this place the
mail was carried from Quebec to Amherstburg on the back of an
old Canadian pedestrian; he performed his trip once in three
months, and his arrival was hailed with joy by the then
contented and loyal inhabitants throughout the country."

The following is a copy of a somewhat curious advertisement which appears in the Upper Canada Gazette, published in the year 1807:--

"The mail for Upper Canada will be despatched from the post
office at Montreal, on the following days, to wit:

"Monday, 14th January.
"Monday, 12th February.
"Monday, 10th March.
"Monday, 7th April--the last trip.

"A courier from Kingston may be looked for here in 14 or 15
days from the above periods, where he will remain 2 or 3 days,
and then return to Kingston.

"Another courier will proceed from this with the Niagara mail,
via Messrs. Hatts, where the Sandwich letters will be left,
both from Niagara and this 'till the courier comes from there
to return with them.

"Letters put into the post office will be forwarded at any
time by

"W. ALLAN,
"Acting Deputy Postmaster."

There are in existence several commissions issued by Mr. Heriot to postmasters in Nova Scotia, in which he signs himself Deputy Postmaster General for the Province of Upper and Lower Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and their dependencies. It would appear therefore, at all events, that during a portion of his term of office he had supervision of all the posts in those colonies.

Mr. Heriot was succeeded in the year 1816 by Mr. Daniel Sutherland, who, on his accession to office, found Nova Scotia and Prince Edward's Island wholly withdrawn from the Canada charge. New Brunswick, however, continued to be included in it. The postmasters in that Province being commissioned at Quebec and accounting to the Deputy Postmaster General there.

In the year 1817 Lower Canada had 13 post offices; Upper Canada, 12; Nova Scotia, 6; New Brunswick, 3; Prince Edward's Island, 1. In this year the mails were running between Quebec and Halifax once a fortnight, all the year round; between Quebec and Kingston, once a week; between Kingston and Toronto, once a week; and between Toronto and Amherstburg, once a fortnight.

In the year 1820 there were in Lower Canada 20 post offices; in Upper Canada, 19; in Nova Scotia, 6; in New Brunswick, 3; in Prince Edward's Island, 1.

In 1824 there were in Upper and Lower Canada 69 post offices, and 1992 miles of established mail routes. The annual travel of the mail was 370,000 miles. The gross revenue was $68,000; and the revenue transmitted to England, after deducting $1200, the supposed surplus for New Brunswick, $21,000. At this time the population of Lower Canada was about 440,000, and of Upper Canada 150,000.

In this year Mr. Sutherland was succeeded, as Deputy Postmaster General, by Mr. Thos. A. Stayner, and shortly after was effected the separation of nearly the whole of New Brunswick from the Canada charge.

Under the long and able administration of Mr. Stayner, extending from the year 1824 to 1851, postal accommodation was greatly extended throughout Upper and Lower Canada.

In 1827 there were 101 post offices and 2368 miles of established post route. The annual transportation of the mail was 455,000 miles. The estimated number of letters passing through the post in the year was 340,000; the estimated number of papers, 400,000.

In the year 1832 the Duke of Richmond, then Postmaster General, proposed a re-modification of the post office throughout British North America. An Act was prepared with this object, but the attempt to pass it through the several Legislatures failed, and of all the plans that had been contemplated only two were carried into effect, namely, the establishment of an Accountant's Office and the appointment of Local Inspectors.

The attention of the Legislature of Upper Canada was, about this time, frequently turned to the post office, which still continued under the Imperial control. Committees were appointed and reports made, in which the transfer of the management of the department to the Colonial Government was strongly urged.

In the year 1837 a joint address from the Legislative Council and Assembly was adopted, praying that the revenue produced by the post office in the Colonies should no longer be remitted to England. This address was referred to the Lords of the Treasury, and by them referred to Lord Durham, on the ground that some general measure was required to carry its prayer into effect. Nothing, however, was done until some years afterwards towards the accomplishment of this end.

A large and steady increase continued to take place yearly in the business and revenue of the post office. In 1838 there were 380 post offices, and 5486 miles of established post route. The annual transportation of the mail was 1,345,000 miles; the estimated number of letters carried, 1,000,000; the estimated number of newspapers, 1,250,000; and the gross revenue, $146,000.

The following extract from the Quebec Mercury, published on the 18th July, 1829, conveys some idea of the postal communication with England at that period:--

"No later advices have been received from Europe since our
last. Some further extracts from the London papers, to 31st
May inclusive, brought to New York by the 'Corinthian,' will
be found in another part of this number."

The following extract from the Montreal Courant, of September 2, 1829, describes the improvement which had at that date been effected in the postal communication between that city and Prescott:--

"Expeditious Travelling.--On Saturday last the Upper Canada
line of stages performed the journey from Prescott to this
city in about 17 hours, leaving the former place at a little
before 3 A.M., and arriving here a few minutes before 8 in the
evening. Not many years ago this journey occupied two and
sometimes three days, but owing to the great improvements made
by Mr. Dickinson, the enterprising proprietor, by putting
steam boats on the Lakes St. Francis and St. Louis, and
keeping his horses in excellent condition, it is now performed
in little more than one-third of the time."

The following advertisement, which appeared in the year 1833 in the Colonial Advocate, published at Queenston by the late Mr. W. L. Mackenzie, will give some idea of the postal facilities in the Upper Province at that period:--

"POST RIDER WANTED IMMEDIATELY.

