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interested in the ship by which they brought or transmitted... In this instance, I am referred to, and have been officially furnished with the Statutory clauses affecting such letters - This is the only allusion to privileged letters. Hence I necessarily infer that all others are intended to be charged with the usual rates of postage. If I step out of my Instructions and refer to my statute books, I find that there are other exemptions, but they do not extend to letters on service. I entertain doubts as to some particular acts and particular parts of some others anterior to 3 & 4 Vic. c. 96 being in force.
I do not entertain any doubt that all official Communications between here and India are subject to postage duties as laid down by the 4th Section; and all (except printed votes, and proceedings of Colonial legislatures by packets) between here and England, are subject to the other rates. All such letters are free between the Indian Presidencies. I believe this is the case.
If His Excellency thinks that the public ought to have notice of this change for some time, he might order me to suspend the operation of the Regulations as to letters on service addressed to particular Official persons, for a month or so; and I have no doubt that His Lordship, the Post-Master General, will approve what I do under His Excellency's Authority.
As to the enforcement of statute law against sending and receiving letters by ships other than through the Post-Office, I fear that if I attempt to enforce it rigorously, I shall bring the Post-Office into disrepute with the...