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United Postal Workers Union 11/13/89 [OA 4421]
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United Postal Workers Union 11/13/89 [OA 4421]
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13884-010
collections
Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Mary Kate Grant Subject Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
foia Number:
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Grant, Mary Kate, Files
Subseries:
Subject File, 1988-1991
OA/ID Number:
13884
Folder ID Number:
13884-010
Folder Title:
United Postal Workers Union, 11/13/89
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
18
29
1
2
/. Confirm if Baker
Eagleburger are attending
2.
opening ceremony
1897 DC Fifth Congress
Conflicting facts
of UPU - was it at the
Corcoran or the Renwick ?
lien
now
3. How many letters per day/
per year so far does
POTUS recieve from public?
Can we get a copy of a
on letter this? from a kid commenting
4. Who will be on stage w/
POTUS. I have list of officials
present, but how far do we
go ?
5. POTUS to speak before or
after PMG Frank ? Ist
White House News Summary
Monday, November 13, 1989 -- 1
2:00 P.M. NEWS UPDATE
DRUG COUNCIL/PRESIDENT (Reuter) -- President Bush, in a move
designed to enlist the private sector in the war on drugs, announced
Monday the formation of advisory council made up of 27 members. Bush
told a White House gathering that the council would recommend and advise
on ways to encourage the private sector to implement national drug
control policy. "This council will recommend ways to involve all elements
of the private sector in the war against drugs," Bush said.
(Christopher Connell, AP) President Bush today named 27 citizens,
including medical pioneer Dr. Jonas Salk, former Attorney General William
French Smith and ex-Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, as advisers for
the war on drugs. "All share my goal of ridding America of illegal
drugs," Bush said at a White House ceremony where he signed an
executive order creating the Presidential Drug Advisory Council
Bush said, "The scourge of illegal drugs upon the lives of many
Americans is simply devastating, and with the help of this advisory
council, I look forward to stopping this devastation and guiding our nation
toward an intolerance of illegal drug use."
nation's postal workers Monday as a "noble profession" that "touches the
POSTAL WORKERS/PRESIDENT (UPI) -- President Bush honored the way togo
heart" with mail to Santa Claus and soldiers and up to 60,000 letters a
MK!
week to the White House. In an address before the Universal Postal Union
Congress, Bush said letters link "the peoples and nations of this world"
and often convey "many noble enterprises." He cited among them the
advancement of civilization, the expansion of commerce and trade, the
An
promotion of industry and science "and the encouragement of peace and
good will."
PANAMA/SANCTIONS (Reuter) -- The U.S. is considering new sanctions
against Panama, including banning entry of Panamanian ships to American
ports, U.S. officials said Monday. Secretary Baker has stressed U.S.
determination to maintain pressure on Panamanian strongman Gen. Noriega
in an effort to oust him from power and clearly the port call ban "would
be an obvious option," one official told Reuters
Officials said the port
ban was one of a number of options being discussed. No decision has
been taken but one could come soon, they said.
PANAMA/OAS/BAKER (Headline News) -- Secretary Baker is expected to
deliver a tough speech on Panama at a meeting of the OAS
U.S.
officials say that Baker will call for a decisive hemispheric stand against
Panama's de facto ruler, Gen. Noriega. The OAS usually meets just once
a year, but the Panama crisis has led to four special sessions since May.
Also on the agenda: Admitting Canada as the group's 32nd member and
discussing Nicaragua's scheduled February elections.
SALVADOR/REBELS (San Salvador/UPI) -- The Salvadoran government
claimed Monday it had recaptured rebel-held positions in the capital after
more than two days of heavy fighting that left up to 130 people dead and
scores wounded. A spokesman for the Salvadoran armed forces said the
rebels of the FMLN "have now been dislodged from the city." He said,
however, that sporadic fighting continued for a third day on the outskirts
of the capital The Salvadoran Red Cross said the number of
the civilians injured in the two days of fighting is 122.
-more-
Grant/Martin
November 3, 1989
Draft two
A:postal
REMARKS: OPENING CEREMONY
UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS
KENNEDY CENTER/WASHINGTON D.C.
NOVEMBER 13, 1989
10:45 A.M.
Good morning. ((Acknowledgements))
Welcome to the United States. It is a pleasure to address
the Universal Postal Union, because it brings to mind so many
images from our history. From the appointment of our first
Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin, to the trails blazed by
the riders of the Pony Express, to the convenience of modern post
offices, the story of the postal service is tied to the story of
our country.
and the mare itself reflects the amercan soga
And the stories contained in our mail) contain the story of
In 1814,
d
describe her escape
our country. Dolly Madison wrote her sister to tell of running
from the burning White House. Alexander Hamilton sent a farewell
letter to his wife before his duel with Aaron Burr. Harry Truman
wrote the folks back home about his first night as President.
I'm sure there are similar letters in the history of every nation
assembled here today.
But
in on history
Only once before has the United States had the honor of
hosting a Congress of the U.P.U. -- the Fifth Congress, which
took place in 1897, here in Washington, D.C. At that meeting,
106 delegates from 55 countries gathered in the Renwick Gallery,
which stands on Pennsylvania Avenue across from the White House.
2
The world has changed much since the last time your Congress
met in Washington. The delegates to that Fifth Congress had
or
never heard of radio and television, much less computers,
airplanes, space shuttles, or satellites, which now seem
commonplace.
In 1897, the employees of the U.S. Post Office Department
were still sorting mail by hand, much as their predecessors had
sorted mail in 1775, when Benjamin Franklin was appointed, the
first American Postmaster General Today, the United States
Postal Service has made great strides in the use of automated
equipment -- some capable of sorting letters at speeds of up to
350,000 pieces an hour.
The postal systems of the world, too, have changed through
the advances of technology. From ( place)) to on the Artic
Dublin, (international Ireland Hamm erfest, Norway
Katmardu, Nepal Alice Springs, Australia n The Outback
( (international place)) and from Nome, Alaska to Key West,
Ocean
?
Florida, the Postal administrations have consistently adapted
technology to their operations to ensure that the mail always
gets through no matter what
Stories abound of amazing deliveries through the mail
system: In 1916, a 40,000-ton brick building was mailed across
Utah, brick by brick, because it was cheaper than the freight
charges. This year, 120 live bees were mailed from Hawaii to
Virginia, but were en route when the airplane crashed, over Iowa
The bees survived, and were delivered in a thick envelope with a
note from the Sioux City Postmaster explaining the delay. And a
50-pound midget once mailed himself from New York to Los Angeles
3
on a $500 bet. ((However, after the eight hour flight in a
styrofoam crate, the man decided to stay out of the mail in the
future.) While these stories are out of the ordinary, Americans
are proud of the extraordinary job being done by our United
States Postal Service and its 800,00 employees.
But, also
I am especially proud of the contribution that the United
States has made, and continues to make, to the Universal Postal
Union. The first attempt at organizing a worldwide postal union
was, in large part, the inspiration of Montgomery Blair,
Postmaster General during the first administration of President
Abraham Lincoln. His many innovations and changes had already
revolutionized mail service domestically; yet he went on to lead
the movement to international postal order despite the ravages of
the U.S. Civil War.
At his invitation, delegates from 15 countries met in Paris
in 1863 to propose regulations governing the international mails.
Historians describe national postal systems in those days as
total chaos -- at least 1,200 separate postal rates worldwide.
Nations were forced to maintain bilateral agreements with every
single country for the exchange of mail. Postmaster General
Blair, along with many others, envisioned a universal system that
would consider the entire world as one unified postal territory.
Much wisdom, eloquence and effort were devoted to the
creation of the Universal Postal Union. The original foundation
was not the work of any one man or any one nation, but rather
that of many men from many nations. The idea of universal
4
collaboration, bold in design and daring in concept for its day,
gained impetus from a world that recognized international
obligations and increasing interdependence of all peoples.
Written letters conveyed through the mails, linking the
peoples and the nations of this world, often convey many noble
enterprises: the advancement of civilization, the expansion of
commerce and trade, the promotion of industry and science, and
encouragrent
the maintenance of peace and good will.
For example, the meeting Twill chalding with President
Gorbachev at sea next month was arranged entirely through a
series of letters between us. And I understand that here at your
World Stamp Expo, a new set of Soviet stamps will be unveiled
which portray American astronauts -- something I'm sure no one
would have believed possible at the last U.P.U. Congress.
The need to communicate by mail across national frontiers --
despite the march of time and advent of telecommunication -- has
remained constant to this very day. The expansion in of the world
the
postal systems, represented by some 170 nations forming the UPU,
staggers the imagination. For even our latest technology and
instant delivery services cannot do what the postal system alone
can do: get the mail through, anywhere on earth, to any recipient
at very small cost.
Every week, I receive up to 60,000 letters from every state
in the Union and from nearly every country in the world. Letters
arrive from children asking questions about government and the
Presidency; from young people telling me their concerns about
to our oldest citizens.
5
use
world peace and the drug war; and from elderly citizens about
Oln a world of for and feber
health care and foreign policy. The mails represent the most
optics, res,
still
intimate means by which the people of this nation and other
dreams
-
nations reveal their thoughts, their hopes, and their concerns
But for all the numbers and machines, the importance of the
3
mails comes from its very form the written word. "Letters
mingle souls," the poet John Donne wrote. The individual voice of
contained within the message of a letter can convey more beauty
and more power than any other form of long distance
communication.
In a world of faxes, overnight delivery, and fiber optic
phone lines, nothing beats the expectation of opening up that
2
Whither its
letter from home. There the determination of a young child,
writing
crayon in hand, as he writes a letter to Santa Claus
or the
waiting for a special bitter from home
anticipation of a soldier at war sending loveletters to his
sweetheart at home
or the optimism of a college student
4
yours
adding "P.S. Please send money" to the letter home. Scenes like
IS a
these ennoble your profession, for they touch the heart and
improve the human condition.
So many times, the mail is the messenger of love, hope and
comfort
and for that I salute your hard work over the many
years Good luck in your endeavors over the next five weeks of
this Congress. God bless you, and God bless America. Thank
you.
# # #
Krouf your efforts, the WM then word stirs the mognation, the
improves the human condition and touches
heart
Grant/Martin
November 8, 8 1989
Draft three
A:postal
REMARKS: OPENING CEREMONY
UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS
KENNEDY CENTER/WASHINGTON D.C.
NOVEMBER 13, 1989
10:45 A.M.
Good morning. ((Acknowledgements))
Welcome to the United States. It is a pleasure to address
the Universal Postal Union, because it brings to mind so many
images from our history. From the appointment of our first
Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin, to the trails blazed by
the riders of the Pony Express, to the convenience of modern post
offices, the story of the postal service is tied to the story of
our country.
And the mail itself reflects the American saga. In 1814,
Dolly Madison wrote her sister to describe her escape from the
burning White House. Alexander Hamilton sent a farewell letter
to his wife before his duel with Aaron Burr. Harry Truman wrote
the folks back home about his first night as President. I'm sure
there are similar letters in the history of every nation
assembled here today.
But only once before in our history has the United States
had the honor of hosting a Congress of the U.P.U. -- the Fifth
Congress, which took place in 1897, here in Washington, D.C. At
that meeting, 106 delegates from 55 countries gathered in the
Renwick Gallery, which stands on Pennsylvania Avenue across from
the White House.
2
The world has changed much since the last time your Congress
met in Washington. The delegates to that Fifth Congress had
never heard of radio or television, much less computers,
airplanes, space shuttles, or satellites, which now seem
commonplace.
In 1897, the employees of the U.S. Post Office Department
were still sorting mail by hand, much as their predecessors had
sorted mail in 1775, when Benjamin Franklin was appointed.
Today, the United States Postal Service has made great strides in
the use of automated equipment -- some capable of sorting letters
at speeds of up to 350,000 pieces an hour.
The postal systems of the world, too, have changed through
the advances of technology. From Hammerfest, Norway on the
Arctic Ocean to Alice Springs, Australia in the Outback, postal
administrations have consistently adapted technology to their
operations to ensure that the mail always gets through.
Stories abound of amazing deliveries through the mail
system: In 1916, a 40,000-ton brick building was mailed across
Utah, brick by brick, because it was cheaper than the freight
charges. This year, 120 live bees were mailed from Hawaii to
Virginia, but were en route when the airplane crashed. The bees
survived, and were delivered in a thick envelope with a note from
the Sioux City, Iowa, Postmaster explaining the delay. And a 50-
pound midget once mailed himself from New York to Los Angeles on
a $500 bet. ((However, after the eight hour flight in a styrofoam
crate, the man decided to stay out of the mail in the future.))
3
While these stories are out of the ordinary, Americans are
proud of the extraordinary job being done by our United States
Postal Service and its 800,00 employees.
But, I am also proud of the contribution that the United
States has made, and continues to make, to the Universal Postal
Union. The first attempt at organizing a worldwide postal union
was, in large part, the inspiration of Montgomery Blair,
Postmaster General during the first administration of President
Abraham Lincoln.
At his invitation, delegates from 15 countries met in Paris
in 1863 to propose regulations governing the international mails.
Historians describe national postal systems in those days as
total chaos -- at least 1,200 separate postal rates worldwide.
Nations were forced to maintain bilateral agreements with every
country for the exchange of mail. Postmaster General Blair,
along with many others, envisioned a universal system that would
consider the entire world as one unified postal territory.
Much wisdom, eloquence and effort were devoted to the
creation of the Universal Postal Union. The original foundation
was not the work of any one man or any one nation, but rather
that of many men from many nations. The idea of universal
collaboration, bold in design and daring in concept for its day,
gained impetus from a world that recognized international
obligations and increasing interdependence of all peoples.
Written letters conveyed through the mails, linking the
peoples and the nations of this world, often convey many noble
4
enterprises: the advancement of civilization, the expansion of
commerce and trade, the promotion of industry and science, and
the encouragement of peace and good will.
I understand that here at your World Stamp Expo, a new set
of Soviet stamps will be unveiled which portray American
astronauts -- something I'm sure no one would have believed
possible at the last U.P.U. Congress.
The need to communicate by mail across national frontiers --
despite the march of time and advent of telecommunication -- has
remained constant to this very day. The expansion of the world's
postal systems, represented by the 170 nations of the U.P.U.,
staggers the imagination. For even our latest technology and
instant delivery services cannot do what the postal system alone
can do: get the mail through, anywhere on earth, to any recipient
at very small cost.
Every week, I receive up to 60,000 letters from every state
in the Union and from nearly every country in the world. Letters
arrive from children to our oldest citizens. In a world of faxes
and fiber optics, the mails still represent the most intimate
means by which the people of this nation and other nations reveal
their thoughts, their hopes, and their dreams -- whether it's a
young child, crayon in hand, writing a letter to Santa Claus
...
or a soldier waiting for a special letter from home.
"Letters mingle souls," the poet John Dunne wrote. Yours is
a noble profession, for through your efforts, the written word
stirs the imagination, improves the human condition and touches
5
the heart. Good luck in your endeavors over the next five weeks
of this Congress. God bless you, and God bless America. Thank
you.
# # #
Grant/Martin
November 3, 1989
Draft two
A:postal
REMARKS: OPENING CEREMONY
UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS
KENNEDY CENTER/WASHINGTON D.C.
NOVEMBER 13, 1989
10:45 A.M.
Good morning. ((Acknowledgements))
Welcome to the United States. It is a pleasure to address
the Universal Postal Union, because it brings to mind so many
images from our history. From the appointment of our first
Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin, to the trails blazed by
the riders of the Pony Express, to the convenience of modern post
offices, the story of the postal service is tied to the story of
our country.
And the stories contained in our mail contain the story of
our country. Dolly Madison wrote her sister to tell of running
from the burning White House. Alexander Hamilton sent a farewell
letter to his wife before his duel with Aaron Burr. Harry Truman
wrote the folks back home about his first night as President.
I'm sure there are similar letters in the history of every nation
assembled here today.
Only once before has the United States had the honor of
hosting a Congress of the U.P.U. -- the Fifth Congress, which
took place in 1897, here in Washington, D.C. At that meeting,
106 delegates from 55 countries gathered in the Renwick Gallery,
which stands on Pennsylvania Avenue across from the White House.
2
The world has changed much since the last time your Congress
met in Washington. The delegates to that Fifth Congress had
never heard of radio and television, much less computers,
airplanes, space shuttles, or satellites, which now seem
commonplace.
In 1897, the employees of the U.S. Post Office Department
were still sorting mail by hand, much as their predecessors had
sorted mail in 1775, when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the
first American Postmaster General. Today, the United States
Postal Service has made great strides in the use of automated
equipment -- some capable of sorting letters at speeds of up to
350,000 pieces an hour.
The postal systems of the world, too, have changed through
Dublin, Ireland
the advances of technology. From ( (international place) ) to
Katmander, Nepal
( (international place)) and from Nome, Alaska to Key West,
Florida, the Postal administrations have consistently adapted
technology to their operations to ensure that the mail always
gets through, no matter what.
Stories abound of amazing deliveries through the mail
system: In 1916, a 40,000-ton brick building was mailed across
Utah, brick by brick, because it was cheaper than the freight
charges. This year, 120 live bees were mailed from Hawaii to
Virginia, but were en route when the airplane crashed over Iowa.
The bees survived, and were delivered in a thick envelope with a
note from the Sioux City Postmaster explaining the delay. And a
50-pound midget once mailed himself from New York to Los Angeles
3
on a $500 bet. ((However, after the eight hour flight in a
styrofoam crate, the man decided to stay out of the mail in the
future.) While these stories are out of the ordinary, Americans
are proud of the extraordinary job being done by our United
States Postal Service and its 800,00 employees.
I am especially proud of the contribution that the United
States has made, and continues to make, to the Universal Postal
Union. The first attempt at organizing a worldwide postal union
was, in large part, the inspiration of Montgomery Blair,
Postmaster General during the first administration of President
Abraham Lincoln. His many innovations and changes had already
revolutionized mail service domestically; yet he went on to lead
the movement to international postal order despite the ravages of
the U.S. Civil War.
At his invitation, delegates from 15 countries met in Paris
in 1863 to propose regulations governing the international mails.
Historians describe national postal systems in those days as
total chaos -- at least 1,200 separate postal rates worldwide.
Nations were forced to maintain bilateral agreements with every
single country for the exchange of mail. Postmaster General
Blair, along with many others, envisioned a universal system that
would consider the entire world as one unified postal territory.
Much wisdom, eloquence and effort were devoted to the
creation of the Universal Postal Union. The original foundation
was not the work of any one man or any one nation, but rather
that of many men from many nations. The idea of universal
4
collaboration, bold in design and daring in concept for its day,
gained impetus from a world that recognized international
obligations and increasing interdependence of all peoples.
Written letters conveyed through the mails, linking the
peoples and the nations of this world, often convey many noble
enterprises: the advancement of civilization, the expansion of
commerce and trade, the promotion of industry and science, and
the maintenance of peace and good will.
For example, the meeting I will holding with President
Gorbachev at sea next month was arranged entirely through a
series of letters between us. And I understand that here at your
World Stamp Expo, a new set of Soviet stamps will be unveiled
which portray American astronauts -- something I'm sure no one
would have believed possible at the last U.P.U. Congress.
The need to communicate by mail across national frontiers --
despite the march of time and advent of telecommunication -- has
remained constant to this very day. The expansion in the world
postal systems, represented by some 170 nations forming the UPU,
staggers the imagination. For even our latest technology and
instant delivery services cannot do what the postal system alone
can do: get the mail through, anywhere on earth, to any recipient
at very small cost.
Every week, I receive up to 60,000 letters from every state
in the Union and from nearly every country in the world. Letters
arrive from children asking questions about government and the
Presidency; from young people telling me their concerns about
5
world peace and the drug war; and from elderly citizens about
health care and foreign policy. The mails represent the most
intimate means by which the people of this nation and other
nations reveal their thoughts, their hopes, and their concerns.
But for all the numbers and machines, the importance of the
mails comes from its very form -- the written word. "Letters
mingle souls," the poet John Donne wrote. The individual voice
contained within the message of a letter can convey more beauty
and more power than any other form of long distance
communication.
In a world of faxes, overnight delivery, and fiber optic
phone lines, nothing beats the expectation of opening up that
letter from home. There's the determination of a young child,
crayon in hand, as he writes a letter to Santa Claus
...
or the
anticipation of a soldier at war sending loveletters to his
sweetheart at home
or the optimism of a college student
adding "P.S. Please send money" to the letter home. Scenes like
these ennoble your profession, for they touch the heart and
improve the human condition.
So many times, the mail is the messenger of love, hope and
comfort
...
and for that I salute your hard work over the many
years. Good luck in your endeavors over the next five weeks of
this Congress. God bless you, and God bless America. Thank
you.
# # #
Grant/Martin
November 3, 1989
Draft one
A:postal
REMARKS: OPENING CEREMONY
UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS
KENNEDY CENTER/WASHINGTON D.C.
NOVEMBER 13,
10:45 A.M.
Good morning. ((Acknowledgements))
1989 Ew of state TX Steyoud Bar Red oud wed State mayes Chair
Welcome to the United States. During your travels here,
working democracy in which every citizen contributes to the
kep. Perry Butter
Natiforn
you'll see the diversity of our great "melting pot," and our
Byate
common good. Likewise, the diversity of nations united under the
cnam
Universal Postal Union contributes much to the common good.
On only one previous occasion has the United States had the
honor of hosting a Congress of the U.P.U. -- the Fifth Congress,
I
which took place in 1897, here in Washington, D.C. At that
4
meeting, 106 delegates from 55 countries gathered in the Renwick
draft
Gallery, which stands on Pennsylvania Avenue across from the
2d
White House.
The world has changed much since the last time your Congress
met in Washington. The delegates to that Fifth Congress knew
nothing of computers, atomic energy, airplanes, space shuttles,
or satellites -- nor even radio and television, which now seem
commonplace.
In 1897, the employees of the U.S. Post Office Department
were still sorting mail by hand, much as their predecessors had
4
sorted mail in 1775, when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the
first American Postmaster General. Today, the United States
2
Postal Service has made great strides in the use of automated
equipment -- some capable of sorting letters at speeds of up to
3
350,000 pieces an hour.
The postal systems of the world, too, have changed through
the advances of technology. Postal administrations have
consistently adapted technology to their operations to ensure
Neither snow, nor rain, nor Heat, nor Gloon of night stops these courses.
that "neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor dark of night can from swift the
keep these messengers from their duty" -- with a continuity of completion of their
service unparalleled by any other form of communication since. appointed I rounds."
know Americans are proud of the job being done by our United Inscription on General
Post office
States Postal Service and its 800,00 employees.
NY.NY
-Herodo
I am especially proud of the contribution that the United
tus
States has made, and continues to make, to the Universal Postal
Union. The first attempt at organizing a worldwide postal union
was, in large part, the inspiration of Montgomery Blair,
Postmaster General during the first administration of President
p.4
Abraham Lincoln. His many innovations and changes had already
revolutionized mail service domestically; yet he went on to lead
the movement to international postal order despite the ravages of
the U.S. Civil War.
H
At his invitation, delegates from 15 countries met in Paris
in 1863 to propose regulations governing the international mails
Historians estimate that national postal systems in those days
faced total chaos -- at least 1,200 separate postal rates
worldwide. Nations maintained bilateral agreements with every
single country for the exchange of mail. Postmaster General
3
Blair, along with many others, envisioned a universal system that
would consider the entire world as one unified postal territory.
Much wisdom, eloquence and effort were devoted to the
creation of the Universal Postal Union. The original foundation
was not the work of any one man or any one nation, but rather
that of many men from many nations. The idea of universal
collaboration, bold in design and daring in concept for its day,
gained impetus from a world that recognized international
obligations and increasing interdependence of all peoples.
Now, thanks to the international postal network embodied by
the UPU, no political or national boundaries obstruct the flow of
mails, a flow that conveys news and information while solidifying
peace and prosperity. Those boundaries have, in fact, been
crossed here at your World Stamp Expo -- with the unveiling of a
new set of Soviet stamps portraying U.S. astronauts.
Written letters conveyed through the mails, linking the
peoples and the nations of this world, often convey many noble
enterprises: the advancement of civilization, the expansion of
commerce and trade, the promotion of industry and science, and
the maintenance of peace and good will. For example, the meeting
55. Oct admin 31.26
I will holding with President Gorbachev at sea next month was
arranged entirely through a series of letters between us.
The need to communicate by mail across national frontiers --
despite the march of time and advent of telecommunication -- has
remained constant to this very day. The expansion in the world
postal systems, represented by some 170 nations forming the UPU,
4
staggers the imagination. For even our latest technology and
instant delivery services cannot do what the postal system alone
can do: get the mail through, anywhere on earth, to any recipient
at a very small cost. John Dunne once wrote that "no man is an
island," and nothing could be truer with the mail systems of
today.
But for all the numbers and machines, the importance of the
mails comes from its very form -- the written word. The
individual voice contained within the message of a letter can
convey more beauty and more power than any other form of long
distance communication. In a world of faxes, overnight delivery,
and fiber optic phone lines, nothing beats opening up that letter
from home.
Every week, I receive more than XXX letters from every state
the Union and from nearly every country in the world. Letters
arrive from children asking questions about government and the
2304 2/10
Presidency; from young adults stating their concerns about world
peace and the drug war; and from elderly citizens commenting on
Patsu
health care legislation and foreign policy. The mails represent
the most intimate means by which the people of this nation and
other nations reveal their thoughts, their hopes, and their
concerns.
And so I salute your hard work over the many years, and wish
you good luck in your endeavors over the next five weeks of this
Congress. God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you.
###
UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS
KENNEDY CENTER / NOVEMBER 13, 1989 / 10:45 A.M.
GOOD MORNING. THANK YOU, POSTMASTER GENERAL
ANTHONY FRANK, FOR YOUR INTRODUCTION; THANKS ALSO TO
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONGRESS, ED HORGAN; THE DEAN OF
THE CONGRESS, MR. K. R. MURTHY ( (MUR-TEE)); AND THE
DIRECTOR GENERAL, MR. A.C. BoTTo DE BARROS ((BOE-TOE DE
BAH-Ros)). ((ALSO, I'D LIKE TO WELCOME OUR
DISTINGUISHED REPRESENTATIVE TO THE UNITED NATIONS,
AMBASSADOR PICKERING.))
- 2 -
MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS, WELCOME TO THE UNITED
STATES. IT IS A PLEASURE TO ADDRESS THE UNIVERSAL
POSTAL UNION, BECAUSE IT BRINGS TO MIND SO MANY IMAGES
FROM OUR HISTORY. FROM THE APPOINTMENT OF OUR FIRST
POSTMASTER GENERAL, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, TO THE TRAILS
BLAZED BY THE RIDERS OF THE PONY EXPRESS, TO THE
CONVENIENCE OF MODERN POST OFFICES, THE STORY OF THE
POSTAL SERVICE IS TIED TO THE STORY OF OUR COUNTRY.
- 3 -
AND THE MAIL ITSELF REFLECTS THE AMERICAN SAGA. IN
1814, DOLLY MADISON WROTE HER SISTER TO DESCRIBE HER
ESCAPE FROM THE BURNING WHITE HOUSE. ALEXANDER
HAMILTON SENT A FAREWELL LETTER TO HIS WIFE BEFORE HIS
DUEL WITH AARON BURR. HARRY TRUMAN WROTE THE FOLKS
BACK HOME ABOUT HIS FIRST NIGHT AS PRESIDENT. I'M SURE
THERE ARE SIMILAR LETTERS IN THE HISTORY OF EVERY
NATION ASSEMBLED HERE TODAY.
- 4 -
BUT ONLY ONCE BEFORE IN OUR HISTORY HAS THE UNITED
STATES HAD THE HONOR OF HOSTING A CONGRESS OF THE
U.P.U. -- THE FIFTH CONGRESS, WHICH TOOK PLACE IN 1897,
HERE IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AT THAT MEETING, 106
DELEGATES FROM 55 COUNTRIES GATHERED IN THE RENWICK
GALLERY, WHICH STANDS ON PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE ACROSS
FROM THE WHITE HOUSE.
- 5 -
THE WORLD HAS CHANGED MUCH SINCE THE LAST TIME YOUR
CONGRESS MET IN WASHINGTON. THE DELEGATES TO THAT
FIFTH CONGRESS HAD NEVER HEARD OF RADIO OR TELEVISION,
MUCH LESS COMPUTERS, AIRPLANES, SPACE SHUTTLES, OR
SATELLITES, WHICH NOW SEEM COMMONPLACE.
IN 1897, THE EMPLOYEES OF THE U.S. POST OFFICE
DEPARTMENT WERE STILL SORTING MAIL BY HAND, MUCH AS
THEIR PREDECESSORS HAD SORTED MAIL IN 1775, WHEN
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN WAS APPOINTED.
- 6 -
TODAY, THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE HAS MADE GREAT
STRIDES IN THE USE OF AUTOMATED EQUIPMENT -- SOME
CAPABLE OF SORTING LETTERS AT SPEEDS OF UP TO 35,000
PIECES AN HOUR.
THE POSTAL SYSTEMS OF THE WORLD, Too, HAVE CHANGED
THROUGH THE ADVANCES OF TECHNOLOGY. FROM HAMMERFEST,
NORWAY ON THE ARCTIC OCEAN TO ALICE SPRINGS, AUSTRALIA
IN THE OUTBACK, POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS HAVE
CONSISTENTLY ADAPTED TECHNOLOGY TO THEIR OPERATIONS TO
ENSURE THAT THE MAIL ALWAYS GETS THROUGH.