"The proprietor of this newspaper wishes to contract with a
steady man (who can find and uphold his own horse), to deliver
it to the subscribers once a week during the winter, on the
route between York and Niagara via Ancaster."

Regular steam communication was established across the Atlantic in the year 1841, and about that time the rate of postage on letters between any part of Canada and any part of the United Kingdom was, on the recommendation of Mr. Stayner, reduced to a uniform charge of 1s. 2d. sterling, per half ounce. Thus, it is believed, was first recognized the principle of a uniform rate of postage--irrespective of distance--which has since been so universally adopted.

In 1848 there were 539 post offices and 6895 miles of post route; the annual transportation of the mail was 2,225,000 miles; the estimated number of letters carried in a year 2,000,000; and the gross revenue $260,000.

On the 6th April, 1851, was effected the transfer of the post office in Canada from the control of the Imperial authorities, to the Colonial Government. Mr. Stayner retired from office, and the Hon. James Morris, the first Canadian Postmaster General, assumed charge of the department.

In 1851 postage, which had previously been charged according to the distance the letter was carried, which it was computed averaged 15 cents on each letter, was reduced to a uniform charge of 5 cents per 1/2 oz., the decrease being equivalent to 2/3 or 66-2/3 per cent. on the former rate. A very considerable reduction was also effected in the rate of postage on newspapers. The increase in the number of letters transmitted through the post, within a year after the reduction of the rate, was 75 per cent. Several improvements, including the introduction of postage stamps, were effected in this year, and the operations of the department greatly extended.

On the 31st March, 1853, the Hon. James Morris was succeeded as Postmaster General by the Hon. Malcolm Cameron. At the latter end of this year and the beginning of the year following the conveyance of the mails was transferred to the Northern Railway between Toronto and Bradford, and to the Great Western Railway between Suspension Bridge and Windsor. The Hon. Malcolm Cameron was succeeded by the Hon. Robert Spence, who assumed charge of the department on the 11th September, 1854. In February, 1855, the money order system was first introduced into Canada. The system was at first confined to 84 post offices: it now embraces within its operations 229 offices. The month of May, 1856, was marked by the first voyage to the St. Lawrence of the line of Canadian Steamers, under contract with Hugh Allan, Esq., of Montreal, for the conveyance of the mails between Quebec and Liverpool in summer, and Portland and Liverpool in winter. In October, 1856, the Grand Trunk Railway, which had previously been completed as far westward as Brockville, was opened from the latter point to Toronto, and, in connection with the Great Western Railway, an unbroken line of postal communication established between Quebec in the east, and Windsor in the west. The following statement of the time occupied in the transit of a letter in winter between Quebec and the principal cities and towns in Western Canada, in 1853 and in 1857, will give some idea of the improvement effected:--

In 1853. In 1857.

Quebec to Windsor 10-1/2 days. 49 hours.
" London 9 " 45 "
" Hamilton 8 " 42 "
" Niagara 8 " 50 "
" Guelph 9 " 51 "
" Toronto 7 " 40 "
" Cobourg 6 " 36 "
" Belleville 5 " 34 "
" Kingston 4 " 31 "
" Brockville 3 " 29 "
" Ottawa 3 " 24 "

In August, 1857, the exemption of postage on newspapers was confined to newspapers transmitted from the office of publication to regular subscribers--all other newspapers being made liable to charge. On the 1st February, 1858, Mr. Spence retired from office, and was succeeded as Postmaster General by the Hon. Sidney Smith. In May, 1857, the Canadian Ocean Steamers, under contract with Mr. Hugh Allan, commenced a weekly service between Quebec and Liverpool in summer, and Portland and Liverpool in winter. These steamers, and the Grand Trunk Railway, between Portland and Quebec on the east, and Detroit on the west, which was completed a few month afterwards, have made Canada one of the great postal as well as commercial highways between Europe and the Western States. Closed mails are now carried under treaties with the several governments with regularity and despatch.

In July, 1859, postage was re-imposed on newspapers sent from the office of publication to regular subscribers. Postage rates were computed in dollars and cents; and letters addressed to any place in Canada, if posted unpaid, were subjected to an additional rate of two cents per half ounce. A large augmentation continued to take place in every department of the post office; the mails carried by the Ocean Steamers, especially, rapidly increased. The four mails of January, 1862, carried 30,000 letters from Canada, and brought 31,000 letters to the Province--a number far beyond the previous average of a mid-winter month. In May, 1862, Mr. Smith resigned his office, and was succeeded by the Hon. M. H. Foley, who now presides over the department.

The following statement will convey some idea of the rapid growth of the postal system in this Province, since the transfer to the control of the Colonial Government, in 1851:--

KEY:
A: No. of Post Offices.
B: Number of miles of Post Route.
C: Number of miles of annual Mail Travel.
D: No. of letters carried by post per annum.
E: Number of Registered Letters.
F: Gross Revenue.
G: Expenditure, exclusive of Railway Mail payments.

