Cable of Latitudes and Longitudes.

(Prepared expressly for the American Almanac for 1903 by Commodore W. H. H. Sutherland, of the United States Hydrographic Office.)

Governm't flagstaff.

Lighthouse. Observatory.

Observatory. Georgetown Lthouse.

Observatory.

Observatory.
Lighthouse.

One of the most important works which the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey has recently completed is the measuring of an arc of the 39th parallel of latitude from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. The work was under way for more than thirty years and cost more than half a million dollars. Its successful completion has placed the United States ahead of all other nations in its efforts for the advancement of the science of geodesy. It remains now for European scientists to complete the measurements by extending the system of transcontinental triangulation by measuring the parallel extending from Ireland to Poland. When this is finally done the exact shape of the earth can be determined, something about which scientists have been wondering for a great many years.

The measurement of an are of latitude by transcontinental triangulation, however, would not in itself contain the data necessary to determine the true shape of the earth. In conjunction with the former work, and completed even more recently, the Eastern Oblique Arc of the United States, from Maine to Louisiana, has been taken. By this the dimensions of a spheroid, which corresponds most nearly with the existing geold within the area covered by triangulation, may be determined. This work is unique in that it is the

first which utilizes on a grand scale a measure oblique to the meridian.

The pecullar power of the Oblique Are for determining the compression of the earth was pointed out by Tobias Mayer, but the first practical application of such an are to geodesy was made by Bessel. This was before the introduction of telegraphic longitudes made it possible to utilize such an are to its fullest

extent.

The immediate object of the main triangulation was to secure uniformity and systematic treatment for both the astronomic and geodetic measures in the preparation of the geographic position of the trigonometric stations to be established for use of the Coast and Geodetic Survey work.

The long period of time occupied in the general work of transcontinental triangulation, nearly seventy years in all, does not mean continuous work on this alone, but was supplemented by all the other work of the department, which covers the entire coast pretty thoroughly.

United States Postal Rates and Regulations.

(Revised for American Almanac for 1903 by the New York Post Office.)
CLASSIFICATION OF DOMESTIC MAIL MATTER.

Domestic mail matter includes all matter deposited in the United States mails for transmission within
the United States or passing between the United States and Porto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, Tutuila and
Hawaii. (For special rates applying to Canada and Mexico, see below.)
Domestic mail matter is divided into four classes, as follows:

FIRST-CLASS MATTER.

Definition of First-Class Matter.-All written matter, including letters, postal cards, "post cards," or other matter, either wholly or partly in writing, whether sealed or unsealed, except manuscript copy accompanying proof sheets or corrected proof sheets of the same. All matter sealed or otherwise closed against inspection is also of the first class.

Note.-Typewriting is held to be the equivalent of handwriting and is classed as such, as is also carbon or letter press copies thereof.

Rates of Postage-Letters.-The rate of postage on letters, wholly or partly in writing, whether sealed or unsealed, or on any other matter closed against inspection, is two cents an ounce or fraction thereof; except on "drop letters," when the rate is one cent for each ounce or fraction thereof, when mailed at offices where free delivery by carriers is not established. The rate on "drop letters," when mailed at letter carrier post offices, is the same as on ordinary letters.

Regulation Postal Cards.-The postage on such cards is one cent each, which is paid by the stamp already printed on the cards, no other postage being necessary.

Folding or Double Postal Cards. These cards consist of two attached cards, one of which may be detached by the receiver and used without further postage for reply. The original sender may write his name and address on the reply card and any message which he wishes the one originally addressed to fill in. The price of these cards is two cents.