- 7 -
STORIES ABOUND OF AMAZING DELIVERIES THROUGH THE
MAIL SYSTEM: IN 1916, A 40,000-TON BRICK BUILDING WAS
MAILED ACROSS UTAH, BRICK BY BRICK, BECAUSE IT WAS
CHEAPER THAN THE FREIGHT CHARGES. THIS YEAR, 120 LIVE
BEES WERE MAILED FROM HAWAII TO VIRGINIA, BUT WERE
EN ROUTE WHEN THE AIRPLANE CRASHED. THE BEES SURVIVED,
AND WERE DELIVERED IN A THICK ENVELOPE WITH A NOTE FROM
THE SIOUX CITY, IOWA, POSTMASTER EXPLAINING THE DELAY.
- 8 -
AND THE MAN WHO ONCE MAILED HIMSELF FROM NEW YORK TO
Los ANGELES ON A $500 BET. ((HOWEVER, AFTER THE EIGHT
HOUR FLIGHT IN A STYROFOAM CRATE, HE DECIDED TO STAY
OUT OF THE MAIL IN THE FUTURE.))
WHILE THESE STORIES
ARE OUT OF THE ORDINARY, AMERICANS ARE PROUD OF THE
EXTRAORDINARY JOB BEING DONE BY OUR UNITED STATES
POSTAL SERVICE AND ITS 800,000 EMPLOYEES.
- 9 -
BUT, I AM ALSO PROUD OF THE CONTRIBUTION THAT THE
UNITED STATES HAS MADE, AND CONTINUES TO MAKE, TO THE
UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION. THE FIRST ATTEMPT AT
ORGANIZING A WORLDWIDE POSTAL UNION WAS, IN LARGE PART,
THE INSPIRATION OF MONTGOMERY BLAIR, POSTMASTER GENERAL
DURING THE FIRST ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT ABRAHAM
LINCOLN.
- 10 -
AT HIS INVITATION, DELEGATES FROM 15 COUNTRIES MET
IN PARIS IN 1863 TO PROPOSE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE
INTERNATIONAL MAILS. HISTORIANS DESCRIBE NATIONAL
POSTAL SYSTEMS IN THOSE DAYS AS TOTAL CHAOS -- AT LEAST
1,200 SEPARATE POSTAL RATES WORLDWIDE. NATIONS WERE
FORCED TO MAINTAIN BILATERAL AGREEMENTS WITH EVERY
COUNTRY FOR THE EXCHANGE OF MAIL.
- 11 -
POSTMASTER GENERAL BLAIR, ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS,
ENVISIONED A UNIVERSAL SYSTEM THAT WOULD CONSIDER THE
ENTIRE WORLD AS ONE UNIFIED POSTAL TERRITORY.
MUCH WISDOM, ELOQUENCE AND EFFORT WERE DEVOTED TO THE
CREATION OF THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION. THE ORIGINAL
FOUNDATION WAS NOT THE WORK OF ANY ONE MAN OR ANY ONE
NATION, BUT RATHER THAT OF MANY MEN FROM MANY NATIONS.
- 12 -
THE IDEA OF UNIVERSAL COLLABORATION, BOLD IN DESIGN AND
DARING IN CONCEPT FOR ITS DAY, GAINED IMPETUS FROM A
WORLD THAT RECOGNIZED INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS AND
INCREASING INTERDEPENDENCE OF ALL PEOPLES.
WRITTEN LETTERS CONVEYED THROUGH THE MAILS, LINKING
THE PEOPLES AND THE NATIONS OF THIS WORLD, OFTEN CONVEY
MANY NOBLE ENTERPRISES: THE ADVANCEMENT OF
CIVILIZATION, THE EXPANSION OF COMMERCE AND TRADE, THE
PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND SCIENCE, AND THE
ENCOURAGEMENT OF PEACE AND GOOD WILL.
- 13 -
IN FACT, I UNDERSTAND THAT HERE AT YOUR WORLD STAMP
EXPO, A NEW SET OF SOVIET STAMPS WILL BE ISSUED -- TWO
OF WHICH PORTRAY AMERICAN ASTRONAUTS.
THE NEED TO COMMUNICATE BY MAIL ACROSS NATIONAL
FRONTIERS -- DESPITE THE MARCH OF TIME AND ADVENT OF
TELECOMMUNICATION -- HAS REMAINED CONSTANT TO THIS VERY
DAY. THE EXPANSION OF THE WORLD'S POSTAL SYSTEMS,
REPRESENTED BY THE 170 NATIONS OF THE U.P.U., STAGGERS
THE IMAGINATION.
- 14 -
FOR EVEN OUR LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND INSTANT DELIVERY
SERVICES CANNOT DO WHAT THE POSTAL SYSTEM ALONE CAN DO:
GET THE MAIL THROUGH, ANYWHERE ON EARTH, TO ANY
RECIPIENT AT VERY SMALL COST.
EVERY WEEK, I RECEIVE UP TO 60,000 LETTERS FROM
EVERY STATE IN THE UNION AND FROM NEARLY EVERY COUNTRY
IN THE WORLD. LETTERS ARRIVE -- FROM CHILDREN TO OUR
OLDEST CITIZENS.
. 15 -
IN A WORLD OF FAXES AND FIBER OPTICS, THE MAILS STILL
REPRESENT THE MOST INTIMATE MEANS BY WHICH THE PEOPLE
OF THIS NATION AND OTHER NATIONS REVEAL THEIR THOUGHTS,
THEIR HOPES, AND THEIR DREAMS -- WHETHER IT'S A YOUNG
CHILD, CRAYON IN HAND, WRITING A LETTER TO SANTA CLAUS
... OR A SOLDIER WAITING FOR A SPECIAL LETTER FROM
HOME.
"LETTERS MINGLE SOULS," THE POET JOHN DONNE WROTE.
- 16 -
YOURS IS A NOBLE PROFESSION, FOR THROUGH YOUR EFFORTS,
THE WRITTEN WORD STIRS THE IMAGINATION, IMPROVES THE
HUMAN CONDITION AND TOUCHES THE HEART. GOOD LUCK IN
YOUR ENDEAVORS OVER THE NEXT FIVE WEEKS OF THIS
CONGRESS. GOD BLESS YOU, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA. THANK
YOU.
# # #
20°CONGRÈS UPU
information
WashingtonDCI989
THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
Postal Service to
Host UPU Congress
For only the second time in nearly a century,
the United States will host the world's postal
administrations during an international busi-
ness meeting known as the Universal Postal
Congress, November 13 to December 14, 1989.
Nearly 1,700 individuals representing 170
The Washington Convention Center
member administrations of the Universal Postal
Union (UPU) are expected to participate in the
five-week-long business session at the Wash-
settling financial differences and disseminat-
ington, D.C. Convention Center.
ing information of interest to member nations.
As host administration, the United States
Undoubtedly though, the most important
Postal Service is responsible for coordinating
aspect of the UPU's work takes place during
all logistical arrangements for this complex
Congress, which is the supreme, decision-
global gathering. (See attached "Postscripts"
making authority of the organization. Held
every five years in a different country, the
Universal Postal Congress resembles the Gen-
"As host administration, the U.S.
eral Assembly of its parent organization -- the
United Nations.
Postal Service is responsible for coor-
Business sessions are interpreted into
dinating all logistical aspects of this
French (the UPU's official language), English,
complex global gathering."
Spanish, Russian, Arabic, German, Chinese and
Portuguese.
During Congress, members will consider
for more specific information.)
nearly 1,000 proposals within the context of the
A specialized agency of the United Nations
UPU Acts, that set of rules and regulations
since 1947, the UPU advances the goals of the
governing the exchange of mail between
world postal system by providing technical as-
member nations.
sistance to postal administrations of develop-
Just as in the United States Congress, much
ing countries, serving as a clearinghouse for
of the work of the Postal Congress is done in
1
20TH UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
various committees. The ten Congress
the official agreements outlining specific
Committees deal with such diverse areas as
responsibilities of each group.
parcel post to postal technology.
An abundance of challenging projects
By tradition, the Chairman of Congress
confront postal planners. For the 32-day
is selected from the host administration.
business meeting, the USPS will: arrange
Edward E. Horgan, Jr., Associate Postmas-
for nearly 1,500 Washington hotel reserva-
ter General International, is the designated
tions (rooms paid for by delegates); trans-
Chairman for the Washington Congress.
form the Washington Convention Center
In his difficult position, Horgan must
into an international meeting hall within a
ensure that all business discussions are con-
brief period; coordinate an efficient trans-
ducted as objectively as possible while
portation network of buses, vans, automo-
ensuring that proper protocol is followed.
biles and semi-trailers; manage a sophisti-
The invitation to host
cated electronic voting
the 20th Postal Congress
board and simultaneous
was made by former Post-
interpretation system; and
master General William F.
coordinate the operations
Bolger during the 1984
of a document copy center
Congress in Hamburg,
which reproduces 100,000
Federal Republic of Ger-
pages daily of multi-lan-
many.
guage documents. (Of
Since that time, a USPS
course, much more is
Headquarters. team has
planned than this. You
been planning both the
may wish to refer to the
business and logistical
attached "Postscripts" for
side of this enormous
further information.)
undertaking.
Traditional ceremonies, dinners and ex-
The first major step toward hosting the
cursions are a part of Congress as well.
event was the selection of Washington's
In that vein, the U.S. Postal Service
780,000-square-feet Convention Center as
plans to arrange a wide array of social events
Congress site. Located in the heart of the
which will provide welcome relief to dele-
Capital City's business district, this modern
gates after hours of serious contemplation
facility has been the venue for many na-
and debate in the business halls. (For more
tional and international business meetings
specifics, see "Postscripts.")
and conventions.
Hosting a Universal Postal Congress
Throughout this initial planning proc-
affords the USPS with a unique opportunity
ess, the Postal Service planning staff has
to improve postal collaboration on the inter-
been coordinating efforts with the UPU's
national front, while showcasing our Ameri-
administrative headquarters in Bern, Swit-
can culture and history. A successful 20th
zerland the International Bureau (IB).
Congress paves the way for vances in our
In October 1987, executives for the Postal
global postal system as we approach the
Service and the International Bureau signed
challenges of the 21st Century.
2
20°CONGRÈS UPU
information
WashingtonDC.1989
THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
USPS Employees Will Play Major
Role at 20th Universal Postal Congress
To ensure a productive and memorable Universal
vember 1987. Screening took nearly a year and involved
Postal Congress, 101 bilingual U.S. Postal Service em-
testing in more than 100 U.S. cities.
ployees known as Guides will assist delegates in virtu-
Applicants were graded on listening comprehen-
ally every aspect of the five-week business meeting.
sion and speaking proficiency in one or more of the eight
Guides will help delegates during arrivals to and
languages. Individuals were also evaluated on their cul-
departures from the United States, at the registration
tural awareness, poise, and relevant work experience.
counter, and in the business halls of the Washington,
With the selection process completed, the 20th
Convention Center. Social func-
Congress planning team will now
tions - tours of postal facilities,
concentrate on preparing the
museum trips, weekend excur-
Guides for their challenging task
sions, sporting events and con-
ahead.
certs- will also receive Guide sup-
Training is divided into two
port.
phases, one involving a general cur-
Competency in one of eight
riculum and the second which in-
foreign languages was a key re-
cludes more specific instruction.
quirement in selecting Guides,
During the first phase, a two-
since many of the 2,000 postal offi-
TM
week extensive session at the Wil-
cals and their guests cannot speak
liam F. Bolger Academy in Potornac,
English. Guides were recruited
Maryland, Guides will study cross-
with proficiency in French, Ara-
UNITED STATES
cultural differences, the history of
bic, Chinese, German, Japanese,
POSTAL SERVICE
the UPU, plans for the 20th Con-
Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and
gress, Washington's geography,
of course, English.
stress management and personal
According to James P. Wade, Director of Universal
image tips.
Postal Congress Operations, the Guides will contribute
Three weeks prior to the November 13 opening cere-
greatly to the overall impression that postal delegates
mony, Guides will be brought back to Washington for
and their spouses form about the United States and the
specific training in their Congress job assignments.
U.S. Postal Service.
Of the 101 individuals selected to serve as Guides,
Though a Guide's work will be rewarding, the job
60% are female, 40% male. Ranging in age from their 20s
will also be extremely difficult. "While Guides will enjoy
to their 60s, Guides represent nearly every imaginable
the excitement of meeting people from the world over,"
line of postal work including clerks, letter carriers, mail
says Wade, "our employees will work long hours, as well
handlers, mail processing supervisors and postmasters.
as evenings, weekends, and the Thanksgiving holiday."
No matter what region of the country they come
Competition for the Guide positions was fierce. More
from or what type of postal function they perform back
than 2,600 postal employees nationwide applied for the
home, all Guides anxiously await the beginning of the
101 vacanices when they were announced back in No-
20th UPU Congress and the experiences of a lifetime.
20°CONGRÈS UPU
information
WashingtonDC1989
THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
America's Victorian Era Postal Congress
The last time the United States hosted a Universal
areas as money orders, C.O.D.s, parcels and periodicals.
Postal Congress was back in 1897, when, as in 1989,
Congress attendees were also treated to that particu-
Washington was the site of the international meeting.
larly American form of hospitality during specially ar-
Between May 5 and June 15, 1897, 102 delegates
ranged visits to nearby Washington landmarks.
representing 56 nations, free states and territories con-
On a trip to Mount Vernon, British delegate Spencer
vened in the specially decorated hall
of the Corco-
Walpole placed
a wreath on the First President's
ran Gallery of Art.
grave in a symbolic gesture of good-
Postmaster General James Albert
will. During a visit to Fort Monroe,
Gary's report of the Fifth Congress
delegates met the Commandant who
planning activities proudly notes that
treated them to a regimental parade
Post Office Department employees
by U.S. troops.
"cleansed the floors, walls and ceilings;
But, perhaps the most memorable
hung the walls with handsome draper-
visit was to the White House, where
ies; covered the floors with velvet car-
delegates were astounded by the lack
pets and rugs; furnished the various
of security. "That would never do
rooms with desks, tables, chairs and
with us," a British delegate was heard
articles of luxurious furniture and
to say. (Ironically, it did not do for U.S.
adorned them with growing plants, to
President McKinley either, who was
such an extent that the accommoda-
assassinated four years later.)
tions offered to the Postal Congress of
For the delegates, undoubtedly the
Washington were, at least, equally
most exciting part of the 1897 Con-
elegant to the accommodations offered
to any previous Postal Congress."
1897
gress was a nine-day excursion along
the east coast and midwest on a train of
Though General George Batcheller
nine Pullman cars.
was the well-liked Chairman for the
Stops were made in Pittsburgh,
1897 Congress, PMG Gary was inte-
Indianapolis, St. Louis, Chicago, Niag-
grally involved early on. In opening
ara Falls, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse,
remarks, Gary welcomed the as-
Albany, Boston, Atlantic City and
sembled delegates with eloquent re-
Philadelphia. At all points, reported
marks still appropriate today. "You
The New York Times, Americans
come as the messengers of peace and goodwill," he said,
welcomed the international postal dignitaries with en-
"as the visible embodiment of international comity, as
thusiastic receptions, elaborate ceremony and dinner
the advocates of international commerce, as the bearers
galas.
of friendly messages between communities widely sepa-
In his final report, PMG Gary reflected the senti-
rated yet closely united; and I salute you as the represen-
ments of his American postal colleagues: "A person who
tatives of advanced and advancing civilization."
has not had a similar experience cannot understand the
According to published reports of the day, delegates
strain involved in arranging all the details for a Congress
made considerable progress on the business front in such
composed of representative of every nation of the world."
20TH UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
List of Countries Expected to Attend
20th Universal Postal Congress
T
he following 170 countries and com-
monwealths comprise the entire mem-
Costa Rica (Republic of)
bership of the Universal Postal Union.
Cote d'Ivoire (Republic of)
Cuba (Republic of)
Members choosing not to send a formal
Cyprus (Republic of)
delegation to the Washington Congress
Czechoslovak Socialist Republic
Denmark (Kingdom of)
may choose to appoint another country
Djibouti (Republic of)
as their representative with full voting
Dominica (Commonwealth of)
rights.
Dominican Republic
Ecuador (Republic of)
Egypt (Arab Republic of)
Afghanistan (Democratic Republic of)
El Salvador (Republic of)
Albania (Socialist People's Republic of)
Equatorial Guinea (Republic of)
Algeria (People's Democratic Republic of)
Ethiopia (Socialist)
Angola (People's Republic of)
Fiji
Argentine Republic
Finland (Republic of)
Australia
French Republic
Austria (Republic of)
Gabonese Republic
Bahamas (Commonwealth of)
Gambia (Republic of the)
Bahrain (State of)
German Democratic Republic
Bangladesh (People's Republic of)
Germany (Federal Republic of)
Barbados
Ghana (Republic of)
Belgium
United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Belize
Northern Ireland, Channel Islands and
Benin (People's Republic of)
Isle of Man
Bhutan (Kingdom of)
Greece
Bolivia (Republic of)
Grenada
Botswana (Republic of)
Guatemala (Republic of)
Brazil (Federative Republic of)
Guinea (Republic of)
Brunei Darussalam
Guinea-Bissau (Republic of)
Bulgaria (People's Republic of)
Guyana
Burkina Faso
Haiti (Republic of)
Burundi (Republic of)
Honduras (Republic of)
Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic
Hungarian People's Republic
Cameroon (Republic of)
Iceland (Republic of)
Canada
India
Cape Verde (Republic of)
Indonesia (Republic of)
Central African Republic
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Chad (Republic of)
Iraq (Republic of)
Chile
Ireland
China (People's Republic of)
Israel
Colombia (Republic of)
Italy
Comoros (Islamic Federal Republic of the)
Jamaica
Congo (People's Republic of the)
Japan
1
20TH UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
UPU Members (continued)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Jordan (Hashemite Kingdom of)
San Marino (Republic of)
Democratic Kampuchea
Sao Tome & Principe (Democratic Republic of)
Kenya (Republic of)
Saudi Arabia (Kingdom of)
Kiribati
Senegal (Republic of)
Korea (Democratic People's Republic of)
Seychelles (Republic of)
Korea (Republic of)
Sierra Leone (Republic of)
Kuwait
Republic of Singapore
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Solomon Islands
Lebanese Republic
Somali Democratic Republic
Lesotho (Kingdom of)
Spain
Liberia (Republic of)
Sri Lanka (Democratic Socialist Republic of)
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (Socialist People's)
Sudan (Republic of the)
Liechtenstein (Principality of)
Suriname (Republic of)
Luxembourg
Swaziland (Kingdom of)
Madagascar (Democratic Republic of)
Sweden
Malawi
Swiss Confederation
Malaysia
Syrian Arab Republic
Maldives (Republic of)
Tanzania (United Republic of)
Mali (Republic of)
Thailand
Malta
Togolese Republic
Mauritania (Islamic Republic of)
Tonga (Kingdom of)
Mauritius
Trinidad and Tobago (Republic of)
Mexico (United Mexican States)
Tunisia
Monaco (Principality of)
Turkey
Mongolian People's Republic
Tuvalu
Morocco (Kingdom of)
Uganda
Mozambique (People's Republic of)
Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic
Myanmar (formerly Burma)
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Nauru (Republic of)
United Arab Emirates
Nepal
United States of America
Netherlands
Uruguay (Eastern Republic of)
Netherlands Antilles and Aruba
Vanuatu (Republic of)
New Zealand
Vatican City State
Nicaragua (Republic of)
Venezuela (Republic of)
Niger (Republic of the)
Vietnam (Socialist Republic of)
Nigeria (Federal Republic of)
Western Samoa
Norway
Yemen Arab Republic
Oman (Sultanate of)
Yemen (People's Democratic Republic of)
Pakistan
Yugoslavia (Socialist Federal Republic of)
Panama (Republic of)
Zaire (Republic of)
Papua New Guinea
Zambia (Republic of)
Paraguay (Republic of)
Zimbabwe
Peru (Republic of)
Philippines (Republic of the)
20° CONGRES UPU
Polish People's Republic
Portugal
Qatar (State of)
Romania (Socialist Republic of)
Rwandese Republic
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Washington DC 1989
Saint Lucia
2
20TH UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
postscripts.
J
ust as with any international organization, the
1
Universal Postal Union has its own unique organ-
izational structure. This list should provide you
with a better understanding of the UPU and its far-
reaching impact.
UPU structure
Congress is the Universal Postal Union's supreme authority, convened
Congress
every five years in a different member country. Its main function is to
study and revise the Acts of the Union (Convention), using as a basis
the proposals presented by member countries. The decisions reached
during Congress govern the actions of the global postal system for the
following five-year period.
Executive
Composed of 40 members elected by Congress with regard for equit-
able geographic distribution, the Executive Council (EC) meets each
Council
year at UPU Headquarters in Bern, Switzerland. The EC ensures con-
tinuity of UPU work between Congresses and has temporary legisla-
tive power to settle urgent matters. The United States Postal Service
is a member of the Executive Council.
CCPS
Thirty-five members elected at Congress comprise the Consultative
Council for Postal Studies (CCPS). Responsible for coordinating stu-
dies into major postal problem areas, the CCPS has published more
than 160 technical, operational and economic reports since its incep-
tion in 1957. The United States Postal Service is a member of CCPS.
Intl.
Since the UPU was established in 1874, a central administrative
headquarters known as the International Bureau (IB) has function-
ed in Bern, Switzerland. Between Congresses, the IB disseminates
Bureau
information to all member countries, serves as a clearinghouse for
the settlement of financial disputes and prepares for the work of
Congress.
Restricted
Within the framework of the UPU are nine restricted unions com-
prised of member countries sharing similar regional or cultural
Unions
problems. Though not permitted to participate in Congress delib-
erations, restricted unions can attend as observers. The USPS is a
member of the Postal Union of the Americas and Spain (PUAS)
consisting of Canada, Mexico, Latin and South America and Spain.
20TH UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
postscripts.
congress
D
uring a Postal Congress, the leadership
2
plays an important role by ensuring objectivity
and thorough treatment of all proposals. The
list below includes the major Congress execu-
tives and decision-makers.
leadership
Honorary
During Congress, the host administration selects an Honorary Chairman,
generally a high-ranking government official affiliated with the postal
Chairman
system of that country. Though not officially presiding during Congress,
the Honorary Chairman does host and/or attend important social events
and provides an added degree of prestige to all activities.
The 20th Congress Honorary Chairman is PMG Anthony M. Frank.
Chairman
Perhaps the most important position at a Universal Postal Congress is that of
the Chairman, who must direct the activities of the five-week business
meeting. Generally, the Congress Chairman is a high-ranking postal
executive with an international postal affairs background. 20th Congress
Chairman: Edward E. Horgan, Jr., Assoc. Postmaster General International.
Chief of Staff
The Congress Chief of Staff assists the Chairman with all business matters by
serving as a key liaison with the UPU's International Bureau (Congress Secre-
tariat), meeting with delegations to resolve problems outside the Congress
floor, handling diplomatic matters, and troubleshooting on key issues. The
Chief of Staff for the 20th Congress is Thomas E. Leavey, Assistant Postmaster
General for International Postal Affairs.
Dean
Generally, a retired, high-ranking postal executive from a UPU member
country is selected as Dean (or Doyen), a non-legislative, ceremonial position.
For the 20th Congress, the former Postmaster General of India - Mr. K.R.
Murthy - will serve as Dean.
Secretary
The UPU's Director General of the International Bureau serves as Secretary
General during Congress. This facilitates a smooth transition of authority.
General
For the 20th Congress, the UPU Director General Mr. Adwaldo Cardoso
Botto de Barros of Brazil will be Secretary General.
Boto de Bah-ros
Committee
The UPU's work is done through committees that study topics such as postal
operations, mail processing, service quality and rates, During Congress,
Chairmen
Committee Chairmen must perpetuate objective discussions for proposals
presented before their group. Most proposals are resolved in committee
without ever having been considered by the entire UPU membership.
20TH UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
postscripts.
congress
B
y tradition, the Congress host country organ-
izes all logistical aspecis of the meeting. Below
3
are some of the challenging tasks confronting
Washington's Congress planning team.
logistics
For five weeks, Congress delegates will conduct their business at
Meeting
the Washington Convention Center located in the center of the
nation's capital. In just four days, the USPS general services con-
Site
tractor -- Hargrove -- will transform this 780,000-square-foot hall
into a friendly and functional setting with 300 delegation offices,
a special post office, two large meeting halls with electronic voting
boards and simultaneous interpretation equipment, and much more.
Delegate
Delegates will be provided a level of American hospitality extend-
ed to all foreign dignitaries. Nearly 1,700 hotel reservations
will be made (delegates pay for their own rooms); a computerized
Services
registration counter will ensure speedy check-in; an efficient arrivals
and departures program will assist delegates at airports; a Congress
bank will offer competitive exchange rates for foreign currencies,
along with many other services.
Traditional ceremonies, dinners, tours and excursions provide del-
Special
egates with an opportunity to learn more about each other and the
host country. During the 20th Congress, delegates will visit the his-
Programs
toric cities of Charlottesville and Baltimore, tour Mount Vernon, and
see many other uniquely American sights. Also planned are an open-
ing ceremony at Kennedy Center and dinners at Union Station and the
National Building Museum.
Security
The United States Postal Inspection Service, the nation's oldest law
enforcement agency, will provide appropriate security for the 20th
Congress. Washington's local authorities, along with federal law
enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation
and Secret Service will assist the USPS Inspection Service as needed.
WORLD
An international philatelic exhibition, "WORLD STAMP EXPO '89,"
will occur from November 17 through December 3 in Hall D of the
STAMP
Washington Convention Center. Though the stamp show will be
EXPO '89
open to the public, the areas of the building designated for Congress
use will be closed to anyone without proper credentials.
VIP LIST
OPENING CEREMONY
1. Anthony M. Frank - Postmaster General
2. Michael S. Coughlin - Deputy Postmaster General
3. Kenneth J. Hunter - Associate Postmaster General
4. Edward E. Horgan, Jr. - Associate Postmaster General-
International
5. Thomas E. Leavey - Assistant Postmaster General
International Postal Affairs
6. Robert Setrakian - Chairman
Board of Governors
7. Susan E. Alvarado - Member
Board of Governors
8. John N. Griesemer - Member
Board of Governors
9. Ira D. Hall - Member
Board of Governors
10. James A. Baker - Secretary of State
11. Lawrence S. Eagleburger - Deputy Secretary of State
12. A. C. Botto de Barros - Director General
International Bureau
13. Felix Ciceron - Deputy Director General
International Bureau
14. El Mostafa Gharbi - Assistant Director General
International Bureau
15. Jaime Ascandoni - Assistant Director General
International Bureau
16. Moussibahou Mazou - Assistant Director General
International Bureau
17. K. R. Murthy - Dean of Congress
18. Vice Chairman - USSR
19. Vice Chairman - France
20. Vice Chairman - Zambia
21. Vice Chairman - China
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 8, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON cw
FROM:
MARY KATE GRANT mkg
SUBJECT:
Opening Ceremony of the Universal Postal
Union Congress
I. SUMMARY:
On Monday, November 13, 1989, you will address the opening
session of the Universal Postal Union Congress in the Kennedy
Center Concert Hall. You will be introduced by Postmaster
General Frank, and you will speak for 8 to 10 minutes from
speechcards.
II. DISCUSSION:
The remarks you will deliver to an international audience of
1,500 people will cover the history of UPU, the value of the mail
in the hi-tech age, and the importance of the written word.
The UPU Congress is convened once every five years among the
highest-ranking postal officials of 170 nations. Their
decisions, made over the next five weeks, will govern
international mail delivery until the next Congress.
Grant/Martin
November 9, 1989
Draft four
A:postal
REMARKS: OPENING CEREMONY
UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS
KENNEDY CENTER/WASHINGTON D.C.
NOVEMBER 13, 1989
10:45 A.M.
Good morning. ((Acknowledgements))
Welcome to the United States. It is a pleasure to address
the Universal Postal Union, because it brings to mind so many
images from our history. From the appointment of our first
Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin, to the trails blazed by
the riders of the Pony Express, to the convenience of modern post
offices, the story of the postal service is tied to the story of
our country.
And the mail itself reflects the American saga. In 1814,
Dolly Madison wrote her sister to describe her escape from the
burning White House. Alexander Hamilton sent a farewell letter
to his wife before his duel with Aaron Burr. Harry Truman wrote
the folks back home about his first night as President. I'm sure
there are similar letters in the history of every nation
assembled here today.
But only once before in our history has the United States
had the honor of hosting a Congress of the U.P.U. -- the Fifth
Congress, which took place in 1897, here in Washington, D.C. At
that meeting, 106 delegates from 55 countries gathered in the
Renwick Gallery, which stands on Pennsylvania Avenue across from
the White House.
2
The world has changed much since the last time your Congress
met in Washington. The delegates to that Fifth Congress had
never heard of radio or television, much less computers,
airplanes, space shuttles, or satellites, which now seem
commonplace.
In 1897, the employees of the U.S. Post Office Department
were still sorting mail by hand, much as their predecessors had
sorted mail in 1775, when Benjamin Franklin was appointed.
Today, the United States Postal Service has made great strides in
the use of automated equipment -- some capable of sorting letters
at speeds of up to 35,000 pieces an hour.