-----+------+--------+-----------+-----------+---------+----------+----------+ Year.| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | -----+------+--------+-----------+-----------+---------+----------+----------+ 1851 | 601 | 7595 | 2,487,000 | 2,132,000 | | | | 1852 | 840 | 8618 | 2,930,000 | 3,700,000 | ... | $230,629 | $276,191 | 1853 | 1016 | 9122 | 3,430,000 | 4,250,000 | ... | 278,587 | 298,723 | 1854 | 1166 | 10,027 | 4,000,000 | 5,100,000 | ... | 320,000 | 361,447 | 1855 | 1293 | 11,192 | 4,550,000 | 6,000,000 | ... | 368,166 | 449,726 | 1856 | 1375 | 11,839 | 4,800,000 | 7,000,000 | 350,000 | 374,295 | 486,880 | 1857 | 1506 | 13,253 | 5,383,000 | 8,500,000 | 450,000 | 462,163 | 522,570 | 1858 | 1566 | 13,000 | 5,520,000 | 9,000,000 | 450,000 | 541,153 | 546,374 | 1859 | 1638 | 13,871 | 5,604,000 | 8,500,000 | 400,000 | 578,426 | 529,290 | 1860 | 1698 | 14,202 | 5,712,000 | 9,000,000 | 480,000 | 658,451 | 534,681 | 1861 | 1775 | 14,608 | 5,855,000 | 9,400,000 | 400,000 | 698,888 | 560,132 | -----+------+--------+-----------+-----------+---------+----------+----------+

Of the 9,400,000 letters passing by post in 1861, the seven cities supplied 4,250,000; as follows:--

Quebec 1,000,000
Montreal 1,400,000
Kingston 210,000
Ottawa 160,000
Toronto 900,000
Hamilton 350,000
London 230,000

Of the gross receipts collected in 1861, $628,000 was derived from letter postage, and $70,000 from postage on newspapers.

PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT AT QUEBEC.

Postmaster General: THE HON. M. H. FOLEY.

Deputy Postmaster General: WILLIAM H. GRIFFIN, ESQ.

Accountant: H. A. WICKSTEED, ESQ.

Secretary: WILLIAM WHITE, ESQ.

Superintendent of Money Order Department: P. LeSUEUR, ESQ.

Cashier: JOHN ASHWORTH, ESQ.

INSPECTORS.

W. G. SHEPPARD, ESQ. Quebec Division.
E. F. KING, ESQ. Montreal "
M. SWEETNAM, ESQ. Kingston "
JOHN DEWE, ESQ. Toronto "
GILBERT E. GRIFFIN, ESQ. London "

The Counties comprised in each Division are given on the next page.

POSTAL DIVISIONS.

The following are the Counties in the several Postal Divisions:--

QUEBEC DIVISION.

Arthabaska. Kamouraska. Quebec.
Beauce. Levis. Richmond--Townships
Bellechasse. L'Islet. of Kingsey and
Bonaventure. Lotbiniere. Shipton only.
Champlain. Megantic. Rimouski.
Charlevoix. Montmagny. Saguenay.
Chicoutimi. Montmorency. Temiscouata.
Dorchester. Nicolet. Wolf.
Gaspe. Portneuf.

MONTREAL DIVISION.

Argenteuil. L'Assomption. St. Hyacinthe.
Bagot. Laval. St. Johns.
Beauharnois. Maskinonge. St. Maurice.
Berthier. Missisquoi. Shefford.
Brome. Montcalm. Sherbrooke.
Chambly. Montreal (City.) Sherkrooke--(Town and
Chateauguay. Napierville two Townships.)
Compton. Ottawa. Soulanges.
Drummond. Pontiac. Stanstead.
Hochelaga. Richelieu. Terrebonne.
Huntingdon. Richmond--except Two Mountains.
Iberville. Townships of Vaudreuil.
Jacques Cartier. Kingsey and Vercheres.
Joliette. Shipton. Yamaska.
Laprarie. Rouville.

KINGSTON DIVISION.

Addington. Hastings. Prescott.
Carleton. Lanark. Prince Edward.
Dundas. Leeds. Renfrew.
Frontenac. Lenox. Russell.
Glengary. Northumberland. Stormont.
Grenville. Peterboro'.

TORONTO DIVISION.

Bruce. Ontario. Waterloo.
Durham. Peel. Wellington.
Grey. Simcoe. York.
Halton. Victoria.

LONDON DIVISION.

Brant. Kent. Oxford.
Elgin. Lambton. Perth.
Essex. Lincoln. Welland.
Haldimand. Middlesex. Wentworth.
Huron. Norfolk.

CANADIAN POSTAL GUIDE.

Rules and Regulations.

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OFFICERS.

[Sidenote: Age.]

No person under sixteen years of age is permitted to hold any situation in the Post office, to have access to the letters or papers, or is allowed to have charge of the mail.

[Sidenote: Oath or declaration.]

On entering the service of the Post office it is necessary to make an oath or declaration in the prescribed form before a Magistrate; and no person can be permitted to perform any official duty until this oath or declaration is signed. The following is the form of oath or declaration:

I, (Name of person and capacity in which employed, to be inserted
here.) do solemnly and sincerely promise and (swear or affirm)
that I will faithfully perform all the duties required of me by my
employment in the service of the Post Office, and will abstain from
everything forbidden by the Laws for the Establishment and Government
of the Post Office Department in Canada.--So Help me God.

This (oath or affirmation) was taken and }
subscribed before me, the day }
of 186 }
______________, J.P.}

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POST OFFICE.

[Sidenote: Sign.]

The words "Post Office," in large and conspicuous letters, should be exhibited outside every building in which a Post Office is kept.

[Sidenote: Letter Box.]

A Letter Box should also be fixed, with an opening accessible from the road or street, the words "Letter Box" being painted over the same in plain legible characters.

[Sidenote: Separate office.]

