Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the Moniteur of yesterday contains a convention additional to the postal convention of 30th December, 1857, between Belgium and France. The postages on letters between the two countries is reduced by it from 8 cents to 6 cents for the single rate of 10 grams (⅓ oz.) when prepaid, and is to be 10 cents when not franked. Business papers and other manuscripts not having the character of correspondence can be forwarded prepaid for 10 cents the single rate of 200 grams—about 7 oz. Newspapers are to pay 1⅓ cent coming from, and 1⅗ cent going to France.
Another convention provides for the safe transmission of moneys, &c. in registered letters. In additional to the usual charge for such letters, they can be insured up to $400, by paying 4 cents for every $20 or fraction thereof of amount transmitted, and in case of loss the same to be refunded by the post offices.
[Page 98]The date of entering in force of these conventions is not fixed, and is to be announced later.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.