The postal systems of the world, too, have changed through
the advances of technology. From Hammerfest, Norway on the
Arctic Ocean to Alice Springs, Australia in the Outback, postal
administrations have consistently adapted technology to their
operations to ensure that the mail always gets through.
Stories abound of amazing deliveries through the mail
system: In 1916, a 40,000-ton brick building was mailed across
Utah, brick by brick, because it was cheaper than the freight
charges. This year, 120 live bees were mailed from Hawaii to
Virginia, but were en route when the airplane crashed. The bees
survived, and were delivered in a thick envelope with a note from
the Sioux city, Iowa, Postmaster explaining the delay. And the
man who once mailed himself from New York to Los Angeles on a
$500 bet. ((However, after the eight hour flight in a styrofoam
crate, he decided to stay out of the mail in the future.) )
3
While these stories are out of the ordinary, Americans are proud
of the extraordinary job being done by our United States Postal
Service and its 800,000 employees.
But, I am also proud of the contribution that the United
States has made, and continues to make, to the Universal Postal
Union. The first attempt at organizing a worldwide postal union
was, in large part, the inspiration of Montgomery Blair,
Postmaster General during the first administration of President
Abraham Lincoln.
At his invitation, delegates from 15 countries met in Paris
in 1863 to propose regulations governing the international mails.
Historians describe national postal systems in those days as
total chaos -- at least 1,200 separate postal rates worldwide.
Nations were forced to maintain bilateral agreements with every
country for the exchange of mail. Postmaster General Blair,
along with many others, envisioned a universal system that would
consider the entire world as one unified postal territory.
Much wisdom, eloquence and effort were devoted to the
creation of the Universal Postal Union. The original foundation
was not the work of any one man or any one nation, but rather
that of many men from many nations. The idea of universal
collaboration, bold in design and daring in concept for its day,
gained impetus from a world that recognized international
obligations and increasing interdependence of all peoples.
4
Written letters conveyed through the mails, linking the
peoples and the nations of this world, often convey many noble
enterprises: the advancement of civilization, the expansion of
commerce and trade, the promotion of industry and science, and
the encouragement of peace and good will. In fact, I understand
that here at your World Stamp Expo, a new set of Soviet stamps
will be issued -- two of which portray American astronauts.
The need to communicate by mail across national frontiers --
despite the march of time and advent of telecommunication -- has
remained constant to this very day. The expansion of the world's
postal systems, represented by the 170 nations of the U.P.U.,
staggers the imagination. For even our latest technology and
instant delivery services cannot do what the postal system alone
can do: get the mail through, anywhere on earth, to any recipient
at very small cost.
Every week, I receive up to 60,000 letters from every state
in the Union and from nearly every country in the world. Letters
arrive -- from children to our oldest citizens. In a world of
faxes and fiber optics, the mails still represent the most
intimate means by which the people of this nation and other
nations reveal their thoughts, their hopes, and their dreams --
whether it's a young child, crayon in hand, writing a letter to
Santa Claus
or a soldier waiting for a special letter from
home.
"Letters mingle souls," the poet John Donne wrote. Yours is
a noble profession, for through your efforts, the written word
5
stirs the imagination, improves the human condition and touches
the heart. Good luck in your endeavors over the next five weeks
of this Congress. God bless you, and God bless America. Thank
you.
###
As President of the United States of America, I extend a warm and hearty
welcome to you, the delegates and representatives, who have journeyed from
far and near, to assemble in Washington, D.C., for the 20th Plenipotentiary
Congress of the Universal Postal Union. My fellow Americans and I are
honored and pleased that this great international meeting has been convoked
in the capital of our nation for the second time since the founding of the
Universal Postal Union in 1874.
During your stay in the United States, I am confident that the door of
hospitality will be open to you. I encourage you to visit the monuments that
chronicle the history of this great nation, and enjoy the sites that celebrate the
present American way of life. Wherever you travel, you will discover a proud
multicultural heritage as you meet and talk to the citizens of this nation. The
strength of American society lies in its openness and its pluralism. The
democratic ideal has flourished here because we recognize that people from
all cultures have much to contribute to the common good.
2/6
In a larger sense, the diversity of people and nations united in a joint
effort under the banner of the Universal Postal Union has similarly been able
to move forward and achieve great progress through a series of periodic
Congresses. On only one previous occasion has the United States been
honored as the host country to a Congress of the Universal Postal Union.
That Congress was the Fifth Congress, which took place in 1897, here in
Washington, D.C. At that meeting, 106 delegates and representatives from 55
countries gathered in the Renwick Gallery, which still stands on
Pennsylvania Avenue, one block west of the White House.
The world has changed swiftly within the 92 years separating that Fifth
Congress from the one in which you now deliberate. The delegates at the
Fifth Congress in 1897 knew nothing of computers, atomic energy, airplanes,
space rockets, or satellites, nor did they have access to forms of
communication such as radio and television, which now seem
commonplace.
The postal systems of the world, too, have changed with every
technological advance. Postal administrations have consistently adapted
technology to postal operations to ensure an unbroken continuity of service
unparalleled by any other form of communication yet devised.
3/6
In 1897, the employees of the United States Post Office Department were
still sorting mail by hand, much as their predecessors had sorted mail in 1775,
when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first American Postmaster
General. Today, the United States Postal Service has made great strides in the
employment of automated equipment capable of sorting letters at speeds of
up to 35,000 pieces an hour.
In addition, new services and products are being introduced to benefit not
only large commercial concerns but also the individual postal customer. As
one of the largest postal administrations in the world, the United States Postal
Service continues to share its knowledge with the postal administrations of
other nations in the best spirit of the Universal Postal Union.
The conveyance of the mails, which links the peoples and nations of the
world, constitutes a noble enterprise, one that touches nearly every human
endeavor. The advancement of civilization, the expansion of commerce and
trade, the promotion of industry and science, and the maintenance of peace
and good will have been well attended by postal services down through the
ages. In our own day, the mails have served such causes as the preservation
of global ecology, the improvement of human health and nutrition, and the
wider extension of literacy and education.
sympathy cards - letters from kids in college
home from wasfront sweepstakes winners
The need to communicate by mail across national frontiers-despite the
march of time and the advent of telecommunication-has remained constant
to this very day. The expansion in the world postal systems, represented by
some 170 nations forming the Universal Postal Union, staggers the
imagination.
4/6
In consequence, no corner of the world remains literamphote isolated from the rest of
the world. Thanks to the present international postal network embodied by
the member nations of the Universal Postal Union, no political or national
boundaries obstruct the flow of the mails, a flow that conveys news and
information while solidifying peace and prosperity.
As an American, I am especially proud of the contribution that the United
States has made, and continues to make, to the Universal Postal Union. The
first attempt at organizing a worldwide postal union was, in large measure,
the inspiration of Montgomery Blair, Postmaster General during the first
administration of President Abraham Lincoln. At the invitation of
Postmaster General Blair, delegates from 15 countries assembled in Paris in
1863 to propose regulations for the reform of a complicated and chaotic
system of international mail then prevailing. Historians estimate that
national postal systems in those days confronted at least 1,200 separate rates
worldwide.
Postal administrations were therefore compelled to maintain bilateral
agreements with every country for the exchange of mail. Postmaster General
Blair, along with many others, envisioned a universal system that would
consider the entire world as one unified postal territory. The outcome of the
International Postal Commission of Paris of 1863 summoned by Postmaster
General Blair resulted in an agreement having 31 articles, many of which
were adopted or modified when the present Universal Postal Union came
into existence 11 years later.
5/6
Much wisdom, eloquence, and earnest effort were devoted to the creation
of the Universal Postal Union. The original foundation was not the work of
any one man or any one nation, but rather that of many men from many
nations. The idea of universal collaboration, bold in design and daring in
concept for its day, gained impetus from a world that recognized international
obligations and increasing interdependence of all peoples.
For all the numbers, for all the machines, and for all the phenomenal
progress made by the Universal Postal Union, the importance of the mails
comes from its very form-the written word. The individual voice contained
within the message of a letter can convey more beauty and more power than
any other form of long-distance communication. As President of the United
States, I value highly the mails, which represent the most intimate means by
which the people of this nation and other nations reveal their thoughts, their
hopes, and their concerns.
Every week, I receive more than [The White House to supply figure]
letters from every state in the United States and from nearly every country in
the world. Letters arrive from children asking questions about the
government, from young adults stating their anxiety about world peace and
ecology, and from elderly citizens commenting on legislation and world
affairs. A written letter delivered through the mails not only carries news or
raises questions, but also forms a bond between the sender and the receiver.
6/6
In closing, I salute you, the members of the 20th Congress, as you
commence your earnest work involving this time-honored organization, still
strong and vigorous after more than a century. The success of the Universal
Postal Union has been derived from the collective thinking of many
delegates, from many nations, seeking the common goal of improved postal
services throughout the world. Your achievements from past Congresses bear
ample witness thereof. Nevertheless, your deliberations at this Congress are
not those of the past, but those of the present and of the future.
###
Finlen Peter Dunne
Amer. political satiriot
John Donne
English Bet.
John Dunne
John Donne
Bhojpur, India - Mt Everess
Alice Springs (nowherevilk) Anstralia
Barcelos, Brazil
on Negre River/Amazon
Abancay'm Pern
Andes.
347 9282
m Hoobing
Hammerfest, Norway
on Artic Ocean
Lott
Lanter brunnen,
Switzerland - Alps
Magnitogorsk USSR 1
Uchaly -
Beni Abbes - desert Algerian
Kariba, Zimbabwe
Al Hillal - Saudi Arabian
desert
cm -
in Katmandu. Here's Their
UPU says no post office
other suggestions. I vote
"Hammufest Norway on the Artic Ocean
to Alia Springs Anstralia on the
ontback" - your comments? MK >.
STATES POSTA
UNITED
SERVICE
U.S.MAIL
*
******
Michael J. Lilly
Research Associate, Postal History
Office of the Postmaster General
WASHINGTON, DC 20260-0012 / (202) 268-2507
or 2532
U.S. MAIL 12
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE
USE TO AVOID PAYMENT
OF POSTAGE, $300
FIRST CLASS
OFFICE OF RESEARCH
To: WHITE HOUSE
and
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
Washington, DC 20260
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Photocopy-Preservation
REGISTER, December 23, 1980, New Haven, Connecticut
Reach out
and write
someone
By JAY NEWQUIST
Staff Reporter
Ma Bell tells us to "reach out and touch
someone." And we do - to the glee of American
Telephone and Telegraph.
An AT&T long distance call is still a bargain
compared to the price of the red-eye airplane
flight to take you in person to Los Angeles.
But there's another price.
We use the telephone so much, say critics,
Her letters describe events both great and
that we have made an art form extinct: what
small - arrivals, departures, holidays, and all
ever happened to letter writing?
kinds of family matters - penned in an unwav-
The momentous news of life is now com-
ering script.
municated cheaply by phone after 5 p.m. And
the thick envelopes we do receive in the mail
Nothing is too insignificant to escape an
invariably are bills:
entry.
The great letter writers of antiquity provide
Gordon Haight, Eliot's biographer, says laid
a model, says Herman Liebert of Yale, that we
paper (watermarked with fine lines running
have chosen not to emulate in the 1980s.
across the grain) that existed in George Eliot's
"Any experience is wasted if it is not written
era did not deteriorate with time while acid-
down," says Liebert in a paraphrase from Bos-
based paper used at the end of the 19th century
well. "The recording of an incident is a natural
did disintegrate.
part of that experience."
Haight; a Yale professor emeritus, laments
Apparently the telephone has done to the
the advent of the telephone and advises those
Is personalized stationery strictly for the
classic letter what television has done to the
unfamiliar with the letter writing art to consult
carriage trade?
printed word, Liebert says. Liebert, librarian
the masters.
No so. "We see all kinds of customers," Shiff
emeritus at Yale's Beinecke Rare Book and
"You should look at Virginia Woolf's letters,"
says, "and we can satisfy all pocket books."
Manuscript Library, says that Cicero's letters
he says. "There are six volumes."
The price of a wedding invitation package
are worthy models.
If the public isn't penning classic letters
may range from $100 to $600.
which describe the human condition, then what
Sandra Rosenburg says that Printemps also
"He wrote about formal matters dealing with
kind of letters are most people writing?
does a brisk business in complete printing serv-
politics and literary subjects," Liebert says. "His
Letters of commerce of one sort or another,
ices.
letters were not personal. He knew he was
say local stationers, including business letters
"We do a bit of everything - printing.
writing for the sake of history."
and invitations written on personalized station-
engraving, calligraphy, corporate segus," the
Liebert says our distinguished letter writing
ary.
owner says.
ancestors range through temperaments and so-
These letters are invariably short and rather
Printemps and its competition and also sell
cial changes from Cicero, Johnson, Boswell,
superificial, say experts like Liebert and Haight,
Crane stationery - the Mount Olympus of the
Walpole, Mme. de Sevigne, Virginia Woolf, John
and substance and style is often sacrificed for
trade.
O'Hara and so on.
speed.
Paquette says that Crane, a subsidiary of
"I don't think there is one characteristic that
A patron at The Write Approach on Whalley
Excelsior Printing Co. in North Adams. Mass.,
makes people write letters," Liebert says, "but
Ave can dash off notes on good paper bought by
offers engraved stationery (the customer keeps
some letters are more revealing than others,
the pound - a half-pound (60 sheets) for $3.
the engraving for future orders) and stationary
depending on the era."
letterheads by a heat process called thermogre-
Dr. Johnson wrote business-like letters in his
The shop does its own printing in four print
phy
day, according to Liebert, while the romantic
styles and personalized stationery may cost as
jegacy of Rousseau influenced Mme. de Sevigne
little as $5 or as much as $150.
Paquette says that Crane customers are well-
to-do. but there is a recent rise in orders from
to write gushing sentimental letters to her
"We saw a crop of shops popping up or over
people who had never ordered personal station-
uncaring children.
New York," says store owner Marsha Shiff, "and
ery before.
Liebert says that in most cases we don't
we thought there was a market here in New
know the few scribblers who may be penning
Haven."
Marsha Shiff agrees that the number of first-
artistic letters today.
time customers is on the rise.
"We won't know until they are dead," Liebert
Shiff says that the purchase of stationery
reflects the style of the buyer more than ever
"I think it's clear that people would not
says. "Most collections of letters are published
before, even if the customer merely wants
support the market (for personalized stationary)
posthamously."
stationery for more mundane uses like party
if they didn't wash and need it."
At Yale there are now more than 1,100
invitations.
The telephone is relatively cheap. says Her-
personal letters of novelist George Eliot in the
man Liebert, but SO is a 15c stamp. A phone call
permanent collection in the Beinecke Library. A
At Printemps in Westport and The Write
must inevitably end, however, and As
sampling of letters is on display through Dec. 31
Approach, the customer usually seeks out sta-
may not be remembered.
:0 mark the 100th abserversary of the author's
Honary for 3 functional purpose, including the
birth.
lucrative wedding invitation trade.
"A letter 15 for keeps. Licbert
MORNING CALL Allentown, Pa., Mar. 9, 1989
Post office moves belongings
to Alaska for $1 a pound
ther air or boat.
By M.L. ELRICK
packed correctly and had to be re-
Of The Morning Call
Mel Miller, a post office window
taped, Rutt said. Yesterday, the final
load had been delivered to the build-
clerk with relatives in Alaska, said
Some chiropractor in Sitka, Alas-
the packages will be taken by ferry
ing's back dock and wheeled up to
ka, is going to see business from
from Seattle along the coast to Alas-
window services where they were
postal workers increase in about two
ka.
processed.
weeks when a former Allentown
A U-Haul salesman estimated it
Completing the paperwork on the
nurse gets her mail.
would cost $4,400 to rent a truck
packages. which could not exceed 70
The last of Janet Roach's 75
large enough to transport the pack-
pounds and 108 inches in length and
packages were dropped off at the
ages, and added that he had heard
girth (twice the width by twice the
Allentown Post Office at 5th and
there was a year's advance notice
height), took about four hours.
Hamilton streets yesterday, bringing
required for space on the ferry to
To arrange the massive mailing,
her total shipment to more than
Alaska.
Rutt said the post office staff
1,500 pounds, postal workers said.
The monster shipment filled eight
worked with Roach to simplify the
The cost of shipping and insuring
loading carts and took three days to
process.
the 75 packages of clothing and
get together, Rutt said.
"They're always willing to do
household items, which averaged 20
"All at one time, that was one of
that extra whatever it takes for the
pounds each and were charged by
the largest [shipments] that we've
customer so that they know that
weight and the distance of their des-
had here," she said.
their packages will reach their
tination, was about $1,500, said Anita
Other large shipments have come
destination,' Rutt said.
Rutt, post office superintendent of
from people moving to Puerto Rico.
She added that the post office
window services.
"They move their families
does not mind such voluminous
The packages should arrive in
through the post office - literally,"
mailings. but advises contacting the
about two weeks by parcel post,
she said.
window service superintendent in
which is the cheapest rate. They
Roach's packages started coming
advance to make things go smooth-
must be transported to Sitka by ei-
in on Monday, but had not been
ly.
Postal clerk
John Pintande
checks Janet
Roach's
packages, which
she is mailing to
Sitka, Alaska.
The 75
packages
weighed about
1,500 pounds,
and cost about
$1,500 to
mail. The
packages should
arrive in about
two weeks.
JOHN F SIMITZ
The Morning Call
Memories are
made of this
Letter writing is
In honor of the Universal Postal Union's
100th birthday in 1974, the Postal Service
becoming a lost art,
issued a group of eight stamps, each one
perhaps at the price
featuring a detail from the work of a master
painter relating to letter writing. Four of the
of lost knowledge of
stamp designs bear John Donne's poetic words,
"Letters mingle souls," expressing the timeless
ourselves and our history
ability of letters to convey thoughts and feelings.
From the top, "La Belle Liseue," by Swiss artist
Jean Etienne Liotard; "Mrs. John Douglas," by
British artist Thomas Gainsborough; "Old Time
L
Letter Rack," by John Fredrick Peto, American.
etters have been called the world's
oldest form of communication. For
centuries they have linked people and
around the world. "Don't forget to
nations together. People put their
innermost thoughts in letters, professing
Universal
Liotard
write!" and "Drop us a line," are phrases
fast disappearing from our culture.
their loves and fears in the written
Postal Union
word. Marriages have been proposed,
10cUS
"Letter writing is becoming a lost art,"
says Sue Ann Craine of the
lives have been changed, and history
Educational Resources and Information
has been made through the mail.
Center in Urbana, IL. "And it's a
"Letters give you special memories
shame. Much is lost without letter
you can't replace," says Rose M.
writing. It helps you organize your
Gossett, general supervisor in Portland,
thoughts. And letters give you pieces of
OR. "When my first child was born, I
the past that you can save and re-read."
wrote him a letter. Now that he's
grown, reading that letter brings back
Nine billion letters
so many memories. The world doesn't
Before counting letter writing
stand still, but a letter can give you a
completely out, we have to realize that
small piece of the past that does. You
there are still a lot of letter writers out
can see what life was like for a moment
there. After all, 6 percent of 150 billion
in time."
pieces of mail is still nine billion
Writing letters was once an important
letters. Letter writing is still an
part of people's lives. Quiet evenings
Letters
Gainsborough
important means of communication for
were spent writing to a sweetheart,
mingle souls
many people, and delivering letters is
acquaintances, friends, an old school
Donne
1OcUS
an important part of our service to the
chum, military buddies, or someone
American people.
recently met with whom you would like
Letters are often a lifeline for families
to be friends.
who are far apart. Graciela Farah, a
But today, letter writing is on the
distribution clerk for more than 11 years
decline-personal letters make up less
at the Portland Division, left her nativ
than 6 percent of the mail the Postal
Cuba 20 years ago, leaving behind her
Service handles. Telephone ads
parents and a brother and sister. "We
pronounce, "reach out and touch
communicate mainly by writing letters,"
someone," and computers zap messages
4 POSTAL LIFE
FALL 1988
Letters
Peto
a the time promotions to to write. emphasis
Dr.
Worldwide trend
places saying, "Schreib mal wieder!"-
"fume"-they also spell the Japanese
take
The trend toward writing fewer letters
loosely translated as "start writing
word for "letter." In addition, emphasis
is given to this theme once a year with
Lost history There decime is
of,
is not peculiar to the United States.
again."
Michael Schmonck of the Federal
Japan also has a "write more often"
special stamps being issued.
longer
Republic of Germany's embassy said
program. The 23rd of each month is set
Asked why Japan puts forth so much
tim
West Germany has the same problem.
aside by the government as letter
effort to promote letter writing, a
However, he pointed out that "quite
writing day. People, especially children,
spokesman said, "It brings our people
some time ago" a campaign was
are urged to "write to someone-
closer together. promotes our
launched by the post office to
relative, acquaintance, friend." The 23rd
unity. brightens people's spirits."
encourage people to write more
was. chosen through the language itself.
Other countries have programs to
personal letters. Posters can be seen in
In Japanese "fu" means "two," and "me"
encourage letter writing. Both Great
railway stations, airports, and public
means "three." Put together as "23"-
Britain and Australia have yearly
History Without Letters
by Walter Isaacson
its value declines in inverse proportion
Secretary James Forrestal describe the
Pity the poor historian. The wonders
to its bulk."
same set of events.
of modern technology have combined
One of the great troves for students
Of course, some letters are a bit dry
with the dynamics of government
of 20th century American diplomacy
and impersonal, like those of General
scandals to make his task next to:
George Marshall. But others impart an
intimate texture to the tide of history.
impossible.
First came the telephone, which
The candid correspondence between
replaced the letter as the preferred
Franklin Roosevelt and Winston
means of business and social discourse.
Churchill, for example, casts vivid light
Letter writing, like keeping faithful
on the minds of these two great men
diaries, became a lost art. The advent
and the depth of the wartime alliance
of the tape recorder offered some hope,
that they were able to forge. Likewise,
until Watergate made taping ones own
Eleanor Roosevelt wrote letters every
phone for posterity seem both sordid
day. "They provide a diary of the
and self incriminating. Anointing a
movement of her psyche," says Joseph
personal Boswell to hang around the
Lash. "Without them, Eleanor and
house also turned out to be
Franklin, and Eleanor: The Years Alone
troublesome, as shown by the ill-
could not have been written.
conceived rumblings about summoning
In a satiric essay called "Igor
Edmund Morris, the President's
Stravinsky: The Selected Phone Calls,"
designated biographer, to testify before
Letters
Terborch
the humorist Ian Frazier pretends to
the Iran-contra probers. Not even
mingle souls
rummage through old telephone bills
silicon chips offer much promise
Donne
1OcUS
for clues to the composer's life. For
anymore. Those electronic messages
serious historians, the situation seems
that national-security staffers zapped to
less funny. "I know more about the
one another's computer screens, which
was left by Henry Stimson, a tireless
Kennedy assassination than anyone,"
were fortunately recorded in deep
diarist and letter writer who served a
says William Manchester, author of The
memory for future scribes, violated the
number of stints as Secretary of War
Death of a President, "but I know more
cardinal rule of modern government:
and State from 1911 until 1945
about the Dardanelles in 1915 than I
never leave footprints. Electronic
Stimson was the man who ordered the
do about the assassination. In 1915,
memory shredders will, no doubt, be a
dismantling of a government code-
people put everything on paper. Now,
feature of the next generation of
breaking outfit, later explaining,
it's all done over the telephone." Notes
DELETE keys.
"Gentlemen do not read other people's
Historian Barbara Tuchman: Phone
As a result, historians may be left
mail." This mind.set ledito some very
bills won't tell you much, and as a
with nothing more than cabinets filled
frank and revealing letters and diary
result, contemporary history has less
with memos designed more to obscure
entries. Historianspiecing together the
perspective.
than illuminate the origins of critical
momentous decisions of World War II
The last president to leave a cache of
decisions. "It's atreal problem," says
have the luxury.of comparing personal
candid correspondence was Harry
Morris. There is:more paper now, but
writings in which Stimson and Navy
Truman, who wrote more than 1,200
Conyright 1987 Time, Inc. Reprinted by permission
nese
promotions to emphasize the need to
Larry Humphrey, mail handler in
take the time to write.
Portland, OR, lets his political leaders
know his opinions on the issues
Lost history
through letters.
There is a price to be paid for the
decline of letter writing. People no
longer leave a history of their lives and
times (see "History Without Letters,"
below). The wife of a retired Air Force
Colonel who had flown B-17s during
World War II realizes the historic value
Photo by Robert Groff
of letters. "I saved every
letters just to his wife. Not only dor
morning they would typically
a. Ted Koppel question about America's
they reveal his delightful personal style,
begin
stake in the Persian Gulf could provide
they provide convincing insights on
Their successors, on the other hand,
the same candid insight that is
matters ranging from his dealings with
abandoned letters in favor of
available in Dean Acheson's letter to
Stalin to his decision to drop the atom
obfuscating memos when it came to
his daughter on the same subject during
bomb. There is even a book filled with
discussing say, the Vietnam War. Some
the Iranian crisis 41 years ago.
letters that Truman wrote in moments
of the most candid records of that
One solution would be to make it
of pique, then wisely filed away
period come from times when a few of
once again respectable-perhaps even
unmailed
the old statesmen were called in for
mandatory-to tape important
Robert Caro, now at work on the
counsel and then, as was their wont,
discussions and phone conversations for
second volume of his definitive
exchanged letters about what they had
the historical record. The tapes would
biography of Lyndon Johnson, says the
discussed.
become the property of the National
historical record abruptly changes in
The national penchant for exposing
Archives and could be tightly sealed
the early 1940s, when people began to
as quickly as possible everything done
from all scrutiny for at least two
rely on the telephone more than the
by public officials, which is codified by
decades, the way that sensitive
mail. "Through Johnson's detailed
the Freedom of Information Act
diplomatic cables were generally treated
correspondence with his patron Alvin
(FOIA), is, on balance, a good thing for
before the Freedom of Information Act
Wirtz and others, you could trace the
democracy. But it is not the best thing
came along. But aside from the legal
most intricate deals and such matters as
for history. It has taught statesmen to
and practical questions involved, such
his stormy relationship with Sam
be very careful about what they put on
an idea would face philosophic
Rayburn," says Caro. "Then, at a crucial
paper. "For all its advantages, the FOIA
objections: it could be seen as both an
moment, just when you want to know
inhibits people from writing," says
unwarranted invasion of privacy and a
what someone is thinking, you'll run
Robert Donovan, whose noted
dangerous attempt to preserve the
into a telegram or note saying Phone
biographies of Truman depended heavily
privacy of important exchanges.
me tonight.' That's when you feel the
on letters and frank memos. "Officials
Then again, preserving such a record
impact of the telephone right in your
shred it all now. A lot of serious history
may not be worth the vast effort,
gut." In researching LBJ's role in the
is vanishing."
expense or constraints involved. After
passage of the 1957 Civil Rights Bill,
Future historians will no doubt find
all, only history is at stake. But if top
Caro says he has been reduced to
different source material. Instead of
officials knew in the back of their
deciphering scrawls at the bottom of
rummaging through the Beinecke
minds that future generations were
telephone message slips.
Library at Yale, they will spend their
listening in, it might have a salutary
Back when the telephone was a
time in video archives watching old
effect on the present. Had the
relatively new contraption, people often
segments of Nightline and the
judgment of history been hovering over
regarded it as too ephemeral for
MacNeil-Leher report. "So much is
their shoulders, the architects of. the
important communications. Averell
preserved in audio and visual these
Iran-contra affair, for example, might
Harriman and Robert Lovett, two great
days," says Morris, "that it gives you.
have reflected a moment longer on the
statesmen who had been Wall Street
much of aperson's life and demeanor."
long-term implications of their actions
partners, talked on the phone regularly
Well, yes, the historians of the next
Indeed, the dulling of our historical
when they were apart and then would
century will be a lot more accurate in
sense could be one reason that the U.S.
exchange letters the same afternoon,
their portrayal of how people looked
needs so many special prosecutors
putting to paper what they had said
and spoke. But it is naive to believe
these days
"As I told you over the telephone this
that the way Caspar Weinberger answers
POSTAL LIFE 7
one of his letters," she said. "They were
in Kalamazoo, MI, proposed through
so informative and just packed with
letters. "The mail is a wonderful way of
excitement."
taking the edge off introductions or first
The Colonel says, "You know, I read
some of those letters now and then.
meetings," she says. "If the lover of your
Photo by Lynne Worth
dreams doesn't answer the letter, at
And it's funny how the feelings I had
least it isn't as humiliating as a face-to-
at the time I wrote them sometimes
face confrontation. The Postal Service
come flooding back in waves. And it's
exciting. I can relive the adventure and
does a wonderful job of shortening the
distance and bringing potential friends
strangeness the fear. all that. Why,
and sweethearts together."
sometimes I'm able to recall little
Lee Iacocca, president of Chrysler
insignificant things that I'd long
forgotten. Letters add depth-a third
says, "Writing a letter makes you
organize your thoughts," he says. "In an
dimension-to the memory."
era of instant and sometimes garbled
The 45-year-old V-Mail letters,
communications, letter writing is still a
written by sailors on a ship during
World War II and found unmailed in
most effective way of getting your ideas
and feelings across."
1986 in a North Carolina attic, bring
home the point that letters endure
New age
where other means of communication
do not. Some of the writers never came
ones had another memory of them
Photos by Carol Reich
Some experts see the day coming
home from the war, and their loved
when people will be sending full color
video letters to each other. They will
routinely use home video cameras and
through the letters.
tape decks to correspond. The family
Expressing feelings
will be seated comfortably together, and
Writer, philosopher Leo F. Buscaglia
members will take turns being taped as
thinks that letters give us the
they "visit" the friends to whom they'll
send the tape. Family birthdays and
opportunity to say exactly what we feel.