A separate office or apartment, conveniently fitted up for the purpose, should be provided by the postmaster for conducting the business wherever the duties are sufficiently extensive or important to require such accommodation. The internal fittings of the office should vary according to the nature of the duties.

[Sidenote: Lobby.]

At every principal office there should be a lobby or standing place within doors for the accommodation of parties applying at the office.

[Sidenote: Where separate office not required.]

Where the Postmaster General may consider that a separate room may be dispensed with, the letters and papers, both for delivery and despatch, are to be kept in a secure place, and, if practicable, under lock and key.

[Sidenote: Bar-room not to be used.]

A bar-room or public room in a tavern is never to be made use of as a post office, nor should the entrance to a post office be through a bar-room.

[Sidenote: Unauthorized persons.]

No person except the postmaster or his sworn assistant should, on any pretence whatever, be allowed to have access to the letters and papers in a post office.

[Sidenote: Situation.]

A Post Office should be in a convenient and central situation, and must not be removed from one part of a town, village, or settlement, to another without the approval first obtained of the Postmaster General.

[Sidenote: Protection.]

Postmasters are required to take every precaution to secure their offices against burglary and fire.

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OFFICE HOURS.

[Sidenote: Principal offices.]

At the principal Post Offices in Canada the hours of opening and closing are regulated by the Postmaster General.

[Sidenote: Country offices.]

In country places Postmasters are required to keep their offices open during the usual hours of business in the locality, and to attend at such other hours as may be necessary to receive and despatch the mails.

[Sidenote: Sundays, Canada West.]

On Sundays Postmasters in Canada West are at liberty to close their offices to the public.

When an office in Canada West is closed to the public on Sunday it must be closed to all persons alike, and no exceptional or partial delivery to particular persons can be allowed.

[Sidenote: Sundays, Canada East.]

In Canada East, Postmasters keep their offices open on Sundays at least one hour either before or after Divine Service, as may be most convenient to the public generally.

[Sidenote: Notice of hours.]

A Notice, stating the hours at which the office is opened and closed, should be posted in every office, in such a position as may be readily observed by the public.

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MAILS.

[Sidenote: Canada railways.]

Mails are conveyed twice each way every day, except Sunday, over the principal lines of railway in Canada. Over the less important lines of railway they are carried only once each way every day, except Sunday.

[Sidenote: Canada common roads.]

Mails are also conveyed once each way every day, except Sunday, over the principal lines of common road, and once, twice, or three times per week over the less important lines of common road.

[Sidenote: Lower Provinces.]

The postal communication between Canada and the Lower Provinces is three times per week each way via Quebec, and once per fortnight each way by Cunard Steamers via Boston and Halifax. Also twice per week each way in summer via Portland.

[Sidenote: Postal routes to the several portions of the world].

The most speedy and direct postal route from Canada to almost every portion of the globe, with the exception of the Continent of North America, the Isthmus of Panama, and a portion of the West India Islands having direct communication with New York, is by way of England, from whence mails for the several British Colonies and Foreign Countries mentioned in the tables at pages 36, 37, 38, and 39, are regularly despatched.

[Sidenote: Do. to North American Continent, Isthmus of Panama, W. Indies, &c.]

The most speedy and direct postal route from Canada to all parts of the Continent of North America, the Isthmus of Panama, and a portion of the West India Islands having direct communication with New York, is via New York.

[Sidenote: Mails for England.]

Mails for England are despatched twice in each week from Canada, viz.: once by Canadian Steamer sailing every Saturday, from Quebec in Summer and from Portland in Winter; and once by Cunard Steamer, sailing every Wednesday, either from New York or Boston.

The following Post Offices in Canada make up mails direct for certain Post Offices in the United Kingdom, viz.:--

Hamilton, Montreal,
Toronto, Quebec.
Kingston,

[Sidenote: Mails for United States.]

Mails are exchanged daily with the United States post offices at all the principal frontier points, and closed mails are exchanged daily between the principal cities of Canada and New York and Boston.

[Sidenote: Mails for Lower Provinces.]

Mails are also made up at Quebec, Montreal, and Toronto, for Halifax, Nova Scotia, and for St. John's, Newfoundland, and despatched to destination by Cunard Steamer, sailing from Boston, every alternate Wednesday.

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RATES OF POSTAGE ON LETTERS.

[Sidenote: Canada and other parts of B. N. America.]

The rate of Postage on pre-paid Letters between any place in Canada and any other place in Canada, and on pre-paid or unpaid letters between any place in Canada and any place in British North America (except places hereafter mentioned), including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton, is regulated by weight, irrespective of distance, and is as follows:--

[Sidenote: Scale of charge.]

On a letter weighing not more than 1/2 an oz., 5 cents.
" " more than 1/2 oz. but not ex. 1 oz., 10 cts.
" " " 1 oz. " 1-1/2 " 15 cts.
" " " 1-1/2 oz. " 2 " 20 cts.
" " " 2 oz. " 2-1/2 " 25 cts.

And so on, 5 cents being charged for every additional 1/2 oz., or fraction of a half ounce.

[Sidenote: Excess of weight.]

If the weight be exceeded to the smallest extent, even though the balance be merely turned, the letter becomes liable to an additional rate.

[Sidenote: Unpaid letters.]

Letters addressed to any place within the Province of Canada, if sent unpaid, are liable to a charge of 7 cents per 1/2 oz.

[Sidenote: Drop letters]

The charge on local or drop Letters, viz., letters posted at an office in Canada for delivery from that office, is one cent for each letter.