Private Mailing Cards (Post Cards).-Private mailing cards bearing messages, either written or printed, may be transmitted by mail at the postage rate of one cent by conforming to the following conditions: 1. Each card must be an unfolded piece of cardboard, not exceeding 9 9-16x5 9-16 inches, and not less than 2 15-16x4% inches in size. 2. The quality and weight must be substantially that of the Government postal card of like size. 3. They may be of any color which does not interfere with the legibility of the address and postmark. 4. Each card must bear the words "Post Card" at the top of the address side unobstructed by any other matter; said words to be placed thereon in conspicuous letters and in such manner as not to interfere with a perfectly distinct address and postmark. The address may be in writing, printing, or by means of a hand-stamp, or adhesive label of not more than 4 of an inch by 2 inches in size, and the sender may, in the same manner, place his name and address on the back or the face of the card. The message may be in writing or in print. 5. Cards conforming to the foregoing conditions are transmissible in the domestic mails (including the island possessions), and to places in Cuba, Canada and Mexico, at the postage rate of 1 cent each, and in the mails of the Postal Union at the postage rate of 2 cents each, prepaid by stamps affixed. 6. Any card of foreign origin which, from its title in any language, appears to be a "Post Card* and conforms to the requirements of this order as to size, form, quality and weight, shall be admissible to the mails (domestic or international) when prepaid in United States postage stamps. 7. When post-cards are prepared by printers and stationers for sale, they should, in addition to conformity with the requirements of this der, also bear in the upper right-hand corner of the face an oblong diagram containing the words "Place stage stamp here," and across the bottom the words "This side for the address." 8. Advertisements and lustrations in any color may be printed upon either or both sides of a post-card, provided they do not, when laced upon the face thereof, interfere with a perfectly distinct address and postmark. 9. The words "Post Card" are authorized only on cards which conform to the conditions prescribed by this order; other cards hearing these words, or otherwise purporting to be issued under authority of the Act of May 19, 1898, are mailable as "Post Cards." and, whether the message be written or printed, are subject to postage at the etter rate. 10. The privilege given by the Act is not intended to work a discontinuance of the Government signated "Postal Cards" to dispostal cards. These will be issued and sold the same as heretofore; and in all correspondence will be de tinguish them from "Post Cards." the words "Private Mailing Card," will continue to be transmissible in the mails nt as follows: 1. First11. Cards issued under the order of No E. as heretofore. vember 18, 1899, and bearing Notes.-Prepayment of amount in postage by stamps affixed is required exce class matter of not more than four pounds in weight will be dispatched to its desti fore delivery. 2. In nation if two cents in stamps be affixed and the residue of the postage will be collected of the addressee be the case of letters from soldiers, sailors and marines in the service of the United States, etters will be transmitted if marked "Soldier's letter," "Sailor's letter," may be, and the postage will be collected upon delivery from the addressee. or "Marine's letter," as the case SECOND-CLASS MATTER.

Definition of Second-Class Matter.-All newspapers, magazines and other publications whips must be h are issued periodically, at stated intervals, at least as frequently as four times a year. numbered consecutively, must be issued from a known office of publication and must consist o such pubSuch publicatith, of printed paper sheets, without board, cloth, leather or other substantial binding. This class includes only literature. lications issued for the dissemination of information of public character or which are devoted to ce purpose science, art or some special industry. Circulars or any other publications issued primarily for tho

of advertisement or which are circulated free or at nominal rates are excluded from this class. Rates of Postage.-The rate of postage on second-class matter when sent by the publisher, the office of publication, or when sent from a news agency to actual subscribers, or to other new is one cent a pound or fractional part thereof.

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The free use of the mails is given when one copy only is sent to each actual subscriber resi the county where same is printed, excepting when directed to letter-carrier offices.

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The rate of postage on newspapers (excepting weeklies) and on periodicals not exceeding two our weight, when deposited in a letter-carrier office by the publisher or by news-agents for delivery bad for rlers. is one cent each; on periodicals weighing more than two ounces, two cents each; when deposite general or box delivery the rate is one cent a pound.

Newspapers and periodicals when deposited by other than publishers or news-agents are subject postage at the rate of one cent for each four ounces or fraction thereof. Postage on second-class matter must be prepaid, in money when sent at the pound rate, by stau affixed when deposited for delivery by carriers or by others than the publishers or news-agents. Sample coples are allowed the privileges of second-class matter." class may, without extra postage, fold within their regular issues a supplement which must be gerin Publishers of matter of the sed to the publication which it supplements.

THIRD-CLASS MATTER.