"We have time to reflect and say things
special events will be taped and
the way we want them said," he writes.
shared with far-away family and friends.
"I'm all for face-to-face communication,
But when we are all busy "writing" to
but, for whatever reason, we don't
each other via video, some small grace
will be lost, another notch etched in a
always say in person what we really feel.
Sometimes it helps to sort out our
society that no longer values the
written word. A letter becomes a
feelings in quiet, then capture them
on paper."
permanent record of our feelings,
opinions, likes and dislikes. It is both a
Portland mail handler Larry
Humphrey agrees. He thinks letter
link with our past, a hands-on piece of
writing is perfect for someone who is
history that tells us something about
Katherine Kiser, (top) consumer affairs
shy. "I can take the time to compose
the way we were, and a link with our
representative, Debbie Westerdahl, PTF
my thoughts," he says. "I can take my
present, a way to communicate with
clerk, and Cheryl Hart, PTF clerk, agree
time and be more eloquent in a letter
our friends and family.
that letter writing isn't what it used to be.
than I can in person. I like to sit down
As the English poet John Donne
with a cup of coffee and think about
wrote: "More than kisses, letters mingle
what I am going to say."
souls; for thus friends absent speak."
For high school English teacher Leah
Wendt, love came through the mail.
Humorist Garrison Keillor still writes
Her husband, Roy Wendt, a postal clerk
letters. See pp. 20-21 for his tips on
"How to write a personal letter."
8 POSTAL LIFE
UNUSUAL POST OFFICE NAMES
PECULIAR, MISSOURI
BOWLEGS, OKLAHOMA
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NEW MEXICO
ZAP, NORTH DAKOTA
INTERCOURSE, PENNSYLVANIA
SANTA CLAUS, INDIANA
BROKEN ARROW, OKLAHOMA
PAINT LICK, KENTUCKY
NOTREES, TEXAS
DIME BOX, TEXAS
LUCK, WISCONSIN
LUCKEY, OHIO
COARSEGOLD, CALIFORNIA
BULLFROG, UTAH
DOGPATCH, ARKANSAS
WHAT CHEER, IOWA
WATERPROOF, LOUISIANA
(names run alphabetically from AARON, KENTUCKY, to ZWOLLE,
LOUISIANA)
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT'S
LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT IN 1956
Just after the United States declared war on Japan on December 8, 1941,
America's Captain Colin Kelly, Jr. became the first hero to give his life for
his country. Besieged on all sides, with Germany and Italy declaring war
and Japan swiftly invading American territory in the Pacific, Roosevelt still
found time to address a letter to the man who would be President in 1956.
Roosevelt asked that Colin P. Kelly III be given an appointment to West Point
"as a token of the nation's appreciation of the heroic services of his father. "
The President in 1956, Dwight D. Eisenhower, did not forget. Colin P.
Kelly III received his appointment, signed by the former Commander-in-Chief.
December 17, 1941
To the President of the United States in 1956:
I am writing this letter as an act of faith in the destiny of our
country. I desire to make a request which I make in full confidence
that we shall achieve a glorious victory in the war we are now waging
to preserve our democratic way of life.
My request is that you consider the merits of a young American
youth of goodly heritage--Colin P. Kelly III, for appointment as a
candidate in the United States Military Academy at West Point. I
make this appeal in behalf of this youth as a token of the nation's
appreciation of the heroic services of his father who met his death
in the line of duty at the very outset of the struggle which was thrust
upon us by the perfidy of a professed friend.
In the conviction that the service and example of Captain Colin P.
Kelly, Jr., will be long remembered, I ask for this consideration
in behalf of Colin P. Kelly III.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
ALBERT EINSTEIN TELLS WHY
HE PERSUADED ROOSEVELT TO MAKE THE ATOM BOMB
"
Frightful to Imagine"
John Napier was a Scottish mathematician who died in 1617. He is
said to have invented a'devastating contrivance" that could "wipe out every
living being for miles. " J. J. Perling wrote an article telling how Napier
kept his discovery secret and refused to reveal it, even on his deathbed.
Reading the article, Albert Einstein felt conpelled to write the author
and explain why he had urged President Roosevelt to develop the atomic
bomb, although he wished that it had been possible for the bomb's inventors
to die with their discovery unknown, as had John Napier. J. J. Perling
released Einstein's comments for publication shortly before the death of
the great scientist whose equation E=MC² laid the basis for atomic fission.
J. J. Perling to the editor of Newsweek
Wilmington, Del.
May 9, 1955
Sirs:
Prof. Albert Einstein's sudden death brings to mind his role in
persuading Franklin D. Roosevelt to authorize the development of
the atomic bomb. What is not so generally known is Einstein's
deep regret that it was necessary for American scientists to invent
this engine of destruction. This abhorrence he expressed in a letter
to me in 1949.
What prompted his expression was an article which I had written
regarding a devastating contrivance invented 300 years ago by the
famous mathematician John Napier who had originated the science
of logarithms. Napier's machine, contemporary writers said,
could "destroy a whole army or enemy fleet at once, 11 and could
wipe ou: every living being for miles. Napier on his deathbed was
urged to reveal the secret of his infernal invention, but he refused.
Einstein - cont'd.
This is what Professor Einstein wrote me:
"The unrevealed invention of Napier interested me very much. I
am firmly convinced that Napier did the right thing, not to make his
idea public. The same would have been the case with the atomic
bomb if those physicists who were working in this field would not
have had to fear that the Germans would be the first to produce such
a bomb. It is frightful to imagine what a disaster it would have been
for the world if Hitler would have come into possession of this weapon,
and in such a way would have been able to subjucate humanity and
mold it in his image"
J. J. Perling
JOHN ADAMS WOULD CELEBRATE JULY 2ND
"The most memorable epocha in the history of America"
Bursting with a sense of history-in-the-making, John Adams tells his
wife, Abigail, why July 2nd should be celebrated throughout history as
Independence Day. A Resolution of Independence was adopted by the Con-
tinental Congress on July 2nd, but the final wording of the famous Declaration
was not approved until July 4th. Except for the change in date, the country
erthusiastically adopted John Adams' suggestion. Independence Day was
established after the independence of America was recognized by the Treaty
of Paris in 1783. It took the place of Massacre Day which had been observed
in several of the colonies until that time.
John Adams to his wife, Abigail
3 July 1776
My Dear,
Yesterday the greatest question was decided which ever was debated
in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was nor will be decided
among men. The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable
epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be
celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.
It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts
of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp
and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and
illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other from this
time forward forevermore.
You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I
am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us
to maintain this Declaration and suport and defend these States. Yet,
through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory.
I can see that the end is more than worth all the means. And that
posterity will triumph in that day's transaction, even although we
should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not.
Yours,
John Adams
Publication 100, March, 1985
Page 4
was a vast, silent wilderness, inhabited primarily by
Pennsylvania. One month later, the South Carolina
Railroad Company adopted the locomotive as its trac-
Indians.
tive power and in 1820 the Baltimore & Ohio's "Tom
Transportation across this area on a year-round basis
Thumb" or "Teakettle," America's first steam loco-
was generally believed impossible because of extreme
motive, successfully carried over 40 persons at more
weather conditions. Russell, however, believed it was
than 10 miles an hour. This beginning was considered
feasible year round and was ready to organize his own
somewhat less than auspicious when a stage driver's
express, with or without a mail contract, to prove it.
horse outran the "Tom Thumb" on a parallel track in a
As a first step, Russell and his two partners, Majors
race at Ellicotts Mills, Maryland, on September 18,
and Waddell, formed the Central Overland California
1830. Later, however, a steam locomotive reached the
and Pike's Peak Express Company. They went on to
unheard-of speed of 30 miles an hour in an 1831
build new relay stations and to ready existing ones for
competition in Baltimore and the dray horses used to
use. The country was combed for good horseflesh,
power the first locomotives gradually were eased into
animals hardy enough to challenge deserts and moun-
history.
tains and to withstand thirst in summer and ice in
The Post Office Department recognized the use of this
winter. Riders were recruited hastily, but before being
new mode of transportation for mail as early as No-
hired had to swear on a Bible not to "cuss," fight, or
vember 30, 1832, when the stage contractors on a
abuse their animals and to conduct themselves hon-
route from Philadelphia to Lancaster, Pennsylvania,
estly.
were granted an allowance of $400 per annum "for
Starting on April 3, 1860, the Pony Express ran
carrying the mail on the railroad as far as West Chester
through parts of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colo-
(30 miles) from December 5, 1832." Although the
rado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California. On an
Department apparently entered into a number of con-
average day, a rider made 75 to 100 miles. He
tracts providing for rail transportation of some part of
changed horses at relay stations, set about 10 or 15
the stage routes in succeeding years, the Postmaster
miles apart, transferring himself and his "mochila," (a
General listed only one railroad company as a contrac-
saddle cover with four pockets or cantinas for mail), to
tor during the first six months of 1836, i.e., "Route
the new mount, all in one leap.
1036 from Philadelphia to Mauch Chunk, Pennsylva-
nia."
The first mail by Pony Express via the Central Route
from St. Joseph to Sacramento took 101/2 days, cutting
After passage of an Act of July 7, 1838, constituting
the Overland Stage time via the Southern route by
all railroads in the United States as post routes, mail
more than half. The fastest delivery time was in March
service by railroad increased very rapidly. The Post
1861, when the inaugural address of President Lincoln
Office had appointed a clerk in charge of the mails on a
was carried in seven days and 17 hours.
railroad in 1837, and in June 1840 two mail agents
were appointed to accompany the mail from Boston to
From April 1860 to July 1861, the Pony Express
Springfield "to make exchanges of mails, attend to
operated as a private enterprise. After July 1, 1861, it
delivery, and receive and forward all unpaid way
was operated under contract as a mail route until
letters and packages received."
October 24 that same year when the transcontinental
telegraph line was completed and the Pony Express
At this time, mails were distributed in the larger post
became a legend. Although the Pony Express operated
offices, and the only mail sent to the cars to be handled
less than 19 months, they were heroic and dramatic
by the route agents was that intended for delivery at
months that compressed into a few pages the romance
local points on the various lines. The agents opened
and essence of America's pioneer history, an actual
the pouches from the local offices, separated the mail
venture that eclipses any western fiction published
for other local points on the line for inclusion in
since.
pouches for those offices, and sent the balance into the
terminal office for general distribution. Gradually, the
2. Railway Mail Service
clerks began to make up mail for connecting lines, as
well as local offices, and the idea of distributing all
At least three decades before the Pony Express gal-
transit mail on the cars slowly evolved.
loped into postal history, the "iron horse" made a
formal appearance in August 1829, completing the
The first experiment in distributing mails in so-called
first locomotive run in the United States on the Dela-
"post offices on wheels" was made in 1862 by William
ware and Hudson Canal Company road at Honesdale,
A. Davis between Hannibal and St. Joseph, Missouri,
Medals take
postal route
PATROIT NEWS
back to man
Harrisbur, PA
August 7, 1989
By Wade Fowler/Patriot-News
Michael Carlos Jones was reunited yesterday
with the medals he won 20 years ago in Vietnam,
and the tears of Joy flowed without shame.
The Postal Service is joyful, too. Shrugging off
its reputation as a loser of mail, it found some.
After years of pestering the Army, Jones, 41,
finally received his two campaign ribbons and a
Bronze Star by mail Tuesday at his home in the
2900 block of Sixth Street in Harrisburg.
On his way to show them off at work, Jones
placed the medals - still in their original package
from the Department of the Army - on the top of
his car, but forgot them there and drove off for
work. By the time he realized his mistake, they
were gone.
Enter Chip Stoyer. The letter carrier, moving
about his appointed rounds on Wednesday, was
approached by an employee of Thermotech Inc. of
the 2200 block of Susquehanna Street. The man
said he'd found a package in an alley nearby and
wondered what to do with it, Stoyer said.
Stoyer turned the package over to his supervi-
sor, Charles M. Griffith, who read about Jones in
yesterday's editions of The Patriot-News.
"I was going to have the package redelivered,"
Griffith sald. "But then I started reading the paper
and I sald, 'Hey this must be that guy's medals.'
Stoyer, a former staff sergeant In the Air Force
Reserve, has a few medals of his own and knows
what they can mean to a veteran. So he didn't shy
away from Jones' hearty hug when the medals
were given back to him in a brief ceremony at the
Postal Service's Uptown Station.
During the time his medals were missing,
Jones said he thought long and hard about where
they might have been.
"I thought some kid probably has them on his
cap or something and has started a new style,"
Jones said, with a relleved smile.
That smile brightened Stoyer's day as well.
Patriot-News/T.J. Triston
"It's nice to see someone smiling," Stoyer said.
'THEY MEAN A LOT' - Michael Jones, right, celebrates the return of his
"That's one of the biggest rewards you can get
from this job."
medals with postman Chip Stoyer, who got them while making a delivery.
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 1989
ADVERTISING/By CYNTHIA CROSSEN
If You Are What You Eat,
They've Got Your Number
Next month. Advanced Promotion Tech-
survey with questions about spending
Those people out there who know how
much you earn and how much you bor-
nologies, a joint venture of Donnelley Mar-
habits, credit cards, annual household in-
keting, CheckRobot and Procter & Gam-
come and more than a dozen other ques-
rowed to buy your house-not to mention
where you live and when your baby's due-
ble, will begin testing a discount-for-data
tions. When Mr. Howe's customers return
will soon know what you eat in the privacy
program in Dahl's supermarkets in Des
evidence of their purchases, SO they can
of your own home.
Moines. Seven manufacturers. including
collect their rebates, 90% of them complete
Kraft, Campbell Soup, Del Monte, Ralston
the questionnaire.
They'll know because you, hoping to re-
Purina, Procter & Gamble, General Foods
Mr. Milman says the applications for
duce your grocery bills, joined a frequent
and Oscar Mayer, are participating in a
data collected this way are almost limit-
shopper program at
your local super-
club, in which shoppers will accumulate
less. "The opportunities are mind-bog-
market. In exchange
points toward merchandise in exchange for
gling," he says. "With this kind of data,
for saving $100 or
letting the computer accumulate records of
you're not mass communicating, you're in-
their grocery habits. "We'll know that
more a year, you
dividually communicating."
agreed to allow your
Jane Smith, a frequent shopper, buys dia-
pers, so we know she has a baby," says
Saturn-esque Sales Meeting
purchases to become
part of an electronic
Kathy Robinson, marketing communica-
Hal Riney & Partners, the agency han-
tions coordinator for Advanced Promotion
data base on shop-
dling the launch of General Motors Corp.'s
pers'grocery-buying
Technologies. "Then we can target market
new Saturn car division, got quite a crowd
to her."
habits. A computer
this week when it invited media advertis-
will keep track of how often you (name,
Citicorp POS Information Services Inc.,
ing sales representatives to "help Hal
address, phone number, household income)
a unit of Citicorp, will also begin testing a
Riney spend $100,000,000."
buy Ding Dongs and how often pork rinds.
frequent shopper program this fall. Mem-
The agency rented the auditorium at
That's information lots of companies will
bers will get cash rebates on certain prod-
the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco
pay for.
ucts in exchange for allowing a computer
and packed in some 600 ad sales people
to assemble data about them. Among the
A few discount-for-data programs are
hungry for information about how Riney
already up and running, and several more
participants is Pathmark, a unit of Super-
and Saturn will spend a huge wad of adver-
markets General.
are scheduled to begin testing in super-
tising cash.
market chains this fall. For the supermar-
Although these frequent-shopper pro-
Riney senior vice president Patrick
kets, these programs supposedly encour-
grams are marketed to retailers as a way
Sherwood called Tuesday's gathering an
of increasing customer loyalty, Robert
age customer loyalty. But for some manu-
"unprecedented" event in the advertising
Wunderle, economist and vice president of
facturers, retailers and direct marketers,
business. But holding one meeting for 600
public affairs for Supermarkets General,
the programs will create increasingly nar-
people. instead of hundreds of separate
says they' actually "just another thing to
row consumer profiles to be used in target
meetings, is "a very Saturn-esque way of
marketing.
complicate the running of our business."
doing business," Mr. Sherwood said.
Mr. Wunderle says Pathmark is testing the
"This is data that's never been cap-
Also Saturn-esque was a lack of spe-
Citicorp system because "it's a marketing
tured before," says L. Norman Howe of L.
cifics about Saturn's product-a U.S.-de-
distinction, another way a customer can do
Norman Howe Associates, developer of a
signed and built compact car aimed at re-
better shopping with us."
supermarket discount-for-data system.
capturing ground lost to Japanese auto
For Citicorp, however, the system will
"You can't get this information from the
makers-and its marketing strategy.
provide a customer diary, which can be
census or regular mailing lists. The con-
Those attending didn't see any clear pic-
marketed in a variety of ways. For in-
tures of the car or learn much about how
sumer has to spit it out himself."
stance, a dog food manufacturer could
The programs, which have been made
Saturn will position itself in its ads.
eliminate direct-mail promotions to the
possible by electronic scanners at check-
Such details are "premature, since the
50% of Americans who don't own pets.
car will not be out until late fall next
out counters, raise some troubling privacy
"Direct marketing is a very expensive
issues about companies marketing per-
year," said Mr. Sherwood.
form if you're using it as mass advertis-
Instead, Saturn and Riney officials-but
sonal information about people's grocery
ing," says Mr. Howe. "But when you elimi-
not Mr. Riney himself-urged the assem-
preferences. The sponsors note that the
nate all the people who aren't prospective
bled media people to "think like they've
programs are voluntary and that people
customers, then it becomes very effec-
never thought before" about how Saturn
who don't want others to know what they
tive."
ads could be presented.
buy at the grocery store simply won't join.
Jim Ukrop. president of Richmond, Va.-
Meanwhile, Saturn and Riney are still
But that means customers sensitive to pri-
based Ukrop's Super Markets, another
puzzling over some basic questions, such
vacy will, in effect, pay higher prices on
chain that will be testing the Citicorp pro-
as how closely should Saturn tie itself to
some items than those who aren't.
gram. says his store's arrangement with
GM in its ads. Saturn's cars are supposed
The potential for abusing this kind of
Citicorp is that customers' names can't be
to W00 Honda and Toyota buyers back to
data exists, says Fred Milman, senior con-
used, nor may the telephone be used for di-
the domestic fold. But, as Mr. Sherwood
sultant at David Shepard Associates, a di-
rect-marketing efforts. But Ukrop's uses
says, "GM and Ford don't have good repu-
rect-marketing and data-base marketing
the 190,000 names and addresses it has col-
tations with that consumer."
consulting firm. Hypothetically, he says.
lected in its own frequent-shopper program
consumers could get "Big Brotherish" per-
to send monthly newsletters, and occasion-
sonal letters saying that they hadn't
ally personalized letters. to customers.
bought enough groceries lately or spent too
While most of these discount-for-data
much on their eggs last week. But Mr. Mil-
programs are electronic. Mr. Howe's sys-
man believes the companies involved in
tem works through the mail. Customers re-
these programs are reputable, and will be
ceive a catalog filled with rebate offers
"as sensitive about their data as some
and advertising from manufacturers. In-
credit bureaus are about theirs." he says.
cluded in the catalog is a market research
These aren't people on the fringe.'
THE COLUMBUS COUNTY NEWS/TIMES
Chadbourn, NC
July 6, 1988
'Neither Rain Nor Sleet
The old cliche about postmen delivering the
help in delivering this would be greatly ap-
mail proved to be true in Chadbourn last week but
preciated. If this can't be delivered, please return
it was not rain or sleet nor dark of night that
in the enclosed envelope."
presented the challenge. It was the lack of an ad-
Chadbourn postmaster Billy Martin said his
dress. Although the letter was addressed simply
staff is not one to turn down challenges of this type
to "Route 410" it was delivered to its rightful reci-
and the search was on. Rural Route One covers
pient Saturday morning.
the area along Hwy. 410 south of Chadbourn and
"The" letter was received at the Chadbourn
that is rural carrier Marvin McPherson's ter-
postoffice in another envelope addressed to the
ritory. A check with McPherson caused him to
postmaster. A note attached read as follows:
recall seeing the '69 Mustang. Another quick
"While passing thru North Carolina I saw a '69
check revealed the owner. On Saturday morning
red Mustang on Route 410 going south of Chad-
McPherson delivered the letter.
bourn, on the right hand side on of the road. It was
In the interest of privacy Martin would not
parked under an open air part of a barn near the
reveal the specific address nor the name of the
road.
recipient but he seemed quite proud of the fact
"I don't have a name or address of the people
that fact that the letter, with practically no ad-
that own the car. I was hoping one of your mail
dress, was delivered as intended. One thing about
carriers could deliver this letter to the house next
this, one has to wonder if the man was able to buy
to where the car is parked. The car is very visible
the '69 red Mustang. Perhaps a follow-up story is
from the road.
in order.
"I am interested in purchasing the car and any
BOURN JULY
PM30
1988
28431
Domestic
Route 410
WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES, July 18, 1988, Watertown, N.Y.
Stamp Hike on Way?
No Time for Public To Be Complacent
G
etting used to the 25-cent
souri cave awaiting the moment
charge for first-class post-
when the Postal Rate Commission
,
age?
and the board of governors of the
Postal Service would decide that a
Finally decided that the E-
stamp has cushioned the transi-
rate hike was necessary.
tion from 22 cents to 25 cents for a
The cave is more like an under-
letter?
ground industrial park than a
cave. It has a two-lane roadway,
Well, don't become too compla-
streetlights, offices, warehouses
cent.
and loading docks, all in a humidi-
The F-stamp already is in the
ty-free environment carved from
wings.
limestone.
The nondenominational F-
It took 57 tractor-trailer loads
stamp, foreshadowing the next
to remove all the E-stamps from
postal rate hike, is being stored in
the cave. So, with postal rate
a humidity-free cave near Kansas
boosts averaging about one every
City, Mo., much as its predeces-
three years, it is no wonder that
sor, the E-stamp, was.
the Postal Service is plowing
For up to three years 6 billion
ahead, printing F-stamps and
E-stamps were stored in the Mis-
storing them.
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER)
1988
Perot's SPI good deal
A-6
T
he unusual contract re-
under the contract. The Postal
cently agreed to by the U.S.
Service also gave up - why is
Postal Service and Texas
unclear - its customary right to
billionaire H. Ross Perot deserves a
cancel the contract any time; after
close look by Congress.
90 days the agency is stuck
The General Accounting Of-
No one would disagree that
fice has concluded the contract
the post office could use some
does not adequately protect the
help in stepping into the 20th
interests of the government, ac-
century. And as a quasi-govern-
cording to the New York Times.
mental body, the service has cer-
It was awarded without com-
tain liberties to operate in a
petitive bidding and departs from
more businesslike way than reg-
standard procurement practice
ular government agencies.
in allowing Perot to negotiate the
Still, the contract has an un-
amount of cost savings his com-
fortunate smell about it and could
pany would reap from each pro-
profit from a good airing - and
ject and to retain exclusive own.
perhaps some modification - by
ership of the ideas developed
Congress.
THE NEWARK STAR LEDGER
MAY 1 8 1989
THE WASHINGTON PO :T
THURSDAY, MAY 18, 1909
It's mailmen in a cakewalk
Postal Service Has Cake
The US Postal Service takes the cake -in this case more than 201
And Delivers It Too
miles, without messing the fresting. ever though It was packaged only if
a shallow cardboard box with a flimsy cellephane covering
Associated Press
The turquoise-frosted birth.
day cake traveled from Dument,
BLOOMINGTON, Minn., May
in western Minnesota, and ar-
U.S. Postal Service takes
rived in the Minneapolis suburb
the cake-in this case more than
of Bloomington in time for Angie
Wold's 22d birthday Tuesday
200 miles, without mussing the
"My mother Wold
frosting, even though it was pack-
sighed happily when she received
aged only in a shallow cardboard box
the 9-by-13-inch chocolate cake
with flimsy cellophane covering.
Lorene Wold, postmistress
The turquoise-frosted birthday
at Dumont, mailed the cake
us
cake traveled from Dumont, in west-
Monday with $4 15 of first-class
MAIL
ern Minnesota, and arrived in this
priority postage stamps stuck to
Minneapolis suburb in time for Angie
the cellophane It survived trans-
fers at four post offices en route.
Wold's 22nd birthday Tuesday.
"I thought if everyone could
Lorene Wold, Angie's mother and
see what was inside, they'd be
postmistress at Dumont, mailed the
more careful," she said. "I just
cake Monday with $4.15 of first-
wanted her to have a cake on
class priority postage stamps stuck
her birthday You know how
to the flimsy cellophane. "I thought if
mothers are
everyone could see what was inside,
they'd be more careful," she said.
ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH
8 1989
A Sweet Greeting
From Post Office
The Washington Times
BLOOMINGTON Mian. (AP)
THURSDAY. MAY 18, 1989
- The U.S. Bostal Service takes
the cake - in this case more
than 200 miles - without mess-
Postal Service
"My mother
sighed Miss
ing the frosting. even though It
was packaged only in a shallow
takes birthday cake
Wold when she received the 9-by-
13-inch chocolate cake.
cardboard box with flimay callo-
phane covering.
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - The
Lorene Wold, postmistress at
The rurquoise-frosted birth-
U.S. Postal Service takes the cake
Dumont, mailed the cake Monday
day cake traveled from Dumont,
- in this case more than 200 miles,
with $4.15 of first-class priority
in western Minnesota, to Bloo-
without messing the frosting, even
postage stamps stuck to the flimsy
mington, I suburb of Minneapo-
though it was packaged only in a
cellophane.
Lis, in time for Angle Wold's 22nd
shallow cardboard box with flimsy
"I thought if everyone could see
birthday Tuesday.
cellophane covering.
what was inside, they'd be more
Lorene Wold, postmistress at
The turquoise-frosted birthday
careful," she said. "I just wanted to
Dumont. mailed the cake Mon-
cake traveled from Dumont, in
her to have a cake on her birthday:
day with 82.15 of first-class pri-
western Minnesota, and arrived in
You know how mothers are."
ority postage stamps
this Minneapolis suburb in time for
The cake survived transfers in
"I thought if everyone could
see what was inside, they'd be
day. Angie Wold's 22nd birthday Tues-
Dumont, Willmar, Minneapolis and
Bloomington.
more careful." she said.
DATE May 18, 1989
TIME
6:00-7:00 AM
ACCOUNT NUMBER 63/3543-NX
NETWORK
NIELSEN AUDIENCE
ABC
1,677,540
PROGRAM
World News This Morning
Forrest Sawyer, co-anchor:
And you've heard complaints about the Postal Service. Well, here is a laud
for--or a praise for them. A Minnesota mother and her twenty-two-year-old
daughter--no complaints about the Postal Service. On Monday Mom baked and
frosted a birthday cake and packed it in a shallow cardboard box with a
collophane top, put four dollars' worth of stamps in the cellophane and mailed
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
10/30/89
TO:
DAVID BATES/SIG ROGICH
FROM:
JOSEPH W. HAGIN
SUBJECT:
APPROVED PRESIDENTIAL ACTIVITY
EVENT:
Attend Opening Session of the Universal Postal
Union Congress
DATE:
November 13, 1989 - Monday
TIME:
10:30 am
DURATION:
30 minutes
LOCATION:
Kennedy Center Concert Hall
ATTIRE:
Business Suit
REMARKS REQUIRED: Yes
MEDIA COVERAGE: TBD
FIRST Y
P₁ CIPATION: No
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
CONTACT:
Ed Horgan
,
TELEPHONE: OFFICE 268-2360
HOME
NOTE: PROJECT OFFICER, SEE ATTACHED CHECKLIST
Ed Rogers
Marlin Fitzwater
David Bates
James Cicconi
David Demarest
David Valdez
Fred McClure
Jean Lamb
USSS PPD
Susan Porter Rose
Sig Rogich
Gary Walters
Patty Presock
John Keller
WHCA Audio/Visual
Chriss Winston
Tim McBride
WHCA Operations
Laurie Firestone
J. Bonnie Newman
C. Boyden Gray
William Kristol
Paul Bateman
John Herrick
Jackie Kennedy
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Contact Gary Stevens
# * 268 - 6898
chaft speech
5wk. conference
170 nations to discuss
international mail
last time we basted the U.P.U.
was in1897.
8044997996
PAGE #'s
Grant/Martin
November 3, 1989
Draft one
A:postal
REMARKS: OPENING CEREMONY
UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS
KENNEDY CENTER/WASHINGTON D.C.
NOVEMBER 13, 1989
10:45 A.M.
Good morning. ((Acknowledgements)
Welcome
to the U.S. united understand States trips During you virghnia travels md here, etc you See 'll Ill the
the
diversity of the our melting pot, n you americans /// su a better America;
you" see our working democracy m which every one contributes to the common good.
democratic ideal from every contributing to common good.
Likwise,
of
In a larger sense, the diversity and nations united under
brought it strength has ud to mam accompleshments X
the UPU banner has also been able to move forward together. Don On
achievements.
had The honor of
only one previous occasion has the United States been honored as
a hosting country to a Congress of the UPU. That Congress was the
Fifth Congress, which took place in 1897, here in Washington,
D.C. At that meeting, 106 delegates from 55 countries gathered
in the
Gallery, which still stands on Pennsylvania Avenue
across from the White House.