[Sidenote: Letters delivered by carriers.]

The charge on letters delivered by Letter Carrier, in Canada, is two cents for each letter in addition to the ordinary postage.

[Sidenote: Nova Scotia via Halifax.]

Letters for Nova Scotia, specially addressed by "Cunard Steamer," sailing from Boston to Liverpool via Halifax, every alternate Wednesday, are liable to 12-1/2 cents per 1/2 oz., which can be pre-paid or not at the option of the sender.

[Sidenote: Newfoundland.]

Letters for Newfoundland are liable to a rate of 20 cents per 1/2 oz., which must be pre-paid.

[Sidenote: British Columbia.]

The rate of postage on letters to British Columbia and Vancouver's Island is 25 cents per 1/2 oz., which must be pre-paid.

[Sidenote: Red River.]

The rate of postage on letters to Red River, via the United States, is 10 cents per 1/2 oz., which may be pre-paid or not at the option of the sender.

[Sidenote: United States.]

The rate of postage on letters between any place in Canada and any place in the United States, except California and Oregon, is 10 cents per 1/2 oz., which may either be pre-paid or not, at the option of the sender.

[Sidenote: California and Oregon.]

The rate of postage on letters between any place in Canada and any place in California or Oregon is 15 cents per 1/2 oz., which may be pre-paid or not at the option of the sender.

[Sidenote: Scale of weight.]

The scale of weight under which the above letters are charged is the same as the scale under which letters passing between places in Canada are rated.

[Sidenote: United Kingdom.]

The single rate of postage on letters between any place in Canada and any place in the United Kingdom, is as follows:--

[Sidenote: Canadian Steamers.]

By Canadian Steamer, sailing every Saturday from Quebec in Summer and from Portland in Winter, 12-1/2 cents.

[Sidenote: Cunard Steamers.]

By Cunard Steamer, sailing either from New York or Boston every Wednesday, 17 cents.

[Sidenote: Scale of weight.]

Letters addressed to the United Kingdom and forwarded by either of the above routes, will be charged according to the following scale, which it will be seen differs from the scale of weight under which letters passing between places in Canada are taxed:--

Letters not weighing over 1/2 an oz., 1 rate.
" weighing more than 1/2 oz. and not exceed. 1 oz. 2 rates.
" " " 1 " " 2 " 4 "
" " " 2 " " 3 " 6 "
" " " 3 " " 4 " 8 "

And so on, adding two rates for every additional ounce or fraction of an ounce.

[Sidenote: Pre-payment required.]

The postage on all letters posted in Canada for the United Kingdom, and in the United Kingdom for Canada, should be pre-paid.

[Sidenote: Unpaid letters.]

If sent unpaid 6d. sterling will be charged on each letter on delivery in addition to the ordinary postage rate.

[Sidenote: Despatch by Canadian and Cunard Steamers.]

Letters posted in Canada for the United Kingdom, and in the United Kingdom for Canada, unless specially addressed "By Canadian Steamer" or "By Cunard Steamer," are despatched in the first mail that is made up--whether for the Canadian or Cunard line--after the letter is posted, so that letters intended for the Canadian Packets must either be posted on the proper days for the Canadian Packet Mails or bear the words "By Canadian Mail Steamer" on the address.

Twopence sterling, equal to 5 cents, will be charged on the delivery of letters which have been forwarded as above by Cunard Steamers, but on which 6d. sterling or 12-1/2 cents, only per 1/2 oz. have been pre-paid.

[Sidenote: British Colonies and Foreign Countries]

The rates upon letters for British Colonies and Foreign Countries will be found in the tables at pages 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40. These tables give the rates: 1, by Canadian Ocean Steamers; 2, by Cunard Steamers; and 3, by United States. It will be desirable always to mark on the letter the route by which it is intended to be sent.

The charge on dead letters returned to the writers is 3 cents on each letter in addition to the postage.

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SOLDIERS' AND SEAMENS' LETTERS.

[Sidenote: Rate.]

Non-Commissioned Officers, Embodied Pensioners, Seamen, and Soldiers, and Army Schoolmasters of all but first class, while they are employed in Her Majesty's Service, can send and receive letters at the rate of two cents each under the following regulations:--

[Sidenote: Conditions.]

1. The two cents must be paid at the time the letter is posted.

2. The name of the soldier or sailor, his class or description,
and the name of the ship, corps, or detachment to which he
belongs, must be specified in the direction of the letter; and
in the case of letters sent by soldiers or seamen, the
officer in command must sign his name and specify his rank,
and the name of the ship or regiment, corps or detachment,
which he commands.

3. The letter must not exceed half an ounce in weight.

4. The letter must refer solely to the private affairs of the
soldier or seaman.

All the foregoing descriptions must be fully written in the address in the following form, the initials of the name of any ships or regiments being insufficient:--

[Sidenote: Address.]

+---------------------------------------------+
| Seaman. |
+---------------------------------------------+
| From A. B.--Seaman of |
| H.M.S.____________ |
| |
|(Here insert direction of the letter.)|
| |
| C. D., Captain (or other commanding |
| Officer) |
| H.M.S.____________ |
+---------------------------------------------+
| To A. B., Seaman, |
| H.M.S.____________ |
| |
| (Here the direction to be finished.) |
+---------------------------------------------+

[Sidenote: Subject to pre-payment of foreign transit rates.]

Letters for soldiers or seamen may be forwarded at the above rate to or through any country requiring the payment of any foreign or transit rate, but subject to the payment of such foreign or transit rate, as may be chargeable thereon.