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Definition of Third-Class Matter.-Books, almanacs, calendars, circulars, engravings, photograp pamphlets and other matter wholly in print (and not included in second-class matter) are classified third-class matter. "Printed matter" is defined as "the reproduction upon paper, by any process excer that of hand or typewriting, or letter-press, or manifold copies thereof, of any words, letters, characters figures, or images, or of any combination thereof, not having the character of an actual and personal co respondence."

Seeds, bulbs, roots, scions, plants and samples of wheat or other grain in its natural condition are main able at the third-class rate of postage, but flour, rolled oats, pearled barley, or other cereals which ca

only be used as articles of food are classified as fourth-class matter. Although seeds, bulbs, etc., are mailable at third-class rate of postage, they fall under the conditions imposed upon fourth-class matter.

The rate of postage on third-class matter is one cent for each two ounces or fractional part thereof sent to a single address.

Postage must be fully prepaid by means of stamps affixed.

No package, except single books, which weigh more than four pounds, will be admissible to the mails. FOURTH-CLASS MATTER.

Definition of Fourth-Class Matter.-All mail matter not included in the first, second or third class and which is not liable to deface or otherwise damage the contents of the mail bag, or harm the person of any one engaged in the postal service, is held as fourth-class matter. No package is admitted as fourth-class matter weighing over four pounds. This class includes such things as artificial flowers, cards, blankbooks, samples of merchandise and other merchandise when properly wrapped and complying with conditions stated below. Poisons, inflammable articles, explosives, live animals or substances exhaling a foul odor will not be accepted as mailable matter.

The rate of postage on fourth-class matter is one cent an ounce or fraction thereof sent to a single address, to be prepaid by ordinary stamps affixed.

REGISTRATION OF MAIL MATTER.

All classes of mailable matter, including drop or local letters, may be registered at a cost of eight cents, in addition to the regular postage.

The sender of an article accepted for registration is entitled to a receipt at the time of its acceptance and is also entitled to a receipt signed by the person to whom delivery is made, which is returned to the sender. If the sender fails to receive the return receipt, by applying to the Fourth Assistant PostmasterGeneral the matter will be investigated with the view of recovering the lost article where possible, or its value, when the loss is due to culpable negligence on the part of postal officials. The amount collectible for such a loss is the value of the contents, up to twenty-five dollars.

FORWARDING MAIL MATTER.

The matter which can be forwarded to the addressee without additional charge of postage, is as follows: Letters prepaid at full rate of at least two cents, parcels prepaid at first-class rates, postal cards, "post cards," official matter, free county publications (within county), and matter from the Postal Union ❘countries.

Any other matter than the above requires an additional postage at the same rate at which it was originally mailed, which postage must be prepaid, in order to be forwarded. For each time forwarded an additional postage must be paid.

In the case of matter forwarded free of charge, the direction may be changed and the matter forwarded as many times as is necessary to reach the addressee.

Matter which has been opened inadvertently upon delivery may be forwarded without additional charge of postage.

RETURNING UNCLAIMED MATTER.

When a letter is sent on which the postage is prepaid and the sender indorses his name and address upon the envelope, such letter when remaining unclaimed for any time which the writer may direct, up to thirty days, will be returned to him without additional charge of postage. The sender may, by a subsequent written direction to the postmaster at the office of destination, lengthen or shorten the time which the letter is to be held as originally named on the envelope. Double postal cards will be returned to the sender if undelivered. Unclaimed written single postal cards and "post cards" are sent to the Dead Letter Office.

Application must be made to the postmaster at the post office where the article was mailed accompanied by a fac-simile of the address and money sufficient to pay for telegraphing to the post office of delivery. All other mail matter, other than first class, may be returned, but is subject to an additional charge for postage, fully prepaid, for the return of same.

THE WITHDRAWAL OF MAIL MATTER.

After mail matter has been deposited, but not yet dispatched, it can be withdrawn by the writer or sender if he can show to the satisfaction of the postmaster that he is such. After matter has been dispatched from the office where mailed, its delivery may be prevented and its return secured, if the sender can properly identify the letter and can state reasons sufficient for its withdrawal at the office where mailed. UNMAILABLE MATTER.