The world has changed much since the last time your Congress
met in Washington. The delegates to that Fifth Congress in 1897
knew nothing of computers, atomic energy, airplanes, space
shuttles, or satellites -- nor even radio and television, which
now seem commonplace.
In 1897, the employees of the U.S. Post Office Department
were still sorting mail by hand, much as their predecessors had
sorted mail in 1775, when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the
first American Postmaster General. Today, the United States
use
Postal Service has made great strides in the employment of
some
automated equipment capable of sorting letters at speeds of up to
350,000 pieces an hour.
The postal systems of the world, too, have changed through
the advances of technology. Postal administrations have
consistently adapted technology to their operations to ensure
neither
nor
nor
nor " dark of night can
that "through rain, through sleet, through snow
--
a keep these
continuity of service unparalleled by any other form of
from messingers their duty
communication since. I know Americans are proud of the job being
done by our United States Postal Service and its 800,00
employees.
I am especially proud of the contribution that the United
States has made, and continues to make, to the Universal Postal
Union. The first attempt at organizing a worldwide postal union
was, in large part, the inspiration of Montgomery Blair,
Postmaster General during the first administration of President
Abraham Lincoln. His many innovations and changes had already
Went M to und
revolutionized mail service domestically, yet he recognized the
the movement
order despite the ravages
need for international postal sanity even- in the midst of the
U.S. Civil War.
At his invitation, delegates from 15 countries met in Paris
in 1863 to propose regulations governing the international mails.
Historians estimate that national postal systems in those days
faced total chaos -- at least 1,200 separate postal rates
worldwide. Nations maintained bilateral agreements with every
single country for the exchange of mail. Postmaster General
Blair, along with many others, envisioned a universal system that
would consider the entire world as one unified postal territory.
i
Much wisdom, eloquence and effort were devoted to the
creation of the Universal Postal Union. The original foundation
was not the work of any one man or any one nation, but rather
that of many men from many nations. The idea of universal
collaboration, bold in design and daring in concept for its day,
gained impetus from a world that recognized international
obligations and increasing interdependence of all peoples. (now
an arm of the UN; also bring in developed-developing relations)
Now, thanks to the international postal network embodied by
the UPU, no political or national boundaries obstruct the flow of
mails, a flow that conveys news and information while solidifying
peace and prosperity. Those boundarres wate World have Stamb m fact, been with crossed the here
literary quote) (somewhere at Jone a Soviet new set stamps of Soviet of U.S. stamps Expo astronauts) partraying US assignants
The conveyance of the mails, which links the peoples and the
nations of this world, constitutes a noble enterprise, one that
touches nearly every human endeavor The advancement of
civilization, the expansion of commerce and trade, the promotion
of industry and science and the maintenance of peace and good.
John have meen thro INSERT
will have been well by the postal services down through
the years. (Gorbachev summit meeting/ decided through letters between
the two) In our own day, the máils have served such causes as the
preservation of the global ecology, the improvement of human
health and nutrition, and the wider extension of literacy and
education.
Incidentally In fact INSERTI the meeting we'll be nept holding month w/
President arranged gorbacher entively at sea through of letters a such tween
nt
was
The need to communicate by mail across national frontiers --
despite the march of time and advent of telecommunication -- has
remained constant to this very day. The expansion in the world
postal systems, represented by some 170 nations forming the UPU,
staggers the imagination. For even our latest technology and
instant delivery services cannot do what the postal systema alone
can do: get the mail through, anywhere on earth, to any recipient
at a very small cost.
statisties & technology
But for all the numbers and machines, the importance of the
mails comes from its very form -- the written word. The
individual voice contained within the message of a letter can
convey more beauty and more power than any other form of long
distance communication. In a world of faxes, overnight delivery,
tiber optic phone unes
and long distance phones, nothing beats opening up that envelope
with a letter from home inside.
Every week, I receive more than XXX letters from every state
in the Union and from nearly every country in the world. Letters
arrive from children asking questions about government and the
Presidency; from young adults stating their concerns about world
andrem
peace and the drug war; to elderly citizens commenting on health
care legislation and foreign policy. A written letter delivered
through the mails not only carries news or raises questions, but
also forms a bond between the sender and the receiver
The mails represent the most intimate means by which the
people of this nation and other nations reveal their thoughts,
their hopes, and their concerns.
THE TIMES, May 29, 1986, Gainesville, Ga
(FRONT PAGE)
Post office moves family
By Don Reece
of The Times
Someone in Central America is going to
get a lot of mail.
Sylvia Fox and her four teen-age chil-
dren boarded a plane bound for Panama
yesterday. Ms. Fox lived in Panama for 35
years before moving to Gainesville a few
years ago - and recently has been offered a
job at the U.S. Embassy there.
Her household goods, however, were
not crated and transported by a moving
company. She mailed them to Panama from
the post office in Gainesville.
"There's about 175 packages total," she
said, while her 18-year-old son George
hefted boxes from a station wagon to the
loading area behind the post office. "It's
clothes and appliances, shoes and cameras
and silverware
The post office is
really making some money on me, huh?"
Although the post office charged $975 to
transport her packages, Ms. Fox estimates
the cost of packing and shipping her belong-
ings to Panama with a commercial
moving company at about $5,000.
And, she said, "I have shipped over
200 packages to this post of fice, and
not one package was damaged, nor
did I lose a package."
Gainesville's postmaster
grinned during her testimonial.
"She's my best salesman," Post-
master Ken Hopkins said. "You
can't argue with results."
While Hopkins and Ms. Fox
beamed with pride at the clever
plan, George hefted another box.
"I've never shipped entirely
through the U.S. mail," Ms. Fox
said. "We came Saturday and I
mailed 53 packages." She mailed
about 100 packages Tuesday and 20
more packages Wednesday morn-
ing. All were addressed to a friend
in Panama.
Hopkins said her method of
moving was "very unusual," but
not a problem for the post office to
The Times/Bret Williams
handle.
"We don't get this kind of cus-
Packed and ready: Sylvia Foxunloads her possessions to be mailed to
tomer very often." he said. "We
her new home in Panama. Her scheme saved about $4,000 in moving expenses
appreciate the trust she has in our
service and dependability."
As George lifted a box - marked
"#89" - onto the loading dock he
was asked his opinion on the mov-
ing-by-mail operation.
"Don't ask," he said.
SOUTH HILL ENTERPRISE, June 24, 1987, South Hill, Va.
Unusual "Package"
Received Undamaged
(Continued from Front Page)
Mrs. Ferrell's letter, or post
Mrs. Crowder said she just
delivery," Mrs. Crowder said,
(grape) card, created quite a stir as
wanted people to know that the Post
"but this shows the post office can
residents came to pick up their mail,
Office can deliver something as
deliver almost anything."
and Mrs. Ferrell. gladly showed it
fragile as a grape leaf unharmed and
The sea grape leaf was sent by
off, even asking friends if they
from Florida in three days when
Mrs. Ferrell's daughter, Betty,
could read it.
you can hardly read the address. "It
from Captiva Island, Florida. It
Mrs. Ferrell even offered the
took some special effort on
made its trip in three days undamag-
photographer an apology, saying
somebody's part along the way to
ed and in no special package to pro-
she thought it all was some kind of
read the address and keep the grape
tect it. "It came just like you see
joke and that the girls at the post of-
leaf on its way," she said.
it," Mrs. Crowder said. "It had no
fice just wanted her to come down
The leaf had 32 cents in stamps
special handling and was just stuck
and open the "unusual package"
attached, the normal first class
in a mail sack like any other mail,"
she was expecting so they could see
stamp plus a 10-cent stamp because
she said.
what was in it.
it had to be hand-stamped.
THIS SEA GRAPE LEAF carries a message for Mrs. Mabel Ferrell in La Crosse. Despite its address and
message was hard to read, it was delivered from Florida to La Crosse in three days, and undamaged. (Enter-
prise Photo)
SOUTH HILL ENTERPRISE, June 24, 1987, South Hill, Va.
(FRONT PAGE)
Mrs. Mabel Ferrell, left, receives her sea grape leaf post card from La Crosse Postmistress Judy Crowder.
(Enterprise Photo)
Unusual "Package"
Received Undamaged
LA CROSSE - When Mrs.
Crowder, saying the photographer
Mrs. Ferrell was shocked to see
Mabel Ferrell of La Crosse receiv-
was at the post office and waiting,
a photographer really at the post of-
ed a telephone call last Thursday
she again thought it was a joke and
fice waiting to take her picture. But
morning from La Crosse
at first said she would be down
she was even more shocked to see
Postmistress Judy Crowder saying
later.
her "package" - a sea grape leaf
a special package had arrived for
But Mrs. Crowder's persistence
on which a message was written.
her and she wanted to set up an ap-
won out and Mrs. Ferrell drove to
The ink had faded into the leaf,
pointment for an Enterprise
the post office because she was ex-
making it almost impossible to read.
photographer to take a picture of
pecting a package from her
Some words could be made out with
Mrs. Ferrell receiving the package,
daughter. In fact, her daughter had
the naked eye, but Mrs. Crowder
she thought it all was a joke.
told her she was sending something
had to use a magnifying glass to
When she received a second call
special and to call her and let her
make out the name and address and
later that morning, again from Mrs.
know if it arrived.
then the message.
"We get a lot of abuse about mail
(Continued)
Nashville Banner, Thursday, December 22, 1988
Archives
held ashes
73 years
Associated Press
After Hill's death, portions of
The ashes were handed over
/ASHINGTON - The ashes of
his ashes. were mailed throughout
with little fanfare and were taken
union legend Joe Hill - what's
the country, in accordance with
back to Chicago. Myers said hav-
left of them 73 years after he was
his wishes.
Ing the ashes in the safe is not as
executed by a Utah firing squad
One of those envelopes, carry-
spooky as the portrait of Hill that
- are back in the hands of the
ing the union's imprint and a pic-
hangs above his desk.
heirs to his legacy, who are look-
ture of Hill, was snagged by a ma-
The union has formed a com-
ing for a fitting way to dispose of
chine in the Post Office in 1917
mittee to decide how to dispose of
them.
and the contents began to spill out.
Hill's ashes, and Myers says there
I've got them right here in the
The ashes were considered sedi-
have been plenty of suggestions,
safe," said Brian Myers of the In-
tious and were seized by federal
ranging from silly requests, such
dustrial Workers of the World.
agents under a World War I
as they should be injected in Mi-
The union got the ashes in No-
espionage law.
chael Dukakis' arm. to very heart-
vember from the National Ar-
"The archivists who dealt with
ening requests."
ehives, which had held them as
these records knew they were
While no decision has been
part of a file handed over by fed-
there," said Jill Brett, a spokes-
made. some ceremony probably
eral agents who had seized them
woman for the National Archives.
will be held next May Day. he
at a post office in Chicago.
They came to us in 1944, SO we
said.
Hill was cremated in Chicago
knew that we had them."
after he died before a Utah firing
Virtually nobody else knew the
squad for killing a Salt Lake City
ashes were there until mention of
grocery store owner.
them popped up in a United Auto
His final wish was to have his
Workers union magazine feature
body taken out of Utah and cre-
on strange items kept by the ar-
mated with his ashes to be scat-
chives. Myers said from the
tered in every state but the one
IWW's Chicago headquarters.
that killed him.
The union asked for them back.
The union. whose members
and after some deliberation the
were known as the Wobblies, now
archives, which is more in the
is considered something of a curi-
habit of keeping things than giving
bsity but it once was regarded as a
them away, decided to part with
serious threat to the established
Hill's ashes - but decided to keep
order during its heyday in the first
the envelope they were found in.
two decades of this century. Its
membership now is about one-
We could certainly turn over
tenth of the 100,000 it had around
the ashes because they weren't
World War I.
records." Ms. Brett said.
Photo)
postoffice on Friday. It was the first time an en-
Wednesday by fog: but Kaktovik got its new tire post office was delivered by air. (News-Min-
START DELIVERY OI LARGEST AIRMAIL PACKAGE
RILITAIN
AUGUST 28 1972
mm you Insued and
THE SOUTH the DIE THE JOHNS III / of 089 DONICE SEAL STATE is they 8 S2777
STATE POLICY on
S. OF THE $ SHOULD SIGNATURE Pue THE HOUSE 200 THE PUBLIC of
39
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OF STUDY the STATE STATE OUL 24
THE THE They THE of TO SUN OFF so the THE the THE SO THE OF THE MOU Americant THE and 1001 K ILL STATE STATE 2017
15.113
SEAL by the OTHER OF the fouils
ssaid 18018
June 27, 1988
FEDERAL TIMES
By J.P. Mackley
An Alaska building material
Alaska Supplier Finds Novel Use for Mails
press, postal officials decided to
use an unusual method to ship
Krogstad's materials a little less
supplier has figured out how to
most of a new house and
most of the bill.
solidators, an Anchorage firm
struction material to communi-
expensively. Instead of flying
the material the entire dis-
have the U.S. Postal Service pay
Sam Krogstad of Bush Con-
specializing in shipping con-
ties in rural Alaska, is taking ad-
vantage of a loophole in
tance, as is usually done under
regulations to mail 6,000 con-
the bypass mail system unique
to Alaska, it will be trucked to a
crete blocks and 4,600 bags of
mail facility at Dead Horse and
cement mix. The building mate-
flown from there.
rials are going to Wainright, a
Native American village about
But the postal service still
700 miles northwest of
will lose about $135,000 on the
deal.
Anchorage.
Each bag and block falls with-
Bypass mail is a special Alas-
Evangelists' Postal Practices Cited
kan fourth-class mail contain-
in the postal service's 70-pound
weight limit.
ing such diverse items as gro-
The individually addressed
ceries and building materials. It
Panel Investigating Possible Non-Profit Permit Abuses
concrete blocks cost Krogstad
is handled entirely by air carri-
$4.33 each in postage. However,
ers at a rate. far cheaper than
according to USPS estimates, it
that charged for air freight go-
Robert Schuller, 11,828,615 pieces.
ing to rural Alaskan
By J.P. Mackley
would normally cost the postal
Peter Popoff, 247,525.
communities.
service $50.94 to deliver the
A congressional subcommittee may take action
The combined mailings amount to about 75 mil-
blocks. That means the cost to
Under the concept of univer-
against television evangelists who use taxpayer
lion pieces.
sal mail rates, customers na-
the postal service was to be
subsidized non-profit mailing permits for politi-
Originally the investigation included Jim and
tionally subsidize USPS air
about $500,000 and $45,000 to
cal or commercial purposes.
Tammy Faye Bakker's PTL Club, but that part
transportation losses on Alas-
Krogstad.
The House Post Office and Civil Service sub-
was dropped by the subcommittee in order to
But after stories about the
kan mail for $60 million a year,
committee on postal operations is nearing the
avoid interfering with a separate criminal inves-
according to James Orlando,
shipment appeared in the
end of a three-month investigation focused on the
tigation being conducted by postal inspectors.
postal service director of
mailing practices of the Rev. Jerry Falwell, Pat
The purpose of non-profit permits is to allow
transportation.
Robertson, Jimmy Swaggart and four other prom-
educational, scientific, philanthropic and reli-
Recently, the postal service
inent television evangelists.
gious organizations to operate at the lowest possi-
and customers were saddled
A subcommittee report, compiled with the aid
ble cost. The postal service still collects the full
with increased costs for opera-
or the General Accounting Office and postal em-
amount of postage, but the difference between
tion of the Alaskan bypass mail
ployees, to be released after July 4, will show that
what the non-profit groups pay and the actual
system when Sen. Ted Stevens,
the televangelists make massive mailings subsi-
cost is made up by congressional appropriation.
R-Alaska, tacked a rider onto
dized by congressionally appropriated revenue
Delgado said that organizations mailing under
budget legislation that will ben-
forgone.
the non-profit permits must not run profit-mak-
efit several airlines.
For example, non-profit permit holders pay 8.7
ing enterprises.
Stevens' legislation altered
cents for the same mailing that would cost a com-
A catalog received at home by Delgado from the
mercial account 10.6 cents.
an almost exclusive postal ser-
Jimmy Swaggart Ministries in Baton Rouge, La.,
vice contract with Northern Air
The question is whether they violated the con-
is, he said, "clearly an example of a commercial
Cargo. The legislation opened
ditions of their third-class mailing permits. Ac-
enterprise."
the bypass mail business up to
cording to subcommittee staff director Louis Del-
The catalog features such items as $15 compact
other airlines serving those
gado, Congress is concerned about whether
disc recordings of "Holy, Holy, Holy," a six-tape
communities.
evangelist solicitations for money violate the mail
package titled "The Balanced Faith Life," by Jim-
fraud statutes.
my Swaggart
Officials say the Stevens legis-
The GAO reported that in one 12-month period
Delgado said the subcommittee is equally con-
lation will use mail revenue to
the following volumes were mailed:
cerned with Falwell's political mailings. He said
subsidize the price of passenger
Jerry Falwell, 18,768,904 pieces.
Falwell has made numerous mailings furthering
fares to remote villages. That
Pat Robertson, 18,608,462 pieces.
his political causes under the non-profit permit
move is expected to increase
Jimmy Swaggart, 7,395,823 pieces.
of the Old Time Gospel Hour. He said those mail-
USPS Alaska air transport
Oral Roberts, 16,111,000 pieces.
ings included the defense of retired Marine Lt.
losses by $4 million a year.
about avery Five
Grant/Martin
November 3, 1989
Draft one
A:postal
example
REMARKS: OPENING CEREMONY
UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS
KENNEDY CENTER/WASHINGTON
D.C.
NOVEMBER 13, 1989
10:45. A.M.
Good morning. ((Acknowledgements))
Norman
Rockwell
Welcome to the United States. During your travels here,
you'll see diversity of our great "melting pot," and our
EV Country the has stones to tch of theroli
working democracy which every citizen contributes to the
mail in their in history
common good. Likewise, the diversity of nations united under the
Universal Postal Union contributes much to the common good.
once afore
on only one previous occasion has the United States had the
honor of hosting a Congress of the U.P.U. -- the Fifth Congress,
which took place in 1897, here in Washington, D.C. At that
meeting, 106 delegates from 55 countries gathered in the Renwick
Gallery, which stands on Pennsylvania Avenue across from the
White House.
The world has changed much since the last time your Congress
had never
met in Washington. The delegates to that Fifth Congress knew
heard
nothing of (computers, atomic energy, airplanes, space shuttles,
mich dison
or satellites -- nor even radio and television, which now seem
commonplace.
In 1897, the employees of the U.S. Post Office Department
were still sorting mail by hand, much as their predecessors had
sorted mail in 1775, when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the
first American Postmaster General. Today, the United States
from one The days of one first Pmb, BF,
(to the riders of the Pony Express)to issued The
printing of our first set of stamp 3 in 1847
w/ the face of on on it, the history of America
is tied to the history of our postal service.
2
Postal Service has made great strides in the use of automated
equipment -- some capable of sorting letters at speeds of up to
350,000 pieces an hour.
The postal systems of the world, too, have changed through
the advances of technology. Postal administrations have
consistently adapted technology to their operations to ensure
that "neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor dark of night can
unparacleta
keep these messengers from their duty" -- with a^^ continuity of
service unparalleled by any other form of communication,
I
know Americans are proud of the job being done by our United
States Postal Service and its 800, 00employees.
I am especially proud of the contribution that the United
States has made, and continues to make, to the Universal Postal
Union. The first attempt at organizing a worldwide postal union
was, in large part, the inspiration of Montgomery Blair,
Postmaster General during the first administration of President
Abraham Lincoln. His many innovations and changes had already
revolutionized mail service domestically; yet he went on to lead
the movement to international postal order despite the ravages of
the U.S. Civil War.
At his invitation, delegates from 15 countries met in Paris
in 1863 to propose regulations governing the international mails.
Historians describe that national postal systems in those days
as
faced total chaos -- at least 1,200 separate postal rates
worldwide. Nations maintained bilateral agreements with every
were forced
single country for the exchange of mail. Postmaster General
3
Blair, along with many others, envisioned a universal system that
would consider the entire world as one unified postal territory.
Much wisdom, eloquence and effort were devoted to the
creation of the Universal Postal Union. The original foundation
was not the work of any one man or any one nation, but rather
that of many men from many nations. The idea of universal
collaboration, bold in design and daring in concept for its day,
gained impetus from a world that recognized international
obligations and increasing interdependence of all peoples.
Now, thanks to the international postal network embodied by
the UPU, no political or national boundaries obstruct the flow of
mails, a flow that conveys news and information while solidifying
peace and prosperity.
Those boundaries have, in fact, been
crossed here at your World Stamp Expo -- with the unveiling of
a
that
new set of Soviet stamps portraying U.S. astronauts.
none my guins would weeved have
Written letters conveyed through the mails, linking the
possible
et the
peoples and the nations of this world, often convey many noble
lost Corgress
enterprises: the advancement of civilization, the expansion of
commerce and trade, the promotion of industry and science, and
the maintenance encouragement of peacé and good will. For example, the meeting
I will holding with President Gorbachev at sea next month was
arranged entirely through a seriés of letters between us.
The need to communicate by mail across national frontiers --
despite the march of time and advent of telecommunication -- has
remained constant to this very day. The expansion in the world
postal systems, represented by some 170 nations forming the UPU,
letter n Sonta to grondmar
4
staggers the imagination. For even our latest technology and
instant delivery services cannot do what the postal system alone
can do: get the mail through, anywhere on earth, to any recipient
at very small cost. John Dunne once wrote that "no man is an
island," and nothing could be truer with the mail systems of
today.
But for all the numbers and machines, the importance of the
mails comes from its very form -- the written word. The
individual voice contained within the message of a letter can
convey more beauty and more power than any other form of long
distance communication. In a world of faxes, overnight delivery,
and fiber optic phone lines, nothing beats opening up that letter
from home.
up, to 60,000
Every week, I receive more than XXX letters from every state
in the Union and from nearly every country in the world. Letters
arrive from children asking questions about government and the
people
Presidency; from young adults stating their concerns about world
about
peace and the drug war; and from elderly citizens commenting on
health care legislation and foreign policy. The mails represent
the most intimate means by which the people of this nation and
other nations reveal their thoughts, their hopes, and their
dreams
concerns.
And so I salute your hard work over the many years, and wish
you good luck in your endeavors over the next five weeks of this
Congress.
God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you.
###
2B
The Wake Weekly, Wake Forest, N.C., Thursday, September 29, 1988
Nearly anything can be
sent through U.S. Mail
Birthday cakes are permitted.
take the mail anywhere," says Ms. Har-
So are scorpions although you're
ris, "whether it's down the street or to
not supposed to mail a tarantula, a
an Indian tribe living in a canyon.
spider, or a snake. Coconuts are fine, as
Nobody in this country is penalized for
long as they're clearly addressed. Fuel
where they live."
oil should be packaged so that it won't
Officials do occasionally draw a line.
leak.
It's been illegal to mail entire buildings
Those are only a few of the items peo-
since 1916, when a man sent a
ple have tried to put stamps on and drop
40,000-ton brick house across Utah by
off at the post office. "You'd be sur-
mail because it was cheaper than the
prised at some of the things we get,"
freight charges.
says Meg Harris, media relations officer
This year the Postal Service is unhap-
for the U.S. Postal Service.
py about handling disease germs and
Take the contents of a house. The
toxins, no matter how carefully they are
Postal Service does just that occasional-
packaged. Officials are proposing a
ly, when people figure out that they can
regulation that would keep contagious
wrap their belongings and mail them for
bugs out of mailbags.
less than it would cost to pay a commer-
cial mover.
Don't try to mail kittens or puppies.
"There are certain common-sense
Mailmen may brave rain, sleet, and
restrictions, but basically we accept
snow with never a whimper, but they
won't feed the cargo.
most anything as long as it doesn't
weigh over 70 pounds in one parcel, and
It's perfectly fine to send baby chicks,
it's properly wrapped," Ms. Harris tells
ducks, and bees. Newly hatched fowl
National Geographic News Service.
won't starve for the couple of days it
Sylvia Fox of Gainesville, Ga.,
takes to get them from one place to
recently mailed her household goods to
another. Bees seem to go into hiberna-
tion when they travel a fact that mail
Panama, where she had just been hired
carriers sometimes discover the hard
by the U.S. Embassy. The clothing, ap-
pliances, shoes, cameras, and silverware
way when they assume the insects are
dead.
all went into 175 packages that cost her
$975 to mail. A commercial moving
Lizards are OK if they aren't
poisonous. Also on the approved list are
company would have charged about
$5,000.
baby alligators, salamanders, tadpoles,
Notwithstanding popular gibes about
toads, goldfish, worms, leeches, snails,
how the post office mangles mail, Ms.
and eggs. Just be sure to pack the eggs
Fox noted that her packages all arrived
carefully.
in Panama City promptly and in good
A 28-year-old, 50-pound midget once
condition.
mailed himself from New York to Los
A woman in Blacksburg, Va., carved
Angeles on a $500 bet. It cost him
a pumpkin for her daughter's Hallo-
$68.15, compared to the first-class fare
ween party in Fairbanks, Alaska. She
of over $400. However, after the eight-
scribbled the address on the side and
hour flight in a styrofoam-lined crate,
mailed it without wrapping. Although
the wee man vowed to stay out of the
the Postal Service discourages mailing
mail in the future.
unwrapped objects, the pumpkin arriv-
Ms. Harris recently had a question
ed three days later in perfect condition.
for Francis E. Gardner, the postal of-
The Priority Mail bill was $10.
ficial in charge of deciding close calls.
They're still shaking their heads at
Ms. Harris had heard from a Baltimore
postal headquarters in Washington
columnist who was running a contest
about the contractor who mailed 6,000
for gardeners. The winners would
concrete blocks and 4,600 bags of ce-
receive quantities of manure from King
ment to a remote Eskimo village. Sam
Tut, a visiting circus elephant.
Krogstad's bill for stamps came to
The columnist wanted to know if he
about $45,000; the Postal Service
could drop them off at the post office.
figured the cost of delivering the
"I called Gardner," Ms. Harris says.
material came to about $180,000.
"I'm hysterical. He just says, 'Oh,
Although the shipment was legal,
elephant manure. I've been asked that
postal officials felt unfair advantage was
question before.'
taken of their duty to serve all comers.
No problem, Gardner told her. Not if
"We have a universal service and will
it's well-wrapped.
00
What's this?
People send the
strangest things
"It is not the intent of the United
States Postal Service that buildings
should be shipped through the mail."
-Statement by Postmaster Gen-
eral revising postal regulations, 1916
he package you deliver to-
day may follow in a long
tradition of mail that is
strange but true-including a
building sent parcel post.
That building-by-mail is perhaps
the most unconventional example
of posted peculiarities. Or perhaps
not. In 1889 a popular stamp col-
lector's guide complained that-
along with poodles, unboxed
glassware and hewn lumber-the
nation's mail also included pack-
ages of nitro-glycerin, which "can
make great confusion when they
are stamped."
Beware of long, skinny parcels.
From time to time live snakes are
sent through the mail-illegally.
To quote a clerk at the Detroit
post office when a snake slithered
out of its box on a conveyor belt
in 1970, "When it started moving,
everybody started leaving."
A woman in Ohio was charged
in 1973 with sending a dead snake
through the mail, gift wrapped as
a birthday present. She was feud-
ing with the addressee, who had a
lifelong fear of snakes.
continued on page 10
9
Female mail
Brick by brick
But Coltharp had ten tons of
In 1912, in the early days of
But as the crow flies, Salt Lake
parcel post, an Idaho family took
bricks yet to be mailed. Rallying
advantage of the rates and mailed
City is less than 150 miles away-
public support, he circumvented
putting Vernal in the second
their four-year-old daughter to a
the new rule by instructing the
postal zone for parcel post. The
brick company to address individ-
town 100 miles away. The post-
only postal requirement was that
master ruled that the girl met the
ual 200-pound shipments to a long
each parcel weigh 50 pounds or
list of Vernal merchants and
requirements for sending baby
less. The price was right and the
ranchers. The bricks came
chicks, and affixed 53 cents pos-
scheme was legal-so he had the
through; the bank was built.
tage to her coat.
brick company send his order par-
And NALC is proud to report,
cel post, brick by
not a single brick was lost in the
brick.
mail.
Naturally, the
bricks had to travel
the same rickety
-
539
route to Vernal.
4
Naturally, there
were delays in de-
livery. Every week
the railroad was re-
quired to file a re-
port of any mail
which was not de-
livered within
seven days. Sud-
denly the report
listed eight tons of
undelivered parcel
She was driven to the railroad
post.
station, seated in the baggage car
When there were 30 tons of
and delivered to the post office at
bricks somewhere in the mail, the
her destination-where her grand-
postmaster general sprang into ac-
mother claimed the young
tion. He issued new regulations
"chick."
limiting to 200 pounds the total
The Bank of Vernal, Utah, re-
weight that one party could
send to a single other
mains the biggest package deal in
the history of the USPS. When
party in one day.
W.H. Coltharp was erecting a
new bank building in 1916, he
needed 80,000 bricks from Salt
Lake City. There were no roads
between the two towns, and all
freight had to travel an expensive
and circuitous route of 427 miles
via rail, four-horse teams and
cable ferry.