[Sidenote: Re-direction.]

Soldiers and seamens letters are not liable to any additional rate on re-direction.

[Sidenote: Conveyance.]

All soldiers' and seamens' letters are conveyed between Canada and the United Kingdom by the Canadian line of steamers.

[Sidenote: Letters for commissioned officers, &c.]

Letters sent to or by commissioned or warrant officers, midshipmen or master's mates, engineers in the navy, captain's clerks or first-class schoolmasters, or commissioned or warrant officers in the army, are not included in the privilege attached to letters of soldiers and seamen, but are chargeable with the same rates as ordinary letters.

[Sidenote: Letters posted without compliance with regulations.]

Soldiers and seamens letters posted in Canada without a compliance with the above regulations are liable to full postage. If posted in accordance with the above regulations but without pre-payment of 2 cents they are liable to a charge of 2d. sterling on delivery in the United Kingdom.

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RATES OF POSTAGE ON NEWSPAPERS.

[Sidenote: Definition.]

The law declares that for post office purposes a newspaper shall be held to mean a periodical published not less frequently than once in each week, and containing notices of passing events, that is to say, general news.

[Sidenote: Can be sent otherwise than by post.]

Although provision is made for forwarding newspapers through the post, it is not compulsory on any one to employ this mode of transmission; everything except letters may be sent in any other way.

[Sidenote: Restrictions.]

A newspaper to pass at the undermentioned rates is subject to the following restrictions:--

1. It must have no cover, or a cover open at both ends.

2. It must not contain any enclosure.

3. It must have no writing or mark thereon but the name and
address of the person to whom it is sent, nor anything on the
cover except such name and address.

Newspapers which are not posted in accordance with these regulations are not forwarded.

[Sidenote: Extra or supplement.]

An extra newspaper or a supplement to a newspaper is deemed a distinct newspaper, and charged accordingly.

[Sidenote: Canada commuted rate when sent from office of publication.]

Newspapers published in Canada may be sent by post from the office of publication to any place in Canada at the following rates, if paid quarterly in advance, either by the publisher at the post office where the papers are posted, or by the subscriber at the post office where the papers are delivered.

For a paper published 6 times per week, 40 cents per quarter.
" 3 " 20 "
" 2 " 13 "
" 1 " 6-1/2 "
" Semi-Monthly, 3-1/4 "
" Monthly, 1-1/4 "

[Sidenote: If commuted rate not prepaid.]

When the above rates are not paid in advance by either the publisher or subscriber the papers are charged 1 cent each on delivery.

[Sidenote: Payment of commuted rate.]

It is not necessary that the commuted rate on newspapers should be paid absolutely on the first day of each quarter. The regulation is intended to be carried out with all possible consideration for the convenience of the public, and it will be sufficient if the person desiring to pay the commuted rate declares his intention and offers the payment when first calling at the office within a reasonable time after the commencement of the quarter; but after having made his option to pre-pay the commuted charge, or to pay for his papers as received at one cent each, as the case may be, postmasters are not expected to alter their newspaper accounts to allow of a change until the commencement of the next quarter.

The commuted rate of payment can be accepted from new subscribers during a quarter for any unexpired period of the quarter not less than a month.

[Sidenote: Transient papers.]

Newspapers published in Canada which are not posted from the office of publication, must be pre-paid one cent each by postage stamps, otherwise they will not be forwarded.

[Sidenote: Publishers subscription accounts and receipts.]

Publishers of newspapers in Canada are allowed to enclose in copies of their papers sent to subscribers, subscription accounts, and receipts for the same, without rendering them liable to any additional postage.

[Sidenote: Packets of returned papers.]

Packets of unbound newspapers published in Canada may be returned by a subscriber to the office of publication, at the rate of 2 cents per 8 oz. or fraction of 8oz., which must be pre-paid.

[Sidenote: Rate to United States.]

Transient newspapers addressed to the United States must be pre-paid one cent each by postage stamp, otherwise they will not be forwarded.

[Sidenote: From United States.]

Newspapers posted in the United States and addressed to Canada are liable to one cent each on delivery. The stamp paid on these papers indicates that the United States postage only has been pre-paid, the Canadian rate of one cent remaining to be collected.

[Sidenote: American papers.]

American newspapers posted or re-posted in Canada must be prepaid one cent each, by stamp, otherwise they will not be forwarded.

[Sidenote: Commuted rate not applicable to U.S. papers.]

The option of paying the commuted rate on newspapers does not apply to papers published in the United States: they must be paid for at the full rate of one cent each.

[Sidenote: News agents.]

Canadian news agents and booksellers may post American newspapers unpaid, when addressed to regular subscribers in the Province; but such newspapers are chargeable on delivery with one cent each.

[Sidenote: Rate to U. Kingdom.]

Newspapers posted in Canada and addressed to the United Kingdom must be pre-paid by stamp, one cent each.

[Sidenote: By Canadian Steamers.]

Newspapers forwarded by Canadian Steamer are delivered in the United Kingdom without additional charge.

[Sidenote: By Cunard Steamers.]

Newspapers forwarded by Cunard Steamer are liable on delivery to one penny each, being the American transit rate.

[Sidenote: From U. Kingdom.]

Newspapers posted in the United Kingdom for Canada should be pre-paid one penny each, by stamp.

[Sidenote: By Canadian Steamers.]

