to China. The amount of postage 309 8 cents per 1/2 oz. payable at present on letters and the 2 cents on Newspapers.
H. I have referred this proposal to Mr Mitchell, the Postmaster General here, who coincides with me that it is chargeable at discretion of either Government. The question of rent in the first instance is a consideration which does not affect the interests of the other party regarding such an entirely new arrangement as likely to be of great advantage to all parties concerned.
5. I think however that its principal recommendation, viz: its simplicity, might be yet further enhanced if the arrangement included no allusion to what may be regarded as a variable matter of detail, viz: the amount of postage receivable beforehand by either party, whether on letters forwarded from hence to the United States or from the latter as carrier.
If the postage receivable at terminus is to be fixed I think it should be fixed at the other terminus also, but entire freedom from all restrictions in such details appears to me obviously preferable.
I have the honor to be, Your Lordships' Most Obedient Servant
Robert Swinhoe MacDonnell Governor.