The following articles will be refused the use and privilege of the United States mails: Matter insufficiently prepaid to entitle it to be forwarded. Incorrectly or illegibly directed matter. Any matter which, on account of its destructive or harmful nature, might do injury to other mail or postal emLOTES. (See under fourth-class matter.) Any matter such as coin, jewelry or precious articles, which by Special agreement with foreign countries are not allowed to be sent to those countries. Packages which exceed the weight limit of four pounds imposed upon third and fourth-class matter. Any scurrilous, indecent, threatening, or defamatory matter upon the outside of a letter or package, or upon a postal card will exclude it. Lottery matter or schemes which are intended to deceive or to defraud. Indecent or immoral matter in form of book, picture, printing or any other publication.

WRAPPING OF MAIL MATTER.

Second-Class Matter.-Newspapers must be dried and inclosed in proper wrappers, which can be easily removed without destroying thein or injuring their inclosures.

Third-Class Matter must be placed under band, upon a roller, between boards, or in an unsealed envelope, or closed so as not to conceal the nature of the packet or its contents, or it may be so tied with a string as to be easily unfastened. Address cards and all printed matter in the form of an unfolded card may be mailed without band or envelope.

Fourth-Class Matter must be so wrapped that the contents may be easily and thoroughly examined by postmasters, both as to reference to the safety of the mails and postal employes, and to the exclusion of matter chargeable as of the first class.

Different Classes of Mail Matter in Same Package.-Whenever mail of differenct classes is inclosed in one package, the full contents of that package must be paid for at the rate which would apply if the entire contents were of the class on which the highest rate is payable. However, a blank or printed card say be placed in a package of third-class matter for reply without paying a higher rate of postage on the package, but no written address can be placed on such card.

FOREIGN MAIL MATTER.

Articles for or from foreign countries, except Canada, Mexico and Cuba, do not come under the United States classification of mail matter, but are designated as: 1. Letters. 2. Post cards. 3. Newspapers and other printed matter. 4. Commercial or business papers. 5. Samples of merchandise.

PROHIBITED ARTICLES-FOREIGN MAILS.

To Belgium.-1. Articles of miscellaneous merchandise not bona fide trade samples.

To France.-1. Tobacco in any form. 2. Samples of tea weighing more than 20 grains.

To Great Britain.-1. Packages of manufactured tobacco of any kind whatever. Including cigars, cigarettes and spuff; all packages of unmanufactured tobacco exceeding four ounces. 2. Printed matter which relates to bets.

To Hungary.-1. Any article of clothing.

To Italy.-1. Living piants or vegetables. 2. Samples of tobacco. 3. Samples of silk in excess of 100 grams weight. 4. Correspondence relating to lotteries."

To Luxemburg.-1. Meats, in sealed boxes, and sausages.

To Mexico.-1. Articles other than letters in their usual and ordinary form which are wrapped so that their contents cannot be easily examined. 2. Merchandise other than bona fide trade samples, unless sent by Parcels Post. 3. Bank notes, drafts payable to bearer; money, jewelry, precious stones, subject to a fine of twenty per cent of the value of the articles.

To Russia.-1. Newspapers and other political publications, unless addressed to members of the reigning imperial family, ministers of the empire, or members of the diplomatic corps or subscribed for at Russian post. 2. Non-political publications, except those subscribed for at Russian post offices, or addressed to the Public Imperial Library, the Academy of Sciences, the higher educational establishments, or estab lished book stores. 3. Books in the Russian language published elsewhere than in Russia, or prints, except periodical publications, in the Polish language. 4. Pasteboard drawing models. 5. Russian paper money. To Spain.-1. Missals, breviaries and other liturgical books pertaining to the Catholic religion. 2. Samples of cloths, textile fabrics, felt and colored paper which measure more than 16 inches square, and which have not cuts at least 8 inches long across their width.