If forwarded by Canadian Steamer they are subject on delivery to no additional charge.

[Sidenote: By Cunard Steamers.]

If forwarded by Cunard Steamer they are subject on delivery to two cents each, being the American transit rate.

[Sidenote: Brit. papers reposted.]

British newspapers re-posted in Canada must be pre-paid 1 cent each, by stamp.

[Sidenote: Brit. papers posted by agents.]

British newspapers distributed to regular subscribers by Canadian booksellers or agents pass free in the same way as if received by the Canadian Steamers.

[Sidenote: Commuted rate on newspapers to places out of Canada.]

Canadian newspapers addressed from the office of publication to subscribers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Lower Provinces, &c., may be forwarded on pre-payment of the commuted rate, applicable to subscribers within the Province; but they cannot be forwarded if unpaid.

[Sidenote: Exchanges free.]

Exchange papers passing between publishers in Canada and between publishers in Canada and publishers in the United States, are carried free through the post.

[Sidenote: No other exemption from charge.]

No newspaper, properly so called (except exchanges), whether devoted to education, temperance, agriculture, or to any branch of science, is entitled to exemption from charge. The law exempts only periodicals, other than newspapers, printed in Canada, and devoted exclusively to the above objects.

[Sidenote: Newfoundland.]

Newspapers addressed to Newfoundland must be pre-paid two cents each, by stamp.

[Sidenote: British Colonies and Foreign Countries]

The rates on newspapers addressed to British Colonies and foreign countries will be found in the tables at pages 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40. These tables give the rates: 1, by Canadian Ocean Steamers; 2, by Cunard Steamers; and 3, by the United States.

[Sidenote: No United States paper exempt.]

No United States newspapers of any kind or description (with the exception of exchange papers) are on any ground entitled to pass through the Canadian mails free of postage.

[Sidenote: How to be forwarded from publication office.]

In cities and towns where newspapers are published, the printers and publishers should send them to the post office put up in a manner to admit of their being readily counted, and if necessary withdrawn from their covers for examination. The newspapers for each office also should be made up in strong paper in a separate parcel, which should be plainly addressed.

[Sidenote: Notification to publishers of non-delivery.]

When the numbers of a newspaper published in Canada or in either of the other British North American Provinces, or in the United States, and issued daily, have remained in a post office in Canada uncalled for during two weeks; of a newspaper issued semi-weekly, or tri-weekly, during three weeks; of a newspaper issued weekly, during one month; and of a monthly periodical during two months, or when such newspapers and periodicals have been refused to be taken by the party to whom addressed, the postmaster is instructed to notify the respective publishers in the proper form, which is to pass free of postage. If the newspaper or periodical continues to arrive after the notice has been sent, the postmaster is instructed to notify the publisher in the same way a second time, specially calling his attention to the first notice given.

[Sidenote: Enclosures in newspapers.]

To enclose a letter, or any writing, or to make any written marks to serve the purposes of a letter, or to enclose any other thing (except publishers' accounts and receipts, as before mentioned) in a newspaper posted to pass as a newspaper, is a misdemeanor. Postmasters are requested at once to transmit all newspapers containing such writing, marks, and enclosures to the Postmaster General.

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PERIODICAL PUBLICATIONS.

[Sidenote: Definition.]

Periodical Publications are publications issued at regular intervals, but less frequently than once per week.

[Sidenote: Rate to Canada and U. States.]

Periodical Publications can be transmitted by post to any part of Canada and the United States at the following rates:--

For every periodical publication weighing not more
than 3 oz. in weight .................................. 1 cent.
Over 3oz. in weight .................................. 4 cents. 4 cents.

[Sidenote: Pre-pay'mt]

The above rates must invariably be pre-paid by postage stamps.

[Sidenote: Sent from publication office.]

If pre-paid by postage stamps and sent from the office of publication, periodicals published in Canada weighing over 3 oz. pass for two cents each.

[Sidenote: From United States.]

Periodical publications received from the United States are liable to the rates above mentioned, viz.: If not exceeding 3 oz. 1 cent; if exceeding 3 oz. 4 cents.

[Sidenote: If posted by booksellers or news agents.]

Canadian Booksellers and News Agents may post British, American or Provincial periodicals for distribution to regular subscribers unpaid. If sent unpaid they will, when exceeding the weight of 3 oz., be subject to 4 cents.

[Sidenote: Small periodicals posted by booksellers and news agents.]

Canadian Booksellers and News Agents may also post for transmission by mail in Canada small periodicals, whether Canadian, British or United States, weighing less than 1 oz., such as the Children's Paper, Child's Paper, The Play Hour, The Carrier Dove, The Sabbath School Visitor, The Evangelizer, The Gospel Message, The Good News, and others of a like description, in packages to one address, at the rate of 5 cents per pound, or fraction of a pound bulk weight, provided that the said News Agents and Booksellers pre-pay such packages by postage stamps. This must not be understood as imposing a charge on Canadian periodicals entitled to pass free.

[Sidenote: Periodicals exempt from postage.]

Periodicals printed in Canada other than newspapers when specially devoted to education, meaning the instruction of youth, (both religious and general), to agriculture, to temperance, or to any branch of science, and addressed directly from the office of publication to be transmitted to any post-office in Canada, are conveyed by mail free of charge. Such periodicals must not contain general news or advertisements or they forfeit their claim to exemption.