10
POSTAL RECORD
APRIL 1985
Shana Alexander:
"Letters are expectation
packaged in an envelope." : 9
P 218
Memories are
made of this
Letter writing is
In honor of the Universal Postal Union's
100th birthday in 1974, the Postal Service
becoming a lost art,
issued a group of eight stamps, each one
featuring a detail from the work of a master
perhaps at the price
painter relating to letter writing. Four of the
of lost knowledge of
stamp designs bear John Donne's poetic words,
"Letters mingle souls," expressing the timeless
ourselves and our history
ability of letters to convey thoughts and feelings.
From the top, "La Belle Liseue," by Swiss artist
Jean Etienne Liotard; "Mrs. John Douglas," by
British artist Thomas Gainsborough; "Old Time
L
Letter Rack," by John Fredrick Peto, American.
etters have been called the world's
oldest form of communication. For
centuries they have linked people and
around the world. "Don't forget to
nations together. People put their
innermost thoughts in letters, professing
Universal
Liotard
write!" and "Drop us a line," are phrases
fast disappearing from our culture.
their loves and fears in the written
Postal Union
10cUS
"Letter writing is becoming a lost art,"
word. Marriages have been proposed,
says Sue Ann Craine of the
lives have been changed, and history
Educational Resources and Information
has been made through the mail.
Center in Urbana, IL. "And it's a
"Letters give you special memories
shame. Much is lost without letter
you can't replace," says Rose M.
writing. It helps you organize your
Gossett, general supervisor in Portland,
thoughts. And letters give you pieces of
OR. "When my first child was born, I
the past that you can save and re-read."
wrote him a letter. Now that he's
grown, reading that letter brings back
Nine billion letters
so many memories. The world doesn't
Before counting letter writing
stand still, but a letter can give you a
completely out, we have to realize that
small piece of the past that does. You
there are still a lot of letter writers out
can see what life was like for a moment
there. After all, 6 percent of 150 billion
in time."
pieces of mail is still nine billion
Writing letters was once an important
letters. Letter writing is still an
part of people's lives. Quiet evenings
Letters
Gainsborough
important means of communication for
were spent writing to a sweetheart,
mingle souls
many people, and delivering letters is
acquaintances, friends, an old school
Donne
1OcUS
an important part of our service to the
chum, military buddies, or someone
American people.
recently met with whom you would like
Letters are often a lifeline for families
to be friends.
who are far apart. Graciela Farah, a
But today, letter writing is on the
distribution clerk for more than 11 years
decline-personal letters make up less
at the Portland Division, left her native
than 6 percent of the mail the Postal
Cuba 20 years ago, leaving behind her
Service handles. Telephone ads
parents and a brother and sister. "We
pronounce, "reach out and touch
communicate mainly by writing letters,"
someone," and computers zap messages
4 POSTAL LIFE
FALL
Letters
Peto
she says. "Letters link us together. It is
Concorde in a couple hours. Writing
the time to read and write because
very difficult, and very expensive, to
letters doesn't fit in. It's easier to
pleasure has a different shade today and
reach my family by telephone, so we
telephone."
is measured on a different scale. The
rely on letters to keep us close. We
David Spitzer, superintendent, postal
telephone has supplanted letters as the
send pictures and tell each other how
operations, Muskego, WI, says that he
primary means of communication."
we are doing. My parents know my
has never been big on letter writing.
Even though she writes letters
children only through letters."
"During the past 10 years, I haven't
regularly, Portland supervisor Rose
The family of Cheryl Hart, a part-
written more than two letters," he says.
Gossett agrees that our lifestyles have
time flexible (PTF) clerk in Muskego,
"That's partly because my family and
changed our letter-writing habits. "The
WI, doesn't live as far away as Cuba,
friends live within my local area, so I
world is moving too fast," she says.
but they do live in other states, and she
talk to them in person, but it's also
"Letter writing takes too much time for
finds letters are the best way to keep in
because I'm just not a letter writer."
most people today. We have lost the
touch with them. "I usually write
personal touch.
letters to my family, most of whom live
Changing values
"I still write letters because you can
out of state. It's cheaper than the
Clinical psychologist Dr. Christopher
articulate things in a letter that you
phone, and I can say more."
Cummins, of Walter Reed Army
might not be able to in person. You
PTF clerk Debbie Westerdahl, Hart's
Medical Center in Washington, DC,
can tell people how you feel. And
co-worker in Muskego, agrees with her.
says, "I believe the main reason people
letter writing lets you think more
"I write letters to family and friends
don't write letters as often anymore is
clearly about what you want to say. I
who don't live within the local phoning
because we're living in an era of
know one thing. You have to write
area. I can relay much more
complete sociological and cultural
letters to get letters. But many of the
information in a letter for my money
change. Today, people want things done
people I know don't write letters
than I'd be able to in a long
quickly, and, it seems, with less
anymore, so I don't always get an
distance call."
intimacy. There's less willingness to take
answer.".
The fast lane
Even though letter writers are not yet
extinct, we can't deny that they aren't
what they used to be. The fast pace of
today's lifestyles is often the culprit
blamed for the decline in letter writing.
Photo by Robert Groff
Larry Humphrey, a mail handler for 17
years in Portland, OR, who writes
regularly to congressmen, the president
and other political leaders, says, "In
this world of television, video games,
instant communication and quick
remedies, few people have the time or
inclination to write personal letters
anymore."
Katherine Kiser, consumer affairs
representative for the Milwaukee
Division, admits that she seldom writes
letters. "As a working woman with a
family," she says, "my leisure time is
very limited. At least that is the excuse
I like to use for not writing when I
Rose M. Gossett, a general supervisor
in Portland, OR, still writes letters
should."
because "letters give you special
A customer account representative
Donne mingle Letters souls
memories you can't replace."
Raphael
who wished to remain unnamed said,
when asked if he wrote letters, "No,
Right: Portrait of Michelangelo, detail
10cUs
siree! When I get home I'm tired and I
from "The School of Athens," by
want to lean back and read or watch
Raphael, Italian, 1483-1520; next page
my favorite TV programs. We're living
"Lady Writing a Letter" by Dutch
in a fast-lane society now. We've got
artist Gerald Terborch.
fast foods, microwave ovens, fast cars,
and people can get to Europe by
POSTAL LIFE 5
The Bank That Was Sent by Mail
photos courtesy of Bank of Vernal
In 1916 mail carriers like these hauled the Bank of Vernal across the mountains-brick by brick.
by LEE REAY
W. H. Coltharp, a promi-
Lake City and Vernal.
(Maudie Mae Marsh, Sacra-
nent merchant, was erecting
mento, California, POSTAL
Freight and mail had to go
the building which would
to Mack, Colorado, 100 miles
LIFE correspondent, sent this
house the expanded Bank of
south of Vernal, by Denver &
piece from NRTA Journal.
Vernal. He had promised it
John E. Jones, Vernal's post-
Rio Grande Western trains,
would be the most modern
then be transferred to the
master today, obtained the
building between Salt Lake
photographs.)
wobbling, narrow-gauge Uin-
City and Denver. While
tah Railroad, which hauled
homemade red brick from
"Yep! This is the parcel post
gilsonite ore from the mines
bank-the only building ever
the local kiln was good
at Watson, Utah. At Watson,
to be shipped through the
enough for the inside wall,
goods and mail were loaded
United States mail."
Coltharp planned to face the
onto freight wagons drawn by
A contagious Irish smile
entire building with textured
four-horse teams, then hauled
crinkled the sun-tanned face
brick from the Salt Lake
north another 65 miles over
of Nicholas J. Meagher, 91-
Pressed Brick Co., 427 long,
the Book Cliffs mountain
year-old patriarch of Western
tiresome miles away.
range and across the treach-
bankers. He relaxed in his
By July, Coltharp was ready
erous Green River by cable
brown leather chair at the
to order 80,000 face bricks.
ferry to Vernal.
Bank of Vernal, Utah, and re-
But the cost of bringing them
Actually, the mail had to
counted the hectic summer of
by wagon freight was four
travel the same 427 tortuous
1916, when his bank earned
times as much as the bricks
miles as wagon freight-and
its unique title.
were worth. Undaunted, he
on the same set of wheels.
Bustling Vernal, he recalled,
looked for a better way. He
But it cost less than half as
had outgrown his old bank
found it at the post office.
much to ship 40 tons of bricks
with the single, small safe and
by parcel post.
Vernal was in the second
cashier's cage overwrapped
Postal regulations limited
with many layers of fine mesh
postal zone from Salt Lake
the weight of a single parcel
City, less than 150 miles-as
steel wire, intended to stop
to 50 pounds. But there was
44-caliber bullets.
the crow flies. In fact, there
no restriction on the number
were no roads between Salt
of packages or total weight.
14
POSTAL LIFE MARCH/APRIL
1971
Coltharp ordered 40 tons of
Vernal was in urgent com-
port. Dozens of them volun-
bricks, to be shipped in 50-
munication with the alarmed
teered to receive the 200-
pound packages.
postmaster at Salt Lake City.
pound shipments of bricks.
The brick company started
Postal inspectors from Denver
Now the matter was com-
shipping the bricks, individ-
were assigned to see that the
plicated even more. The Ver-
ually wrapped in newspaper
mail-carrying contractor de-
nal postmaster not only had
and overwrapped in lath-wire
livered the mail in the best
to receive the bricks, but also
crates weighing 50 pounds.
tradition of the postal service.
deliver them to consignees as
They mailed them a ton at
Their startling reports of the
much as five miles out on
a time. The first shipment of
growing mountain of undeliv-
rural routes. Through a flurry
40 crates startled the Salt Lake
ered bricks at the end of the
of official protests and sweat-
City postmaster and triggered
railroad were rushed off to
ing post office workers, the
a chain of events which rever-
the Postmaster General. He
bricks kept coming and the
berated all the way to Post-
called a top level staff meet-
consignees added them to the
master General Albert S. Bur-
ing which hurriedly rewrote
growing mountain of crates
leson in Washington.
postal regulations limiting to
beside the new building.
The D. & R. G. W. Railroad
200 pounds the total weight
Finally, the job was fin-
normally carried the mail sacks
of parcel post which one con-
ished. The trains of the D. &
for Vernal on the non-stop
signor could send to one con-
R. G. W. went back on sched-
Salt Lake City express to Den-
signee in one day. His letter
ule. Tired wagon freight
ver. At Mack, the train slowed
announcing the revised regu-
horses of the Uintah Railroad
and the mail sacks were kicked
lations appeared in every post
off. Suddenly, without notice,
rested. Whiskered drivers quit
office. It concluded: "It is not
cursing. The Bank of Vernal
there was a 2,000-pound ship-
the intent of the United States
opened three new tellers'
ment of parcel post brick and
Postal Service that buildings
the train had to stop a half-
windows and N. J. Meagher
should be shipped through
stacked the bullion in a stout-
hour to unload it. Schedules
the mail."
er vault. The people of Ver-
over the entire line were up-
set.
The Uintah Railroad had
000
even worse problems. Their
contract called for delivering
BANK
Parcel
the mail from Mack to Vernal
VERNAL
post
within seven days. Their
bank
wagon freight outfits were not
today
geared to handle 40 tons of
bricks. Each week, they were
required to report to the post
office all mail undelivered
But it was too late to stop
longer than seven days. There
nal were proud of their new
the flood of bricks. Already
was seldom anything to re-
bank. W. H. Coltharp was
some 30 tons were some-
satisfied.
port. Suddenly, the report
where in the mail system.
The United States Post Of-
listed two tons of undelivered
There were 10 tons more to
parcel post
fice Department wiped its
then five tons
come. At Vernal, Coltharp
then eight tons. The toil-
brow all the way to Washing-
was trying desperately to get
ton, D. C. The tradition of
ing horses and cumbersome
the bricks in before winter.
the postal service had been
freight wagons were doing
The new postal regulation
upheld and 40 tons of bricks
their best, but the avalanche
was a stunning blow. But
had been delivered without
of bricks was too much for
Coltharp was not easily dis-
them.
losing a single one.
couraged. Merchants and
Reprinted with permission from NRTA
The frantic postmaster at
ranchers rallied to his sup-
Journal. © 1970 by the National Retired
Teachers Association.
15
Bees survive United crash
TIMBERVILLE, Va. (UPI) A beekeeper said it was "amazing"
that all but one of the 120 bees he ordered from Hawaii survived
the fiery crash of United Airlines Flight 232 on July 19.
Warren Showalter said he suspected the bees were on the flight
when they failed to arrive last week as expected. On the Monday
after the crash, the bees arrived in a thick, torn envelope taped
up by the U.S. Postal Service.
Inside was a note from the Sioux City, Iowa, postmaster
explaining that the bees had been on the plane, which crashed
during an emergency landing after an engine failed. More than 100
people were killed but even more survived.
"It's amazing that they came through like that," Showalter
said.
Showalter said he ordered 10 queen bees, each with 12
attendants, from Hawaii because they do not have mites. One
attendant bee died.
upi 07-28-89 11:36 ped
LOS ANGELES TIMES
JUL 2 1989
House Passes
level
It also includes $148 million for
"Many of them [employers] may
$18.4-Billion
the new Office of National Drug
cancel their health insurance plans
Control Policy, headed by former
for employees rather than go
Education Secretary William J.
through all the red tape of Section
Benhett. most of which he is to
89," said Rep. Louise M. Slaughter
Spending Bill
(D-N.Y.).
disperse to law enforcement agen-
cies.
The rule was to take effect last
From Times Wire Services
I19
The health insurance provision
Jan. 1 but became so controversial
concerns Section 89, which was
that the Treasury Department de-
WASHINGTON-The House
enacted in 1986 and requires em-
layed its implementation until Oct.
approved an $18.4-billion appro-
ployers to demonstrate that their
1.
priation bill Friday that includes
health plane do not favor higher-
money to give most federal em-
paid workers.
The bill also contains $2.1 million
ployees a 3.6% pay increase effec-
Some business groups have lob-
to upgrade security at Vice Presi-
five Jan. 1.
bied Congress to drop the rule,
dent Dan Quayle's official resi-
The bill. passed 376 to 26 and
claiming that it is so complicated,
dence at the Naval Observatory in
sent to the Senate, also includes a
Washington and an additional
time-consuming and expensive
provision to delay for one year a
that it ends up having an effect that
$200,000 to help remodel and reno-
business-opposed tax rule designed
vate the third floor of the resi-
is the opposite of what was intend-
to encourage companies to expand
ed.
dence, which is used by Quayle's
the number of employees covered
three children.
by health insurance.
The pay hike will go to all'federal
civilian employees except for
members of Congress, federal judg-
es and top officials of the executive
branch. Congress may consider
separate legislation later this year
to increase pay for those groups.
The 3.8% pay increase was au-
thorized earlier when Congress
adopted the budget resolution for
1990.
Funds for the increase were
included in the appropriation bill
for the Treasury Department,
Postal Service and general govern-
ment.
The bill appropriates $5.8 billion
for the Internal Revenue Service to
fund 115,210 workers, an increase
of 1,399 over the current staffing
TRUMAN'S FIRST NIGHT IN THE WHITE HOUSE
"Some Birthday Present"
Franklin D. Roosevelt had died suddenly on April 12, 1945. A stunned
Harry Truman found himself President of the United States. The war was
still on, but the fighting in Europe was nearing the end. Truman moved
into The White House on May 7. The following day he sent a letter to
"Dear Mama & Mary" telling of his first night in The White House and a
wonderful present he was about to receive on his 61st birthday. Other
Presidents' letters are more eloquent, but none is more human and lively
than Harry's personal letters to his folks back home in Independence.
Harry Truman to His Mother and Sister
May 8, 1945
Dear Mama & Mary:
I am sixty-one this morning, and I slept in the President's room
in the White House last night. They have finished the painting and
have some of the furniture in place. I'm hoping it will all be ready
for you by Friday. My expensive gold pen doesn't work as well as it
should.
This will be a historical day. At 9:00 o'clock this morning I must
make a broadcast to the country: announcing the German surrender.
The papers were signed yesterday morning and hostilities will cease
on all fronts at midnight tonight. Isn't that some birthday present?
Have had one heck of a time with the Prime Minister of Great Britian.
He, Stalin and the U. S. President made an agreement to release the
news all at once from the three capitals at an hour that would fit us all.
We agreed on 9 A.M. Washington time which is 3 P.M. London and
4 P.M. Moscow time.
Mr. Churchill began calling me at daylight to know if we shouldn't
make an immediate release without considering the Russians. He was
refused and then he kept pushing me to talk to Stalin. He finally had
to stick to the agreed plan--but he was mad as a wet hen.
Truman - cont'd.
Things have moved at a terrific rate here since April 12. Never
a day has gone by that some momentous decision didn't have to be
made. So far luck has been with me. I hope it keeps up. It can't
stay with me forever however and I hope when the mistake comes it
won't be too great to remedy.
We are looking forward to a grand visit with you. I may not be able
to come for you as planned but I'm sending the safest, finest plane
and all kinds of help so please don't disappoint me.
Lots & lots of love to you both.
Harry
ALEXANDER HAMILTON'S FAREWELL LETTER
BEFORE HIS DUEL WITH AARON BURR
-- To His Wife Eliza
The Presidential election of 1800 ended in a tie between Thomas Jefferson
and Aaron Burr. This threw the election into the House of Representatives.
Hamilton considered his rival, Jefferson, the lesser of two evils. Jefferson
"is by far not so dangerous a man; and he has pretension to character, 11
Hamilton wrote. "As to Burr, there is nothing in his favor. His private
character is not defended by his most partial friends.
He is truly the Catiline
of America. " With Hamilton's support, Jefferson was elected President
and Burr Vice President.
Four years later, when Burr was running for the governorship of New
York, Hamilton cast similar aspersions to the character of Burr. Burr
challenged him to a duel. Hamilton did not approve of duels, but felt he
would be dishonored if he refused. After writing this farewell letter to his
wife, Hamilton met Burr on the field. Hamilton fired harmlessly into the
air, but Burr's shot was fatal. The killing of this "architect of a more
perfect union" was a tragic loss for America.
Hamilton's Farewell to His Wife
My dear Eliza-
This letter, my dear Eliza, will not be delivered to you, unless
I shall first have terminated my earthly career, to begin, as I
humbly hope, from redeeming grace and divine mercy, a happy
immortality. If it had been possible for me to have avoided the
interview, my love for you and my precious children would have
been alone a decisive motive. But it was not possible, without
Hamilton - cont'd.
sacrifices which would have rendered me unworthy of your esteem.
I need not tell you of the pangs I feel from the idea of quitting you,
and exposing you to the anquish I know you feel. Nor could I dwell
on the topic, lest it should unman me. The consolations of religion,
my beloved, can alone support you; and these you have a right to
enjoy. Fly to the bosom of your God, and be comforted. With my
last idea I shall cherish the sweet hope of meeting you in a better
world. Adieu, best of wives--best of women. Embrace all my
darling children for me.
A.H.
DOLLY MADISON TELLS OF FLEEING
BEFORE WASHINGTON BURNED
How The White House Got Its Name
After defeating a hurriedly organized American militia at nearby
Bladensburg, British forces entered Washington on August 24, 1814. They
arrived at the Presidential Mansion just in time to enjoy an uneaten dinner
prepared for President Madison and forty guests. Then, the British General
Ross ordered all the furniture to be piled up and the Mansion set on fire.
Soon the half-finished Capitol and all other public buildings were ablaze.
Amid all of the panic, Dolly Madison wrote her sister, telling of her
last-minute escape. In her hurry, she left behind many of her possessions,
but refused to leave without saving Gilbert Stuart's famous portrait of
George Washington.
After burning the city, the British withdrew. The Madisons shortly
returned to find the interior of their home burned out and the walls scorched
but intact. The interior was rebuilt, and the walls were painted white to
cover the smoke stains. -- ever since the Presidential Mansion has been
known as The White House.
Dolly Madison to Her Sister
Tuesday, August 23, 1814
Dear Sister, -
My husband left me yesterday morning to join General Winder.
He inquired anxiously whether I had courage or firmness to remain
in the President's house until his return on the morrow, or succeed-
ing day, and on my assurance that I had no fear but for him, and the
success of our army, he left, beseeching me to take care of myself,
and of the Cabinet papers, public and private. I have since received
two despatches from him, written with a pencil. The last is alarming,
Dolly Madison - cont'd.
because he desires I should be ready at a moment's warning to
enter my carriage, and leave the city; that the enemy seemed
stronger than had at first been reported, and it might happen
that they would reach the city with the intention of destroying it.
I am accordingly ready; I have pressed as many Cabinet papers
into trunks as to fill one carriage; our private property must be
sacrificed, as it is impossible to procure wagons for its trans-
portation. I am determined not to go myself until I see Mr. Madison
safe, so that he can accompany me, as I hear of much hostility
towards him. Disaffection stalks around us. My friends and
acquaintances are all gone, even Colonel C. with his hundred,
who were stationed as a guard in this inclosure. French John
(a faithful servant), with his usual activity and resolution, offers
to spike the cannon at the gate, and lay a train of powder, which
would blow up the British, should they enter the house. To the
last proposition I positively object, without being able to make him
understand why all advantages in war may not be taken.
Wednesday Morning, twelve o'clock. --Since sunrise I have been
turning my spy-glass in every direction, and watching with unwearied
anxiety, hoping to discover the approach of my dear husband and
his friends; but, alas! I can descry only groups of military, wandering
in all directions, as if there was a lack of arms, or of spirit to fight
for their own fireside.
Three o'clock. Will you believe it, my sister? we have had a
battle, or skirmish, near Bladensburg, and here I am still, within
sound of the cannon! Mr. Madison comes not. May God protect
us ! Two messengers, covered with dust, come to bid me fly; but
here I mean to wait for him.
At this late hour a wagon has been
procured, and I have had it filled with plate and the most valuable
portable articles, belonging to the house. Whether it will reach its
destination, the "Bank of Maryland, " or fall into the hands of British
soldiery, events must determine. Our kind friend, Mr. Carroll, has
come to hasten my departure, and in a very bad humor with me, because
I insist on waiting until the large picture of General Washington is
secured, and it requires to be unscrewed from the wall. This process
was found too tedious for these perilous moments; I have ordered the
frame to be broken, and the canvas taken out. It is done! and the
precious portrait placed in the hands of two gentlemen of New York,
for safe keeping. And now, dear sister, I must leave this house, or
the retreating army will make ame a prisoner in it by filling up the
road I am directed to take. When I shall again write to you, or where
I shall be tomorrow, I cannot tell!
Dolly
Cedar Rapids Gazette, July 19, 1989, Cedar Rapids, IA
LEWIS 3934
Yankees
REF
Neighbors photo by S. Maus Bettenga
AROUND THE TOWN
Darren Lewis, 14, Jeremy Lewis,
Family shows its true colors
16, and their father, John Lewis,
Kirkwood Community College
baseball coach, display their
idea of a properly decorated
with mailbox decor
mailbox. Darren plays baseball
with the Jefferson High School
freshman team, Jeremy plays on
Jefferson's varsity team.
t may sound a little "batty,"
but what else would you
baseball coach John Lewis ex-
expect from an enthusiastic
plains.
by one neighbor as the most
baseball family?
"We wanted to do something a
unusual in the neighborhood, has
A recent mishap with the family
little different when we replaced
half of a Dave Winfield model
van gave the Lewis family, who
it."
Louisville Slugger bat and half of
lives at 3934 Rollingwood Dr.
John grew up cheering for the
a baseball nailed to each side.
NW, a chance to show its true
Yankees as did his sons, Darren
The Lewises also have plans to
colors. The mailbox was de-
and Jeremy. One way they figured
decorate one of their home's
stroyed when the van rolled over
they could show their spirit was
bathrooms with a Yankee motif — -
it, Kirkwood Community College
by displaying it on their mailbox.
complete with Mickey Mantle
The family mailbox, described
posters and pinstriped wallpaper.
PHILADELPHIA ENQUIRER
July 25, 1989
The kitchen sink is in the mail
A German postal obsession comes unwrapped
By Roddy Ray
to records kept by the two friends.
Knight-Ridder News Service
A fox head from a fur collar. Toy
"Everything I see, I want to mail,"
cars. A five-deutsche-mark bill
NUREMBERG, West Germany -
Grinsemann said at his Nuremberg
(worth about $2.70). A license plate.
How many times have you looked at a
apartment, where he sat last week at
The postal service at one point re-
liverwurst and wondered, "If I ad-
a table piled with stamped and ad-
sponded with 20 pages of regulations
dressed that, put a few stamps on it
dressed things that had been
saying what can be considered a
and dropped it in a mailbox, would it
through the mail. Such as
postcard and what cannot. Grinse-
get delivered?"
Item 843: A page from the phone
mann made each page into a large
Well, wonder no more. Let it be
book, Hammer's name and address
postcard and mailed it to Hammer.
known that stamped and addressed
highlighted with yellow marker.
One that didn't make it was an
wursts do reach their destination. At
Item 1179: A slab of granite a foot
unaddressed envelope containing a
least, in West Germany they do.
long, four inches wide and an inch
cassette on which Grinsemann had
For 2½ years, law student Jan
thick. Postage - arbitrary, as usual
recorded Hammer's address.
Grinsemann, 22, has been mailing all
- about $1.75. "Printed matter,"
Most of the items were sent to
sorts of things, sans envelopes or
Grinsemann had stamped on it.
Hammer's home in the city of Roth-
other packaging, to Volkmar Ham-
"Small package," countered the Deut-
enburg ober der Tauber. He became
mer. 21, just to see if they would be
sche Bundespost with its own stamp.
so well known at the Rothenburg
delivered. About 90 percent have.
Item 1477: A gingerbread cookie.
post office that if you simply sent a
It started with Grinsemann's moth-
"Regrettably, this item has been
letter marked, "To Volkmar," in care
er's sunglasses, stamps on one lens
damaged, and therefore has been
of the town, he would get it.
and address on the other, and be-
provided with a protective cover,"
Hammer recently moved to Lon-
came an obsession. He has mailed
said a label on the plastic bag in
don to study engineering. The stove-
nearly 1,700 things so far, according
which it arrived, crumbling.
pipe hat should be arriving any day.
OHIO NEWS BUREAU INC., May 21, 1986, Columbus, Ohio
Rock cast
at postal
regulation
By Lee Stratton
Dispatch Staff Reporter
Some U.S. Postal Service
rules are not written in stone.
There's the rule that says a
parcel must be properly pack-
aged, for example.
"Unwrapped?" a Columbus
postal spokesman said. "We
wouldn't take it," he insisted.
That's what Jonathan Gilbert
thought, too, until he opened the
door of his Italian Village home
Monday. There stood a mail car-
rier, straining to. hold a 60-
pound rock.
No crate.
No wrapping.
Not even handles.
Just a rock with Gilbert's
name and address penciled on
the surface and a $6.67 postage-
paid sticker slapped on one side.
Gilbert, 33, a professional
sculptor, had sent for the sam-
ple of soapstone from a quarry
in Charlottesville, Va.
"I have a rock for you," the
mail carrier said.
"I was surprised," Gilbert
said. "The postman who brought
it was surprised. His boss was
surprised." None of them had
Jonathan Gilbert and his rock
Dispatch photo by Ray Owens
ever seen anything in the mail
like that before, Gilbert said.
rived Monday morning, seven
Galbreath at the Ohio Theatre.
"They just sent the raw mate-
days after mailing.
rial," he said. "It was like some-
Gilbert ordered the $20 sam-
Gilbert is the artist who
one had mailed an anvil.
ple-sized soapstone three weeks
created Over the Rapids outside
"It was so out of the norm. I'm
ago "to see how the surface is
the Dublin Rd. water plant, and
really surprised the post office
going to polish up and how it
Tree of Knowledge at Heritage
didn't want a string around it."
would carve for me." Soapstone
Village, 1151 College Ave. He
The stone didn't gather any
is a soft, massive variety of talc.
also sculpted the portrait of Co-
Local. postal officials deliv-
moss in the post office. It ar-
lumbus businessman John W.
ered the rock in a station wagon.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Contact Gary Stevens
# 268-6898
chaft speech factsheet
5wk. conference
170 nations to discuss
international mail
last time we bosted the U.P.U.
was in1897.
10 minutes
5-7 minuted
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
10/30/89
TO:
DAVID BATES/SIG ROGICH
FROM:
JOSEPH W. HAGIN
SUBJECT:
APPROVED PRESIDENTIAL ACTIVITY
EVENT:
Attend Opening Session of the Universal Postal
Union Congress
DATE:
November 13, 1989 - Monday
TIME:
10: 30 am
DURATION:
30 minutes
LOCATION:
Kennedy Center Concert Hall
ATTIRE:
Business Suit
REMARKS REQUIRED: Yes
MEDIA COVERAGE: TBD
FIRST )Y
P. .CIPATION: No
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION:
CONTACT:
Ed Horgan
,
TELEPHONE: OFFICE 268-2360
HOME
NOTE: PROJECT OFFICER, SEE ATTACHED CHECKLIST
Ed Rogers
Marlin Fitzwater
David Bates
James Cicconi
David Demarest
David Valdez
Fred McClure
Jean Lamb
USSS- PPD
Susan Porter Rose
Sig Rogich
Gary Walters
Patty Presock
John Keller
WHCA Audio/Visual
Chriss Winston
Tim McBride
WHCA Operations
Laurie Firestone
J. Bonnie Newman
C. Boyden Gray
William Kristol
Paul Bateman
John Herrick
Jackie Kennedy
Photocopy-Preservation
20e CONGRES UPU
1111
Washington DC 1989
and
1
Christina
0308b
ADDITIONAL POINTS REGARDING PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
TO UPU DELEGATES DURING OPENING CEREMONY
1. USPS REFERENCE: President's speech should include a
reference to the United States Postal Service, such as:
"Americans are proud of the job being done by our United
States Postal Service and its 800,000 employees."