The rates of the Universal Postal Union apply to the following countries, which are not in the Uni versal Postal Union:

Africa. Abyssinia; Bechuanaland Protectorate, including Kange, Macloutsie, Molepolole, Palache, Shoshong and Tati River: Rhodesia, including Mashonaland, Matabeleland, British Nyasseland, Barotse, Lake Moero, Tanganyika and Upper Zambesi; Morocco, except European post offices in Niger Coast Protectorate, including Benin, Bonny, Brass, Calabar. Opobo and Warree or Forcados; West Coast (native possessions). Asia.-Afghanistan; China; Shanghai, U. S. Postal Agency at

Oceania. Friendly or Tonga Islands; Navigators' Islands or Samoя (except United States Island of Tutuila). Pitcairn Islands; Society Islands; other islands in the Southern Pacific Ocean.

Articles of every kind which are admitted to the U. S. domestic mails are admitted to the mails exchanged between the United States and the United States Postal Agency at Shanghai, China; but such are subject to the following rates of postage, which must be prepaid in United States postage stamps on all articles except official correspondence in "penalty" envelopes:

First-class matter, 5c. per half oz. or fraction thereof; postal cards, single 2 cents, double 4 cents: second and third class matter and samples of merchandise not exceeding 12 ozs. in weight, 1 cent for each 2 ozs. or fraction thereof; fourth-class matter, 1 cent per oz. or fraction thereof. Articles addressed to the following places in China, viz:

Cheefoo

Foo-Chow,

Chin Kiang, Hankow,

Ichang.
Kaiping,

Chung King, Hung Chow, Kalgan,

Kinkiang, Ningpo,
Nanking, Ourga,
Newchwang, Pekin.

Shanghai,
Taku,
Tien-Tsin.

Wenchow,
Wuhu,
Wuchang,

Yental,

are transmissible in the mails for the U. S. Postal Agency at Shanghai, but at places other than Shanghai additional charges for postage may be collected of the addressees upon the delivery of the articles.

CUSTOMS DUTIES.

Articles are not excluded from mails for foreign countries because they are liable to customs duties in the country to which they may be directed. However, it is the privilege of any country to exclude such articles. Customs duties cannot be prepaid by the senders of articles, but if delivered will be collected of the addressees.

Newspapers and other periodical publications received in the mails from abroad under the provisions of postal treaties or conventions, and packages addressed to foreign consuls in the United States which bear the official seal of the consul's government, are free from custoins duty.

Dutiable books forwarded to the United States from foreign countries will be delivered to the addressee upon the payment of the duty levied thereon.

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Whenever letters or packages the wrappers of which cannot be removed without destroying them received in the United States from a foreign country, and the postmaster has reason to believe they contain dutiable articles, it is his duty to notify the addressee that such letter or package has been received and that he must appear at the post office and open such letter or package in the presence of an officer of the customs.

SPECIAL RATES AND RULINGS FOR CANADA, MEXICO AND CUBA.

CANADA.

Articles of every kind or nature which are admitted to the domestic malls of either country are admitted at the same postage rates and under the same conditions to the mails exchanged between the two countries: except that plants, seeds, etc., are subject to postage at the rate of one cent an ounce; that "commercial papers" and samples of merchandise are transmissible at the same rate and under the same conditions as would apply to them in mails to other foreign countries; and that articles other than letters in their usual and ordinary form are excluded from the mails unless they are so wrapped or enclosed as to permit their contents to be easily examined by postmasters or customs officers; and except also the following articles, the transmission of which is absolutely prohibited under any circumstances, viz:

All sealed packages, which, from their form and general appearance, evidently are not letters. Publications which violate the copyright laws of the country of destination; packages (except single volumes of printed books and second-class matter) which exceed 4 pounds 6 ounces in weight; poisons, explosives or inflammable substances, live or dead (not dried) animals, insects (except bees) and reptiles. fruits and vegetables which quickly decompose, and substances which exhale a bad odor, lottery tickets or circulars, Police Gazettes, all obscene or immoral matter, and all articles which may destroy or damage the mails or injure the persons handling them.

All articles are required to be fully prepaid with postage stamps, except letters on which only one rate of postage has been fully prepaid, which must be stamped "T" and marked upon the cover with amount of postage due and dispatched.