A periodical devoted to education to pass free must be either strictly scholastic in its subject matter, or manifestly adapted and intended for juvenile as distinguished from adult instruction. It is in this primary sense that the word Education, whether religious or secular, is understood to be used. Religious publications are not as a class entitled to exemption from charge. The law exempts only those which come within the foregoing definitions.

[Sidenote: U.S. periodicals not exempt.]

No United States periodical of any kind or description can, upon any ground, claim exemption from Canadian postage.

[Sidenote: Returned periodicals.]

Parcels of unbound periodicals may be returned by a subscriber to the office of publication at the rate of two cents per 8 oz. or fraction of 8 oz.

[Sidenote: Conditions]

Periodicals to pass at the above rates must be put up in covers open at the ends or sides, and if these regulations are not strictly complied with, or if such periodicals are found to contain any writing other than the address, they are liable to full letter rates of postage.

[Sidenote: Not to exceed 48 oz.]

No packet of periodicals can be forwarded through the post if exceeding the weight of 48 oz.

[Sidenote: Bound periodicals.]

Bound volumes of any periodical published in Canada may be forwarded at the rates and under the conditions described under the article Book Post.

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BOOK POST.

[Sidenote: Canada, B. N. America, and United States.]

Books bound or unbound posted in Canada, and addressed to any office in Canada, British North America and the United States, are chargeable with a rate of 1 cent per oz., which must be pre-paid by postage stamps.

[Sidenote: United Kingdom.]

Book packets are forwarded by post from Canada to the United Kingdom, and vice versa, by Canadian Steamers only, at the following rates:--

[Sidenote: Scale of charge.]

For each packet weighing not more than 4 oz., 7 cents.
" " exceeding 4 oz. and not exceed. 1/2 lb., 12-1/2 cts.
" " " 1/2 lb. " " 1 " 25 "
" " " 1 " " " 1-1/2 " 37-1/2 "
" " " 1-1/2 " " " 2 " 50 "

And so on, adding 12-1/2 cents for each additional half pound, or fraction of half a pound weight.

[Sidenote: France.]

Book packets, printed matter, or single newspapers, can be forwarded from Canada to France, or vice versa, by Canadian Steamers only, at the following rates:--

[Sidenote: Scale of charge.]

If not exceeding 2 oz. in weight 5 cents.
If exceeding 2 oz. and not exceeding 4 oz. 10 "
" 4 " " 8 " 20 "
" 8 " " 1 lb. 40 "

And so on, adding 20 cents for each additional 1/2 lb. or fraction of 1/2 lb.

[Sidenote: Conditions]

The following conditions must be carefully observed:--

1. Every book packet must be either without a cover or in a cover
open at the ends.

2. It must not contain any letter open or sealed, or any sealed
enclosure whatever.

3. It must not exceed two feet in length, breadth, or width.

4. The postage must be pre-paid by stamps.

[Sidenote: Contents of a book packet.]

A book packet may contain any number of separate books, publications, works of literature or art, almanacs, maps or prints, photographs, daguerreotypes, when not on glass or in frames containing glass, and any quantity of paper, vellum, or parchment (to the exclusion of letters); and the books, maps, paper, &c., may be either written, printed or plain, or any mixture of the three, and may be either British, Colonial or Foreign.

All legitimate binding, mounting, or covering of the same, or a portion thereof, will be allowed as part of the packet, whether such binding, &c., be loose or attached, as also rollers in the case of prints and maps, and whatever may be necessary for the safe transmission of literary or artistic matter, or whatever usually appertains thereto, and the postage is rated upon the gross weight of the packet.

[Sidenote: Sender's address permitted on cover.]

The name and address of the sender, and anything else not in the nature of a letter, may also be written and printed on the envelope or cover of the packet, in addition to the name and address of the person to whom it may be forwarded.

[Sidenote: Books carried at parcel rates.]

Books addressed to places in Canada can be sent through the mails in closed packets for the same rates of postage as parcels.

[Sidenote: Cannot be sent by Cunard Steamers.]

Books cannot be forwarded except at letter rates of postage by the mail made up for the Cunard Steamers sailing from New York and Boston.

[Sidenote: Bound volumes of newspapers or periodicals.]

Bound volumes of any periodical or newspaper published in Canada, if bound in a form to come within mailable dimensions, that is to say, not exceeding two feet in length, breadth or thickness, nor exceeding 4 lbs. in weight, may be sent from the office of publication to any place in Canada at a charge of two cents per 8 ozs. or fraction of 8 ozs.

[Sidenote: Book packets for United Kingdom improperly posted.]

Should a book packet addressed to the United Kingdom be posted unpaid, or with a pre-payment of less than 7 cents, or be enclosed in a cover not open at the ends, or should it exceed the dimensions specified, it will be sent to the Dead Letter Office.

[Sidenote: Do. insufficiently paid.]

If a book packet addressed to the United Kingdom be posted insufficiently pre-paid, and it appears that at least the single rate of 7 cents has been pre-paid, such packet will be forwarded to its destination charged with an additional postage equal to the deficiency, and another single rate as a fine.

[Sidenote: Letters enclosed in book packets.]

Letters, whether sealed or unsealed, or any enclosure found in a book parcel, are liable to rates as unpaid letters, and the packet in which enclosed to an additional rate of 12-1/2 cents, as a penalty for a breach of the regulations.

[Sidenote: British Colonies and Foreign Countries.]

The rates of postage on books to British Colonies and Foreign Countries are given in the tables at pages 36, 37, 38, and 39.

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Canadian Postal GuideChapter I: Part 1

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