2. INTRODUCTION: Postmaster General Frank will introduce
the President. A "double introduction" might be
appropriate, such as: "Mr. President, the people in this
audience have come here from every corner of the globe.
They are in the business of facilitating communications
to the five billion people on earth. And, delegates of
the 20th Universal Postal Congress, may I introduce the
President of the United States, George Herbert Walker
Bush." The "double introduction" is meant to compliment
both the delegates and the President.
3. THANK YOU/GIFTS: Following the President's speech,
Postmaster General Frank could say something like:
"Thank you, Mr. President. One of the traits you have
become well-known for is writing brief congratulatory
and thank you messages. In fact, during your brief
tenure as Chief Executive, you have probably generated
more personal correspondence than any other President.
And so, because of your personal interest in maintaining
an efficient postal system, we would like to present to
you this U.S. Postal Service letter carrier's cap and
mail satchel. Mr. President, you will note the wording
on the mailbag: "George Bush, Honorary Letter Carrier of
the World."
Another idea for a gift: PMG Frank could present the
President with a miniature version of the Universal
Postal Union statue which is located in Bern,
Switzerland. It features a globe encircled by natives
from each continent. The natives are passing letters to
each other as a representation of the UPU's ability to
link the world together through the posts.
OPENING CEREMONY
Delegates/Guests
From Washington Convention Center
8:30
Buses Arrive WCC
8:45
Buses Available for boarding
9:00
Buses leave WCC in Convoy of 16
9:20
Arrive Kennedy Center
9:30
Arrive Foyer in front of Concert Hall
9:30
Next 16 Bus Convoy leaves WCC
9:50
Arrive KC
10:00
Arrive Foyer
10:00
Doors Open
10:10
Wives of VIPs seated
10:20
Everyone else seated
10:30
Program begins
VIPs
8:00
Coffee for VIPs in the Latrobe Room of the Grand
Hyatt
8:35
Depart Latrobe Room
8:45
Leave Hyatt in 2 Buses
9:05
Arrive Kennedy Center and escorted through
special entrance, to Chinese Room for reception
(Spouses will be shown their seating and then
escorted to the Foyer to join the other attendees
for refreshments. When doors open, they will take
the seats they were shown.)
9:15
Arrive Chinese Room
(Other VIPs will arrive by car and are also
escorted to Chinese Room)
10:00
VIPs leave Chinese Room escorted via
elevator to Green Room through rear entrance
10:20
Arrive Green Room. Form receiving line
10:30
President arrives
President introduced to VIPs by Mr. Frank
with assist from Mr. Leavey. Pictures taken
(individual and group)
- 2 -
10:30
National Symphony Orchestra Conducted by
Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos plays William
Schuman's New England Triptych ( 15 min.)
10:43
VIPs leave Green Room escorted to marked seats
as soon as NSO completes selection
Mr. Frank and Mr. Murthy go to seats on stage
10:45
NSO completes selection (Will try to shorten)
10:45
"Ruffles and Flourishes"
Announcement off stage
Hail to the Chief
President enters and is seated
10:50
Mr. Frank introduces the President
The President speaks (for about 8-10 minutes)
11:00
President completes speech and leaves
(Handshakes all around)
11:05
Mr. Frank welcomes delegates and
introduces Mr. Murthy
11:15
Mr. Murthy acknowledges Mr. Frank
and thanks the United States on behalf
of the delegates for hosting the Congress
11:25
The NSO plays the second selection
12:00
Mr. Frank declares the Congress offically
open.
12:05
Mr. Wade makes announcement reminding delegates of
3 p.m. Opening Session of Congress, and that
transport back to the WCC is now ready outside
20TH UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS NEWS
20° CONGRES UPU
Washington DC 1989
FACT SHEET
NEWS RELEASE
20th UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
GENERAL
DATES: November 13 through December 14, 1989
SITE: Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
UPU: The Universal Postal Union, established in 1874, is the
second oldest continuous international organization in the
world today. With a current membership of 170 postal administra-
tions worldwide, the UPU exists to facilitate the exchange of mail
among nations and to secure the improvement of postal services
through international collaboration. Its functions include
providing technical assistance to postal administrations of
developing countries, serving as a clearinghouse for settling
financial differences, and disseminating information to member
nations. Since 1948 it has been affiliated with the United
Nations as a specialized agency.
CONGRESS: The UPU's supreme legislative authority is convened
every five years to establish policy and revise the Acts of the
Union, using as a basis the proposals presented by member postal
administrations. The decisions reached during Congress govern
international mail exchange for the following five-year period.
The Acts of the Union -- consisting of a constitution, general
regulations, and a convention supplemented by detailed regulations
-- are binding on all member nations. The Congress also
establishes the organization's budget ceiling for the succeeding
five years.
OTHER UPU BODIES
Executive Council (EC) -- Composed of 40 members elected by
Congress. Meets once a year. Implements UPU policy as determined
by Congress, coordinates and supervises UPU activities, studies
problems, formulates proposals. The U.S. Postal Service is a
member.
Consultative Council for Postal Studies (CCPS) -- Composed of
35 members elected by Congress. Meets once a year. Studies
technical, operational, economic, and technical cooperation
(more)
- 2 -
problems encountered by member postal administrations. It has
issued over 160 reports on the results of its findings since its
inception in 1957. The U.S. Postal Service is a member.
International Bureau -- The administrative arm of the UPU is
permanently located in Berne, Switzerland, and is staffed by 146
officials from 53 countries.
THE 1989 CONGRESS
ATTENDANCE: 1,500 including support staffs from individual postal
administrations, the International Bureau and U.S. Postal Service
support staffs. Delegates: Approximately 900. For list of
nations, see addendum.
KEY PERSONNEL
Honorary Chairman -- Anthony M. Frank, U.S. Postmaster
General
Chairman -- Edward E. Horgan, Jr., U.S. Associate Postmaster
General - International
Chief of Staff -- Thomas E. Leavey, U.S. Assistant Postmaster
General of International Postal Affairs
Secretary General -- Adwaldo Cardoso Botto de Barros of
Brazil, Director General, International Bureau of the UPU
Dean of Congress -- K. R. Murthy, former Director General of
Posts of India
Vice Chairmen Designees from France, China, the Soviet
Union, Zambia
U.S. Delegation -- Michael S. Coughlin, U.S. Deputy
Postmaster General, heads delegation, assisted by John G.
Mulligan, Senior Assistant Postmaster General Operations
Support Group
PROPOSALS: 800 to be considered, compared with over 1,000 at the
1984 Congress in Hamburg, reflecting a sharper focus on issues of
the most general interest.
FORMAT: The Congress begins and ends in a series of plenary
sessions with the middle half devoted to committee work.
Proposals are assigned to the appropriate committee from among the
following eight:
Finance Chaired by Japan; the vice-chairmen are Bolivia,
Turkey, Zaire
General Affairs -- Chaired by Switzerland; vice-chairmen:
Colombia, Sri Lanka, Togo
Letter Post, regulatory -- Chaired by Finland; vice-
chairmen: Angola, Pakistan, Venezuela
Letter Post, rates and payments -- Chaired by India; vice-
chairmen: Czechoslovakia, Ghana, Italy
Airmail -- chaired by New Zealand; vice-chairmen: Barbados,
Ireland, Poland
(more)
- 3 -
Parcel Post -- chaired by Hungary; vice-chairmen:
Bangladesh, The Netherlands, Senegal
Financial Services -- Chaired by Austria; vice-chairmen:
Chile, Gabon, Indonesia
Technical Cooperation Chaired by Cote d'Ivoire; vice-
chairmen: Brazil, Bulgaria, United Arab Emirates
There are two other committees:
Credentials Chaired by Argentina; vice-chairmen: Nigeria,
Portugal, Syria
Drafting (of documents) -- Chaired by Algeria; vice-chairmen:
Belgium, Canada, Congo
VOTING: Based on one postal administration/one vote regardless of
mail volume handled or population served. An electronic voting
system similar to the United Nation's will be employed. A postal
authority may be represented by another delegation by proxy.
LANGUAGES: Simultaneous interpretation of plenary and committee
sessions are offered in Arabic, Chinese, English, French (the
official UPU language), German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and
Spanish. Of the member postal administrations, there are 74 in
the English language group and 20 each in the Spanish and Arabic
language groups.
ISSUES
Organizational In response to the rapid pace of commercial and
technological developments in postal communications, there is a
need for the UPU to take action between Congresses. Proposals
include transferring legislative authority for detailed
regulations from Congress to the Executive Council, and giving the
EC authority to update rates once between Congresses. Other
elements include strengthening the UPU in improving the quality of
service worldwide, and in technical assistance for developing
countries.
Postal -- Terminal dues (the payments the origin country makes for
the cost of delivering its mail to the destination country) is a
focal point. One proposal would establish a new terminal dues
structure with separate rates for letter items and for printed
matter, and to relate rate levels more closely to costs. The new
structure would apply to mail flows above a 150-metric ton
threshold. The threshold concept would permit most of the
developing countries (75 percent of the UPU membership) to retain
the revenues and simplified accounting system associated with the
traditional single rate structure, while the developed countries
(85 percent of the world mail volume) could apply the new
structure. Other proposals include new optional mail classifi-
cation systems by priority/speed and by envelope size; conversion
of Article 19 rates into guideline rates, and standardization of
the weight limit for letter post items (except books, catalogs) at
(more)
- 4 -
two kilograms; requirement of service targets for international
air and priority mail and steps to attain targets; and approval to
permit use of bar codes in international services.
CONGRESS
HIGHLIGHTS
Nov. 13 -- Ceremonial opening at Kennedy Center (morning);
President Bush invited
-- Opening business session, Washington Convention
Center (afternoon)
-- Opening Dinner, National Building Museum (evening)
Nov. 16 -- General Debate (all day)
Nov. 25 -- "Be Our Guests" program where U.S. Postal Service
employees invite foreign delegates to their homes
to have dinner with an American family
Dec. 14 -- Treaty signing during the day
-- Closing dinner, Union Station
GENERAL DEBATE: "Caring for the Customer" is the theme of the
day-long General Debate, November 16. The purpose is to allow
senior postal officials a chance to step back from the legislative
and technical focus of the Congress to assess the world postal
scene and to exchange views and recommendations about priorities
for the next five years. The discussion will be broken into three
topics.
Knowledge of the Market -- Great Britain serves as panel
discussion leader. Other participants include Malaysia,
Belgium, Brazil, Japan, Pakistan, Sweden, Tanzania
Commercial and Operational Strategies of the Post -- France
serves as panel discussion leader. Other participants
include Burkina Faso, Australia, Argentina, Canada, German
Democratic Republic, India, Morocco
Management Structure and Systems at National and
International Levels -- Colombia serves as panel discussion
leader. Other participants include Jordan, Finland, The
Netherlands, New Zealand, Senegal, Switzerland, the Soviet
Union
Mr. Horgan will open the debate. U.S. Associate Postmaster General
Kenneth Hunter will be the moderator and make the summary remarks.
Based on recommendations arising from the General Debate and
decisions made in the committees, an Action Plan, reflecting UPU
priorities for the next five years, will be developed.
(more)
- 5 -
UNITED STATES AS HOST: The United States offer to act as host for
the 1989 Congress was accepted at the 1984 Hamburg Congress. In
1897 Washington, D.C. was also the site of the Congress which was
attended by 106 delegates and representatives from 56 member
countries. As a result of its role as host this year, the United
States not only chairs the Congress, but also will chair the
Executive Council for the next five years.
OBSERVER STATUS: Among the entities which hold non-voting
observer status at the Congress are the United Nations and the
10 Restricted (regional) Unions of the Universal Postal Union.
The United States is a member of the Postal Union of the Americas
and Spain. The others include the European Conference of Postal
and Telecommunications Administrations, the African Posts and
Telecommunications Union, the Conference of Posts and Telecommuni-
cations Administrations of Central Africa, Nordic Postal Union,
Pan-African Postal Union, Asia-Pacific Union, African Postal
Union, Arab Postal Union, and the Postal Union of the South and
West of Asia.
ELECTIONS: In addition to voting on the Action Plan and proposed
regulations, the delegates will elect the UPU Director General and
Deputy Director General, who will serve for the next five years,
as well as the member countries which will comprise the membership
of the Executive Council and the Consultative Council for Postal
Studies over the same period. They also will decide on the site
for the 1994 Congress.
PRESS CENTER: A Press Center will be operational every weekday,
8 a.m. to 7 p.m., throughout Congress at the Ramada Renaissance
Hotel, directly across Ninth Street from the main entrance to the
Washington Convention Center. The Press Center (Room 2, Meeting
Room Level) will provide interview/briefing room and work room
facilities for media representatives who have filed and been
approved for accreditation for the event. Direct questions to Bob
Hoobing (telephone Area Code 202 268-6975 through October and Area
Code 202 347-9282 on November 1 and thereafter. Traditionally
this Congress is a closed event but this year properly accredited
media will be permitted to attend several events. Interviews and
briefings will be conducted in the Press Center.
PREPARATIONS: James P. Wade, Director, Congress Operations, heads
a corps of 30 employees who have worked on the massive task of
preparing for the Congress in numerous categories. By the time
the 1989 Congress opens, the Congress Operations staff will reach
approximately 200. One of the areas involved is that of security,
supplied by the USPS Postal Inspection Service, the oldest law
enforcement agency in the nation. Other federal law enforcement
agencies will assist in providing appropriate security.
WORLD STAMP EXPO '89: Concurrent with, but separated from the
Congress, will be the first international philatelic show ever
hosted by the U.S. Postal Service, running November 17-20 and
November 24-December 3. WORLD STAMP EXPO '89 will be open to the
(more)
- 6 -
public in the Washington Convention Center (Hall D), but the areas
of the building designated for Congress will be closed to anyone
without proper credentials. The philatelic show will include 11
first day of issue ceremonies, one of which, a tribute to space
exploration on November 24, will feature Soviet cosmonaut Gherman
Titov and former U.S. astronaut Edwin (Buzz) Aldrin, Jr.
Philatelic sales, displays, exhibits and auctions will also be
included in the EXPO program. Media inquiries concerning WORLD
STAMP EXPO '89 should be directed to Margot Myers (268-6894).
HISTORY
UPU: By 1860, international mail, where available, was in a state
of chaos, encumbered by conflicting laws/regulations and dozens of
bilateral treaties. U.S. Postmaster General Montgomery Blair,
whose many innovations and changes revolutionized mail service
domestically, recognized the need for international postal sanity
even in the midst of the U.S. Civil War. His letter to the
Secretary of State in 1862 resulted in a conference in Paris in
1863 at which 15 nations discussed ideas and principles to serve
as a basis for future international agreements. Spurred by the
persistent statesmanship of Dr. Heinrich von Stephan, head of the
postal administration of the Confederation of Northern Germany, 22
states met at Berne, Switzerland, in 1874 and established the
General (later Universal) Postal Union which drew up a constitu-
tive treaty. The UPU has since become the first international
organization to use arbitration as a means of settling inter-
national disputes.
CONGRESS: Since its organization, the UPU Congress has met in
Paris in 1878, Lisbon in 1885, Vienna in 1891, Washington, D.C. in
1897, Rome in 1906, Madrid in 1920, Stockholm in 1924, London in
1929, Cairo in 1934, Buenos Aires in 1939, Paris in 1947, Brussels
in 1952, Ottawa in 1957, Vienna in 1964, Tokyo in 1969, Lausanne
(Switzerland) in 1974, Rio de Janeiro in 1979, and Hamburg in
1984. The Congress in 1947 created the Executive Council and in
1957 established the Consultative Council for Postal Studies
(CCPS). The 1897 Congress in Washington was held at the old
Corcoran Art Gallery. The 1989 Congress, spanning 32 days, will
be the shortest in history.
GENERAL DEBATE: The General Debate originated at the Rio de
Janeiro meeting in 1979. As a result of the two-day General
Debate in 1984, the Congress adopted the Declaration of Hamburg
which instructed the UPU to take action which would ensure the
improvement of international services, and launched a process
whereby the Executive Council, Consultative Council for Postal
Studies and International Bureau evaluate developments and
recommend solutions.
(more)
- 7 -
ADDENDUM
Following is a list of the postal administrations which belong to
the Universal Postal Union.
Afghanistan; Albania; Algeria; Angola; Argentina; Australia;
Austria; Bahamas; Bahrain; Bangladesh; Barbados; Belgium; Belize;
Benin; Bhutan; Bolivia; Botswana; Brazil; Brunei; Bulgaria;
Burkina Faso; Burundi; Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic;
Cameroon; Canada; Cape Verde; Central African Republic; Chad;
Chile; China; Colombia; Comoros; Congo; Costa Rica; Côte d'Ivoire;
Cuba; Cyprus; Czechoslovakia; Denmark; Djibouti; Dominica*;
Dominican Republic; Ecuador; Egypt; El Salvador; Equatorial
Guinea; Ethiopia; Fiji; Finland; and France.
Also, Gabon; Gambia; German Democratic Republic; Germany (Federal
Republic of); Ghana; Great Britain; Greece; Grenada; Guatemala;
Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Haiti; Honduras; Hungary; Iceland;
India; Indonesia; Iran; Iraq; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Jamaica;
Japan; Jordan; Kampuchea*; Kenya; Kiribati; Korea (Democratic
People's Republic of); Korea (Republic of); Kuwait; Laos; Lebanon;
Lesotho; Liberia; Libya; Liechtenstein*; Luxembourg; Madagascar;
Malawi; Malaysia; Maldives; Mali; Malta; Mauritania; Mauritius;
Mexico; Monaco; Mongolia; Morocco; Mozambique; Myanmar (formerly
Burma) Nauru*; Nepal; The Netherlands; Netherlands Antilles and
Aruba; New Zealand; Nicaragua; Niger; Nigeria; and Norway.
And, Oman; Pakistan; Panama; Papua New Guinea; Paraguay; Peru;
The Philippines; Poland; Portugal; Qatar; Romania; Rwana; St.
Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia*; St. Vincent and the Grenadines*; San
Marino; Sao Tome & Principe; Saudi Arabia; Senegal; Seychelles;
Sierra Leone; Singapore; Solomon Islands; Somalia; Spain; Sri
Lanka; Sudan; Suriname; Swaziland; Sweden; Switzerland; Syria;
Tanzania; Thailand; Togo; Tonga; Trinidad and Tobago; Tunisia;
Turkey; Tuvalu; Uganda; Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic; Union
of Soviet Socialist Republics; United Arab Emirates; United States
of America; Uruguay; Vanuatu; Vatican City State; Venezuela;
Vietnam; Western Samoa; Yemen Arab Republic; Yemen (People's
Democratic Republic of); Yugoslavia; Zaire; Zambia; and Zimbabwe.
* These postal administrations have indicated they will not attend
the 1989 Congress.
- 30 -
DRAFT
DRAFT
Remarks by Anthony Frank,
Postmaster General of the United States,
at the opening ceremony of
the 20th Universal Postal Congress
-o-
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Washington, D.C.
November 13, 1989
-- 10/18/89 --
Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, distinguished
delegates, honored guests, friends and colleagues:
As Postmaster General of the United States, it is my
privilege and great pleasure to welcome you to the opening of the
20th Universal Postal Congress.
On behalf of the U.S. Postal Service, I wish to thank you
for having made the long journey here from every corner of the
world. We are grateful for your having chosen the United States
as the place for this important event, and we are honored by your
presence.
I am especially pleased that the President of the United
States, the Honorable George Bush, [or Vice President Quayle or
Secretary of State Baker] is with us today to open this Congress
officially and extend greetings to you from the American people
and government. Mr. President, [or Mr. Vice President or Mr.
Secretary] we thank you for taking time from your busy schedule
to be with us.
It is also a distinct honor to welcome the Dean of the
Congress, Mr. K. R. Murthy, former Director General of Posts of
India.
The Dean serves, of course, as the spokesman for all
delegates, but to a large extent, he also embodies the very
spirit of a Congress. And I know you share my view that Mr.
Murthy will be a force for friendship and cooperation and
thus enhance all our proceedings.
Mr. Murthy's warmth and good will, his integrity and
professionalism, and his dedication to fairness and public
service are well-known. Further, as the first Dean from outside
1
Europe or North America, he adds a new and welcome measure of
universality to our history.
We thank you, sir, for the contribution you have already
made to the UPU during your distinguished career, and we look
forward to working with you these next five weeks.
It is especially appropriate that this Congress is taking
place in Washington, for it was in this city that the first
proposal for worldwide postal cooperation originated.
In 1862, the Postmaster General of the United States,
Montgomery Blair, observed the lack of a system for exchanging
international mail and concluded that the postal administrations
of the world should act in a more coordinated way. And, being a
man of action, he extended an invitation through our Department
of State to other governments to discuss the matter.
This led to an historic meeting of fifteen countries in
Paris on May 11, 1863, and resulted in adoption of the first
guidelines for the world's exchange of mail.
This collaboration proved so useful that later, in 1874,
under the leadership of Heinrich von Stephan of Germany, the
countries of the world met again and this time formalized their
arrangement by founding the Universal Postal Union.
At the time of his international initiative, Montgomery
Blair had already proved to be an outstanding administrator, and
we in the United States owe much of the foundation of our modern
service to him.
At any time the reforms and advances he introduced would
have been noteworthy, but the amazing fact is that they occurred
2
while the United States was engaged in a Civil War between the
North and the South.
Indeed, during the time of the Paris meeting, the fortunes
of war were going terribly for the North and the permanent
division of the country seemed a real possibility. Yet, work
toward a better international mail system went forward.
As part of the philatelic commemoration of this Congress, we
will soon issue an aerogram honoring Montgomery Blair, and we hope
that when you see it, you will appreciate the history behind it.
Later in the 19th Century, Washington again played an
important part in UPU history. It was the site of the Fifth
Universal Postal Congress, in 1897. Therefore, this occasion
marks the second time the United States has been the proud host
of a Universal Postal Congress.
One hundred and three delegates from 56 countries attended
the earlier Washington Congress, and, in a display in the
Convention Center, you will see photographs of them. They look
out at us from their time, faces from the past, like us in many
ways, yet truly of a different world.
The 1897 delegates came here by steamship and train, not
jetliner, and their trip took days and even weeks, not hours.
Since their time, man has split the atom, walked on the
moon, fought two devastating world wars, witnessed the birth of
many proud new nations, and expanded his knowledge in every field
of human endeavor.
But despite all these changes, one thing has remained
constant: The need -- the urgent need -- of mankind to communicate.
The delegates of 1897 met to address that need and so, too,
3
do we. It is our biggest bond both with the past and with each
other.
When that Fifth Congress met, the mails reigned supreme.
The only rival worldwide communications medium was the telegraph,
but many of the trans-oceanic cables were still being laid at
that time and the telegraph's reach was limited.
Today, of course, mankind has many more means of
communications available to it, and we can only delight in this
fact, for these new mechanisms have helped bring the world closer
and in doing so have made it better.
But let no one think that because the mail system is now
only one among many communications systems, its importance has
in any way diminished. The mails are today as indispensable as
ever.
Specialty delivery firms currently abound, and they, too,
serve a need. But they are selective about who and where they
serve and, despite their usual reputation for efficiency, they
could not handle our workload for even a day.
Only the postal system can reach and serve every man, woman
and child on this planet every day and do so at a price that is
in their reach.
Every day our administrations collect and deliver hundreds
of millions of letters, newspapers, magazines, books, catalogues,
parcels, circulars, and so on -- most of these, items that
private companies usually find unprofitable to handle -- and
think what the world would be like if this flow were ever to be
seriously disrupted. The economic consequences would be
4
horrendous, and people's lives would also be poorer in many other
ways.
I am very pleased that the theme, "Caring for the Customer,"
has been set as the focus of our general debate on Thursday, for
that is the heart of the matter. Indeed, I hope that the question
What do our customers want? will remain at the center of our
thinking for the whole of this Congress.
The hallmark of any good organization, be it large or small,
government or private, is flexibility -- a recognition that
conditions always change and a willingness to adapt to meet this
change.
We in the Universal Postal Union quite rightly pride
ourselves on our long history and our noble traditions. Yet, at
the same time, recognizing the changed environment in which we
operate, we must not fear to forge new traditions to wed
with the old.
We must, in other words, modernize -- both in the way we
handle the world's mail and in the way we relate to each other
within this venerable organization. And to do so, we must be
prepared to be bold, imaginative and, yes, even daring.
Modern management demands improved management structures,
increased use and mastery of technology, responsiveness to the
marketplace, research, skill in setting prices and fashioning
desired new services, sensitivity to public and governmental
attitudes, and a restless desire at all times to do things
better.
These are the qualities we must increasingly cultivate --
both within our individual administrations and in our joint
5
international activity.
To make up for the distinct limits on our resources, we must
draw on our creativity and resourcefulness -- and on help from
one another.
While respecting each other's differences, we must work
toward greater unity of purpose and singleness of action.
And because the world will not wait for us and our time at
this Congress is limited, we must act with dispatch.
We can do all these things, and I am confident we will.
Our task will be greatly assisted if we get to know each
other better, and in this connection I wish to issue a personal
challenge to each of you: I want to urge that every delegate
make a conscious and concerted effort every day to make at least
one new friend from another country and exchange postal views.
If we do this, we will generate a dialogue that will not
only multiply the quality of our personal experience, but we will
also increase our professional knowledge and our ability to act
as one unified organization.
I hope that everyone will take me up on this challenge and
spur his or her colleagues to do the same.
For our part, we of the host administration have worked hard
and long to create an hospitable environment in which the
business of the Congress can be conducted. And we have arranged
a schedule of social activity and excursions that we hope will
enable you to relax, to enjoy yourselves, and to get to know each
other and the United States better.
We Americans are very proud of our country, and we hope
6
that during your time with us, as you sample aspects of our
national life, you will begin to understand the reasons why.
One of the chief reasons is not hard to find. Indeed, you
can see it on any street in America. It is the diversity of our
people -- one of our greatest sources of strength.
The citizens of this land came from, or can trace their
roots to, every country of the world. So as you walk our streets
and mingle with our people we hope you will experience a sense of
kinship and feel at home -- and that your experience will make
you want to revisit our country many more times.
Again, and in conclusion, I wish to express my joy at having
you here and my fervent wish that you will find this time both
memorable and productive. Thank you.
#
#
#
7
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OER-PENTAGON
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UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS OPERATIONS
TELEPHONE 202 268-5567
SATES POSTA
TELEX
403792
TELEFAX 202 488-8777
UNITED
SERVICE
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
TO:
FROM:
ChRIstINA MARtiN
GARY STEVENS 268-689
ThE White HOUSE
(Name)
(Telephone No.)
UPU CONGRESS OPERATIONS
OFFICE OF RESEARCH
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
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DATE: NOV 1989
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UPU
information
WashingtonDCI969
THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
Postal Service to
Host UPU Congress
For only the second time in nearly a century,
the United States will host the world's postal
administrations during an international busi-
ness meeting known as the Universal Postal
Congress, November 13 to December 14, 1989.
Nearly 1,700 individuals representing 170
The Washington Convention Center
member administrations of the Universal Postal
Union (UPU) are expected to participate in the
five-week-long business session at the Wash-
settling financial differences and disseminat-
ington, D.C. Convention Center.
ing information of interest to member nations.
As host administration, the United States
Undoubtedly though, the most important
Postal Service is responsible for coordinating
aspect of the UPU's work takes place during
all logistical arrangements for this complex
Congress, which is the supreme, decision-
global gathering. (See attached "Postscripts"
making authority of the organization. Held
every five years in a different country, the
Universal Postal Congress resembles the Gen-
"As host administration, the U.S.
eral Assembly of its parent organization- -- the
Postal Service is responsible for coor-
United Nations.
dinating all logistical aspects of this
Business sessions are interpreted into
French (the UPU's official language), English,
complex global gathering."
Spanish, Russian, Arabic, German, Chinese and
Portuguese.
During Congress, members will consider
for more specific information.)
nearly 1,000 proposals within the context of the
A specialized agency of the United Nations
UPU Acts, that set of rules and regulations
since 1947, the UPU advances the goals of the
governing the exchange of mail between
world postal system by providing technical as-
member nations.
sistance to postal administrations of develop-
Just as in the United States Congress, much
ing countries, serving as a clearinghouse for
of the work of the Postal Congress is done in
1
T 202 695 1334
OER-PENTAGON
03
20°CONGRÉS UPU
information
WishingtonDC.989
THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
USPS Employees Will Play Major
Role at 20th Universal Postal Congress
To ensure a productive and memorable Universal
vember 1987. Screening took nearly a year and involved
Postal Congress, 101 bilingual U.S. Postal Service em-
testing in more than 100 U.S. cities.
ployees known as Guides will assist delegates in virtu-
Applicants were graded on listening comprehen-
ally every aspect of the five-week business meeting.
sion and speaking proficiency in one or more of the eight
Guides will help delegates during arrivals to and
languages. Individuals were also evaluated on their cul-
departures from the United States, at the registration
tural awareness, poise, and relevant work experience.
counter, and in the business halls of the Washington,
With the selection process completed, the 20th
Convention Center. Social func-
Congress planning team will now
tions - tours of postal facilities,
concentrate on preparing the
museum trips, weekend excur-
Guides for their challenging task
sions, sporting events and con-
ahead.
certs- will also receive Guide sup-
Training is divided into two
port.
phases, one involving a general cur-
Competency in one of eight
riculum and the second which in-
foreign languages was a key re-
cludes more specific instruction.
quirement in selecting Guides,
During the first phase, a two-
since many of the 2,000 postal offi-
TM
week extensive session at the Wil-
cals and their guests cannot speak
liam Bolger Academy in Potomac,
English. Guides were recruited
Maryland, Guides will study crpss-
with proficiency in French, Ara-
UNITED STATES
cultural differences, the history of
bic, Chinese, German, Japanese,
POSTAL SERVICE
the UPU, plans for the 20th Con-
Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and
gress, Washington's geography,
of course, English.
stress management and personal
According to James P. Wade, Director of Universal
image tips.
Postal Congress Operations, the Guides will contribute
Three weeks prior to the November 13 opening cere-
greatly to the overall impression that postal delegates
mony, Guides will be brought back to Washington for
and their spouses form about the United States and the
specific training in their Congress job assignments.
U.S. Postal Service.
Of the 101 individuals selected to serve as Guides,
Though a Guide's work will be rewarding, the job
60% are female, 40% male. Ranging in age from their 20s
will also be extremely difficult. "While Guides will enjoy
to their 60s, Guides represent nearly every imaginable
the excitement of meeting people from the world over,"
line of postal work including clerks, letter carriers, mail
says Wade, "our employees will work long hours, as well
handlers, mail processing supervisors and postmasters.
as evenings, weekends, and the Thanksgiving holiday."
No matter what region of the country they come
Competition for the Guide positions was fierce. More
from or what type of postal function they perform back
than 2,600 postal employees nationwide applied for the
home, all Guides anxiously await the beginning of the
101 vacanices when they were announced back in No-
20th UPU Congress and the experiences of a lifetime.
& 202 695 1334
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04
20°CONGRES
UPO
information
Washington DC1989
THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
America's Victorian Era Postal Congress
The last time the United States hosted a Universal
areas as money orders, C.O.D.s, parcels and periodicals.
Postal Congress was back in 1897, when, as in 1989,
Congress attendees were also treated to that particu-
Washington was the site of the international meeting.
larly American form of hospitality during specially ar-
Between May 5 and June 15, 1897, 102 delegates
ranged visits to nearby Washington landmarks.
representing 56 nations, free states and territories con-
On a trip to Mount Vernon, British delegate Spencer
vened in the specially decorated hall
of the Corco-
Walpole placed
a wreath on the First President's
ran Gallery of Art.
grave in a symbolic gesture of good-
Postmaster General James Albert
will. During a visit to Fort Monroe,
Gary's report of the Fifth Congress
delegates met the Commandant who
planning activities proudly notes that
treated them to a regimental parade
Post Office Department employees
by U.S. troops.
"cleansed the floors, walls and ceilings;
But, perhaps the most memorable
hung the walls with handsome draper-
visit was to the White House, where
ies; covered the floors with velvet car-
delegates were astounded by the lack
pets and rugs; furnished the various
of security. "That would never do
rooms with desks, tables, chairs and
with us," a British delegate was heard
articles of luxurious furniture and
to say. (Ironically, it did not do for U.S.
adomed them with growing plants, to
President McKinley either, who was
such an extent that the accommoda-
assassinated four years later.)
tions offered to the Postal Congress of
For the delegates, undoubtedly the
Washington were, at least, equally
most exciting part of the 1897 Con-
elegant to the accommodations offered
gress was a nine-day excursion along
to any previous Postal Congress."
1897
the east coast and midwest on a train of
Though General George Batcheller
nine Pullman cars.
was the well-liked Chairman for the
Stops were made in Pittsburgh,
1897 Congress, PMG Gary was inte-
Indianapolis, St. Louis, Chicago, Niag-
grally involved early on. In opening
ara Falls, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse,
remarks, Gary welcomed the as-
Albany, Boston, Atlantic City and
sembled delegates with eloquent re-
Philadelphia. At all points, reported
marks still appropriate today. "You
The New York Times, Americans
come as the messengers of peace and goodwill," he said,
welcomed the international postal dignitaries with en-
"as the visible embodiment of international comity, as
thusiastic receptions, elaborate ceremony and dinner
the advocates of international commerce, as the bearers
galas.
of friendly messages between communities widely sepa-
In his final report, PMG Gary reflected the senti-
rated yet closely united; and I salute you as the represen-
ments of his American postal colleagues: "A person who
tatives of advanced and advancing civilization."
has not had a similar experience cannot understand the
According to published reports of the day, delegates
strain involved in arranging all the details for a Congress
made considerable progress on the business front in such
composed of representatives of every nation of the world."
2 202 695 1334
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05
20TH UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
List of Countries Expected to Attend
20th Universal Postal Congress
T he following Occuntries and com-
monwealths comprise the entire mem-
Costa Rica (Republic of)
bership of the Universal Postal Union.
Cote d'Ivoire (Republic of)
Cuba (Republic of)
Members choosing not to send a formal
Cyprus (Republic of)
delegation to the Washington Congress
Czechoslovak Socialist Republic
may choose to appoint another country
Denmark (Kingdom of)
Djibouti (Republic of)
as their representative with full voting
Dominica (Commonwealth of)
rights,
Dominican Republic
Ecuador (Republic of)
Egypt (Arab Republic of)
Afghanistan (Democratic Republic of)
El Salvador (Republic of)
Albania (Socialist People's Republic of)
Equatorial Guinea (Republic of)
Algeria (People's Democratic Republic of)
Ethiopia (Socialist)
Angola (People's Republic of)
Fiji
Argentine Republic
Finland (Republic of)
Australia
French Republic
Austria (Republic of)
Gabonese Republic
Bahamas (Commonwealth of)
Gambia (Republic of the)
Bahrain (State of)
German Democratic Republic
Bangladesh (People's Republic of)
Germany (Federal Republic of)
Barbados
Ghana (Republic of)
Belgium
United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Belize
Northern Ireland, Channel Islands and
Benin (People's Republic of)
Isle of Man
Bhutan (Kingdom of)
Greece
Bolivia (Republic of)
Grenada
Botswana (Republic of)
Guatemala (Republic of)
Brazil (Federative Republic of)
Guinea (Republic of)
Brunei Darussalam
Guinea-Bissau (Republic of)
Bulgaria (People's Republic of)
Guyana
Burkina Faso
Haiti (Republic of)
Burundi (Republic of)
Honduras (Republic of)
Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic
Hungarian People's Republic
Cameroon (Republic of)
Iceland (Republic of)
Canada
India
Cape Verde (Republic of)
Indonesia (Republic of)
Central African Republic
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Chad (Republic of)
Iraq (Republic of)
Chile
Ireland
China (People's Republic of)
Israel
Colombia (Republic of)
Italy
Comoros (Islamic Federal Republic of the)
Jamaica
Congo (People's Republic of the)
Japan
1
2 202 695 1334
DEA-PENTAGON
06
20TH UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
postscripts.
-
us? as with any international organization. the
1
Universal Postal Union has its own unique organ-
izational structure. This list should provide you
with a better understanding of the UPU and in far
reaching impace.
UPU structure
Congress
Congress is the Universal Postal Union's supreme authority, convened
every five years in a different member country. Its main function is to
study and revise the Acts of the Union (Convention), using as a basis
the proposals presented by member countries. The decisions reached
during Congress govern the actions of the global postal system for the
following five-year period.
Executive
Composed of 40 members elected by Congress with regard for equit-
able geographic distribution. the Executive Council (EC) meets each
Council
year at UPU Headquariers in Bern, Switzerland. The TC ensures con-
tinuity of UPU work between Congresses and has temporary legisla-
tive power to settle urgent matters. The United States Postal Service
is # member of the Executive Council.
CCPS
Thirty-five members elected at Congress comprise the Consultative
Council for Postal Studies (CCPS). Responsible for coordinating stu-
dies into major postal problem areas, the CCPS has published more
than 160 technical, operational and economic reports since its incep-
tion in 1957. The United States Postal Service is a member of CCPS.
Intl
Since the UPU was established in 1874, a central administrative
headquarters known as the International Bureau (IB) has function-
Bureau
ed in Bern, Switzerland. Between Congresses, the IB disseminates
information to all member countries, serves as a clearinghouse for
the settlement of financial disputes and prepares for the work of
Congress
Restricted
Within the framework of the UPU are nine restricted unions com-
prised of member countries sharing similar regional or cultural
Unions
problems. Though not permitted to participate in Congress delib-
erations, restricted unions can attend as observers. The USPS is a
member of the Postal Union of the Americas and Spain (PUAS)
consisting of Canada, Mexico, Latin and South America and Spain.
MR. K. R. MURTHY (muhr'-te)
At the time of his retirement at the end of 1986,
Mr. Murthy was Director General of Posts of India, a
position comparable to that of Postmaster General.
He has wide experience in Universal Postal Union
work, dating back almost 20 years. He headed India's
International Operations from 1969 to 1974 and chaired
the Finance Committee at the 1974 Lausanne Congress of
the Universal Postal Union (UPU).
He has led India's delegation to numerous meetings of
the UPU's Executive Council and Consultative Council
for Postal Studies.
He has also carried out postal technical assistance
missions sponsored by the UPU, and since his retire-
ment has taken on other technical assistance projects.
His most recent assignment was in Tanzania.
Mr. Murthy is highly respected throughout the
international postal community, among both
industrialized and developing countries --
a very distinct asset in his role as Dean of the
Washington Congress. In his capacity as Dean, he
serves to facilitate the entire progress of the
Congress. He acts as a sounding board and elder
statesman, providing guidance and helping to mediate
controversies that might arise during the Congress.
He is sincere and genuinely dedicated to his role as
Dean and to helping achieve a successful Washington
Postal Congress.
DRAFT
ADDRESS BY DOYEN, 20TH CONGRESS
INAUGURAL FUNCTION, NOVEMBER 1989.
SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE DELEGATES FROM DIFFERENT
POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS WHO ARE PARTICIPATING IN THIS THE
20TH CONGRESS OF THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION, I HAVE THE
GREAT HONOR AS THE DOYEN OF THIS CONGRESS, OF EXPRESSING
OUR GRATITUDE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA FOR INVITING OUR UNION TO HOLD ITS CONGRESS HERE
IN WASHINGTON. WE HAVE ALL BEEN GIVEN A WARM AND
AFFECTIONATE WELCOME ON OUR ARRIVAL HERE, AND WE DEEPLY
APPRECIATE THE FRIENDLINESS THAT HAS BEEN so SPONTANEOUS
AND OVERWHELMING.
WE ARE HIGHLY APPRECIATIVE OF THE PRESENCE HERE TODAY OF
THE HONORABLE GEORGE HERBERT WALKER BUSH, PRESIDENT OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. HE HAS BESTOWED ON OUR
UNION A GREAT HONOR BY AGREEING TO ATTEND THE
INAUGURATION OF THIS 20TH CONGRESS OF THE UNION. THE
CLOSE INTEREST OF THE POSTAL ADMINISTRATION OF THIS
COUNTRY IN THE PROGRESS OF THE UNION IS WELL KNOWN. IT
HAS OVER THE YEARS BECOME A TRADITION. MANY OF US HERE
CAN RECALL THE CONSTANT INTEREST SHOWN BY THE UNITED
STATES POSTAL ADMINISTRATION, IN THE MODERNIZATION OF
THE POST, IN EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE,
IN FURTHERING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, AND IN ENSURING
THE CLOSER INTEGRATION OF THE WORLD POST.
HAVING THE UNIQUE DISTINCTION OF BEING THE BIGGEST
POSTAL ADMINISTRATION IN OUR UNION, THE UNITED STATES
POSTAL SERVICE HAS CONSTANTLY ENDEAVOURED TO FURTHER THE
CAUSE OF THE POST, AND ASCERTAIN AND SERVE THE NEEDS OF
ITS CLIENTS. ITS EFFORTS AND EXPERIENCES IN THESE AREAS
HAVE ALSO BEEN OF INESTIMABLE VALUE TO THE OTHER MEMBERS
OF THE UNION.
IT IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THE UNION IS HOLDING ITS
CONGRESS IN THIS COUNTRY. IN 1897, THE ADMINISTRATION
OF THIS COUNTRY HAD THE HONOR OF ORGANIZING THE CONGRESS
WHEN WE LOOK BACK ON THE EFFORTS OF THOSE TIMES, WE
REMEMBER THE PIONEERING EFFORTS OF HEINRICH VON STEPHAN
OF THE GERMAN POSTAL ADMINISTRATION, WE SEE THE IMAGE
AND RECALL THE IDEAS OF MONTGOMERY BLAIR, FORMER
- 2 -
POSTMASTER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR AN
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT, AND MANY OTHERS WHOSE EFFORTS
HAVE HELPED TO MOLD US INTO A STRONG AND PURPOSEFUL
UNION OF POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS, DEVOTED TO THE SERVICE
OF THE MEMBER COUNTRIES, AND TO THE ENRICHMENT OF OUR
LIVES, SOCIALLY, CULTURALLY, AND ECONOMICALLY.
ON BEHALF OF ALL POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS OF THE UNION, I
HAVE GREAT PLEASURE IN THANKING ANTHONY M. FRANK, THE
POSTMASTER GENERAL OF THIS COUNTRY, FOR HIS KIND WORDS
OF WELCOME. ORGANIZING A CONGRESS IS A HIGHLY SKILLED
UNDERTAKING. IT HAS ENTAILED CONSIDERABLE STUDY AND
PREPARATORY WORK, LIAISON WITH A NUMBER OF OTHER
DEPARTMENTS AND UNDERTAKINGS, AND APPRECIABLE COMMITMENT
OF RESOURCES AS WELL.
To START WITH, THE ADMINISTRATION HAS SET UP WHAT HAS
PROVED TO BE AN EFFICIENT AND ENERGETIC TEAM TO ORGANIZE
THE CONGRESS. THE SMOOTH PROGRESS IN THE ORGANIZATION
OF THE CONGRESS HAS BEEN POSSIBLE AS A RESULT OF
EXEMPLARY TEAMWORK, ADEQUATE DELEGATION OF POWERS AND
DUTIES, AND CONSTANT MONITORING AS WELL.
- 3 -
I AM CONFIDENT THAT THESE EFFORTS WILL HELP TO MAKE OUR
STAY HERE IN WASHINGTON COMFORTABLE, AND OUR WORK HERE
AT THIS CONGRESS, INTERESTING, AND SUCCESSFUL. ON
BEHALF OF ALL THE DELEGATES, I HAVE GREAT PLEASURE IN
EXPRESSING OUR GRATITUDE TO OUR HOSTS, THE UNITED STATES
POSTAL ADMINISTRATION. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO TAKE THIS
OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS OUR APPRECIATION TO THE
AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON FOR THE MANY
FACILITIES MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE HOLDING OF THE
CONGRESS.
THE 20TH CONGRESS IS BEING HELD AS THE 21ST CENTURY IS
FAST APPROACHING US WITH ITS PROMISE OF IMMENSE
TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS. IN SUCH AN ERA OF CHANGE, THE
FRUITS OF PROGRESS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO ALL SECTIONS
OF THE COMMUNITY. As PARTNERS IN AN INTERNATIONAL
EFFORT, THERE IS NEED FOR US GETTING CLOSER TO EACH
OTHER FOR GREATER UNDERSTANDING, AND COMMON, AND UNITED
EFFORT. IF THE WORLD POST HAS TO PROGRESS AS AN
ORGANIZATION, THERE IS NEED FOR THE PROGRESS OF ALL ITS
CONSTITUENT UNITS. FOR THE POST HAS NO FRONTIERS, AND
- 4 -
THE STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS IN AN ADMINISTRATION IS TRULY
REFLECTED IN THE QUALITY OF SERVICE OF NOT ONLY ONE'S
OWN ADMINISTRATION BUT IN A NUMBER OF OTHERS AS WELL.
WE THE MEMBERS OF THE UNION COME FROM DIFFERENT
GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS, AND OUR NATIONAL GOALS AND NEEDS
VARY GREATLY. CONSISTENT WITH OUR NEEDS, SOME OF US
WILL HAVE TO TAKE GREATER ADVANTAGE OF THE NEW
TECHNOLOGY BECOMING AVAILABLE. SOME OTHERS AMONG US
WILL HAVE TO ENSURE THAT OUTDATED METHODS OF WORK ARE
GIVEN UP, AND TAKE STEPS TO EFFECT SIMPLIFICATION AND
RATIONALIZATION OF WORK PROCEDURES. THE CHARACTER AND
COMPOSITION OF OUR CLIENTELE IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING. THE
NEEDS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND OTHER NEW GROUPS OF
CUSTOMERS WILL HAVE TO BE CONSTANTLY REVIEWED AND
IDENTIFIED. BETTER TRAINING METHODS AND MOTIVATION FOR
THE STAFF ARE OTHER AREAS THAT WILL DEMAND OUR ATTENTION.
SOME ASPECTS OF THIS CHANGING SITUATION HAVE BEEN
APPARENT TO US AND HAVE BEEN ENGAGING OUR ATTENTION FOR
SOME TIME. BUT AS WE APPROACH THE TURN OF THE CENTURY,
- 5 -
WE SUDDENLY FIND MANY RURAL COMMUNITIES AND HITHERTO
PREDOMINANTLY AGRICULTURAL NATIONS NEWLY INVOLVED IN
INDUSTRY, TRADE, AND COMMERCE IN EVER INCREASING
MEASURE. POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS IN DEVELOPED AS WELL AS
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, FACE A WIDE VARIETY OF DEMANDS
FROM AN ENTHUSIASTIC AND EXACTING CLIENTELE.
TOWARDS ASSESSING THE OVERALL SITUATION, WE WILL BE
ENGAGING OURSELVES IN A CLOSE EXAMINATION OF THE EFFORTS
ALREADY UNDERTAKEN. WE WILL BE IN THE MIDST OF A DEBATE
IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS TO ASSESS FUTURE TRENDS, TO OUTLINE
THE NEED FOR ACTION, AND DRAW UP THE WORK PROGRAM FOR
THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. THIS DEBATE SHOULD HELP US TO SEE
THE EMERGING SITUATION IN SOME OF THE DEVELOPING AND
DISADVANTAGED POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS. BURGEONING
QUANTITIES OF MAIL, CHALLENGES FROM NEW COMPETITORS, A
DISCERNING CLIENTELE, NEED FOR CONSTANT EFFORTS TO
MAINTAIN THE QUALITY OF SERVICE AT A HIGH LEVEL, ARE
OTHER ASPECTS WHICH WILL ENGAGE OUR ATTENTION.
- 6 -
THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION, WHICH WAS FOUNDED IN 1874,
HAS BEEN GROWING IN STRENGTH. WE HAVE 170 MEMBERS
TODAY. WE HAVE WELDED OURSELVES INTO A TRULY INTEGRATED
ORGANIZATION, AND THE EXCHANGE OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION,
AND OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCES BETWEEN US THE MEMBER
COUNTRIES HAS HELPED TO STRENGTHEN EACH OF OUR
ADMINISTRATIONS. THIS CLOSE KNIT UNITY AND OUR JOINT
EFFORTS IN THE SERVICE OF OUR CLIENTS IS OUR STRENGTH
AND OUR FUTURE AS WELL. I AM CONFIDENT THAT IN THE
YEARS TO COME, THIS STRENGTH WILL GROW FURTHER AND HELP
TO MAINTAIN OUR TRADITION OF SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE ALL
OVER THE WORLD.
CONCLUDING, I WOULD LIKE THROUGH YOU, POSTMASTER GENERAL
FRANK, TO EXTEND ON BEHALF OF POSTAL OFFICIALS FROM ALL
OVER THE WORLD, OUR GREETINGS TO THE POSTAL OFFICIALS OF
YOUR COUNTRY. I ALSO HAVE GREAT PLEASURE IN EXTENDING
GREETINGS, TO ALL OUR GUESTS OF HONOUR WHO ARE HERE THIS
MORNING.
- 7 -
2 202 695 1334
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01
UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS OPERATIONS
TELEPHONE 202 268-5567
SATES POSTA
TELEX
403792
TELEFAX 202 488-8777
UNITED
SERVICE
EN
*******
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
TO:
FROM:
ChRIstINA MARTIN
GARY STEVENS 268-6898
ThE White HOUSE
(Name)
(Telephone No.)
UPU CONGRESS OPERATIONS
OFFICE OF RESEARCH
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
ROOM 111½
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20289-8901
456- 7750
NUMBER OF PAGES: $ 2
DATE: Nov 1989
1 and
to follow
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ALL PAGES, PLEASE CONTACT SENDER IMMEDIATELY.
Transmitted from: Ownifax at UPUCO
FOR ASSISTANCE, PLEASE DIAL (202)268-5567/5561/5422.
H 202 695 1334
OEA-PENTAGON
02
20TH UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
postscripts
congress
D
uring a Postal Congress, the leadership
2
plays an important role by ensuring objectivity
and thorough treatment of all proposais. The
list below Includes the major Congress execu-
tives and decision-makers.
leadership
Honorary
During Congress, the host administration selects an Honorary Chairman,
generally a high-ranking government official affiliated with the postal
Chairman
system of that country. Though not officially presiding during Congress,
the Honorary Chairman does host and/or attend important social events
and provides an added degree of prestige to all activities.
The 20th Congress Honorary Chairman is PMG Anthony M. Frank.
Chairman
Ferhaps the most important position at at Universal Postal Congress is that of
the Chairman, who must direct the activities of the five-week business
meeting. Generally, the Congress Chairman is a high-ranking postal
executive with an international postal affairs background. 20th Congress
Chairman: Edward E. Horgan, Jr., Assoc. Postmaster General International.
Chief of Staff
The Congress Chief of Staff assists the Chairman with all business matters by
serving as a key liaison with the UPU's International Bureau (Congress Secre-
tariat), meeting with delegations to resolve problems outside the Congress
floor, handling diplomatic matters, and troubleshooting on key issues. The
Chief of Staff for the 20th Congress is Thomas E. Leavey, Assistant Postmaster
General for International Postal Affairs.
Dean
Generally,a retired, high-ranking postal executive from a UPU member
country is selected as Dean (or Doyen), as non-legislative, ceremonial position.
For the 20th Congress, the former Postmaster General of India - Mr. K.R.
Marthy - will serve as Dean.
Secretary
The UPU's Director General of the International Bureau serves as Secretary
General during Congress. This facilitates a smooth transition of authority.
General
For the 20th Congress, the UPU Director General Mr. Adwaldo Cardoso
Botto de Barros of Brazil will be Secretary General.
Committee
The UPU's work is done through committees that study topics such as postal
operations, mail processing, service quality and rates. During Congress,
Chairmen
Committee Chairmen must perpetuate objective discussions for proposals
presented before their group. Most proposals are resolved in committee
without everhaving been considered by the entire UPU membership.
R 202 695 1334
OEA-PENTAGON
03
20TH UNIVERSAL POSTAL CONGRESS
postscripts
congress
B
y tradition, the Congress host country organ-
izes all logistical aspecis of the meeting. Below
3
are some of the challenging tasks confronting
Washington's Congress planning team.
logistics
For five weeks, Congress delegates will conduct their business at
Meeting
the Washington Convention Center located in the center of the
nation's capital. In just four days, the USPS general services con-
Site
tractor - Hargrove - will transform this 780,000-square-foot hall
into a friendly and functional setting with 300 delegation offices,
a special post office, two large meeting halls with electronic voting
boards and simultaneous interpretation equipment, and much more.
Delegate
Delegates will be provided a level of American hospitality extend-
ed to all foreign dignitaries. Nearly 1,700 hotel reservations
will be made (delegates pay for their own moms); a computerized
Services
registration counter will ensure speedy check-in an efficient arrivals
and departures program will assist delegates at airports; a Congress
bank will offer competitive exchange rates for foreign currencies.
along with many other services.
Traditional ceremonies, dinners, tours and excursions provide del-
Special
egates with an opportunity to learn more about each other and the
host country. During the 20th Congress, delegates will visit the his-
Programs
toric cities of Charlottesville and Baltimore, tour Mount Vernon, and
see many other uniquely American sights. Also planned are an open-
ing ceremony at Kennedy Center and dinners at Union Station and the
National Building Museum.
Security
The United States Postal Inspection Service, the nation's oldest law
enforcement agency, will provide appropriate security for the 20th
Congress. Washington's local authorities, along with federal law
enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation
and Secret Service will assist the USPS Inspection Service as needed.
WORLD
An international philatelic exhibition, "WORLD STAMP EXPO '89,"
will occur from November 17 through December 3 in Hall D of the
STAMP
Washington Convention Center. Though the stamp show will be
EXPO '89
open to the public, the areas of the building designated for Congress
use will be closed to anyone without proper credentials.
The
Oxford Dictionary of
Quotations
THIRD EDITION
Oxford New York Toronto Melbourne
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
1979
DONNE
DONNE
DOUGLAS
Prisons of flesh.
vii
But swear thou think'st I love thee, and no more.
out. Methusa
The Token
but a mushro
1 So, of a lone unhaunted place possesst,
15 I am two fools, I know,
all the four M
Did this soul's second inn, built by the guest,
This living buried man, this quiet mandrake, rest.
For loving, and for saying so
years, and all
xvi
In whining Poetry.
Queens of th
The Triple Fool
some gathere
2 Is any kind subject to rape like fish?
16 I have done one braver thing
All in one M
xxix
Than all the Worthies did,
Ixxiii, 30 Apr.
3 Nature's great masterpiece, an Elephant,
And yet a braver thence doth spring,
1 I throw myse
The only harmless great thing
Which is, to keep that hid.
and invite G
Still sleeping stood; vexed not his fantasy
The Undertaking
are there, In
Black dreams; like an unbent bow, carelessly,
17 So let us melt, and make no noise,
of a fly, for t
His sinewy proboscis did remissly lie.
xxxix
No tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move,
a door.
"Twere profanation of our joys
1xxx, 12 Dec. 1
4
She knew treachery,
To tell the laity our love.
2 A memory o
Rapine, deceit, and lust, and ills enow
A Valediction Forbidding Mourning
tomorrow's d
To be a woman.
18 Thy firmness makes my circle just,
mine ear, a li
li
And makes me end, where I begun.
a fancy, a Ch
5 When my grave is broke up again
19 But I do nothing upon my self, and yet I am mine own
prayer. So ce
Some second guest to entertain,
Executioner.
spiritual thin
(For graves have learnt that woman-head
Devotions upon Emergent Occasions. Meditation XII
3 They shall a
To be to more than one a bed)
And he that digs it spies
20 No man is an Island, entire of it self; every man is a
Surely the L
piece of the Continent, a part of the main; if a clod be
but the house
A bracelet of bright hair about the bone,
washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as
that gate they
Will he not let us alone?
The Relic
if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy
dwell, where
friends or of thine own were; any man's death
darkness nor
6
On a huge hill,
diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind;
nor silence, I
Cragged, and steep, Truth stands, and he that will
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell
but one equa
Reach her, about must, and about must go.
tolls; It tolls for thee.
equal commu
Satyre III, 1.79
Meditation XVII
beginnings, I
XXVI Sermon
7 Sweetest love, I do not go,
21 John Donne, Anne Donne, Un-done.
For weariness of thee,
Letter to his Wife
Nor in hope the world can show
A fitter Love for me;
22 Man is but earth; 'Tis true; but earth is the centre.
LORD ALF
But since that I
That man who dwells upon himself, who is always
4 I am the Lov
conversant in himself, rests in his true centre.
Two Loves
Must die at last, 'tis best,
LXXX Sermons (1640), v, Christmas Day, 1627
To use my self in jest
Thus by feigned deaths to die.
23 It [Death] comes equally to us all, and makes us all
BISHOP GA
Song
equal when it comes. The ashes of an Oak in the
Chimney, are no epitaph of that Oak, to tell me how
5 And all smal
8 Go, and catch a falling star,
high or how large that was; It tells me not what flocks
Welcum the
Get with child a mandrake root,
it sheltered while it stood, nor what men it hurt when
Eneados, bk
Tell me, where all past years are,
Or who cleft the Devil's foot.
it fell. The dust of great persons' graves is speechless
Song, Go and Catch a Falling Star
too, it says nothing, it distinguishes nothing: As soon
JAMES DO
the dust of a wretch whom thou wouldest not, as of a
6 Here lies he
9
And swear
Prince whom thou couldest not look upon, will trouble
Of John Knox,
No where
thine eyes, if the wind blow it thither; and when a
Preedy, Life of
Lives a woman true and fair.
whirlwind hath blown the dust of the Churchyard into
10 Though she were true, when you met her,
the Church, and the man sweeps out the dust of the
KEITH DO
And last, till you write your letter,
Church into the Churchyard, who will undertake to sift
those dusts again, and to pronounce, This is the
7 If at times m
Yet she
Will be
Patrician, this is the noble flower, and this the
through whic
yeomanly, this the Plebeian bran.
constellation
False, ere I come, to two, or three.
XV, 8 March 1621/2
my ears yield
11
Busy old fool, unruly Sun,
24 There is nothing that God hath established in a
admit princes
Why dost thou thus,
Through windows, and through curtains call on us?
constant course of nature, and which therefore is done
into the mind
every day, but would seem a Miracle, and exercise our
I have a beas
Must to thy motions lovers' seasons run?
admiration, if it were done but once.
Fragment from
The Sun Rising
xxii, Easter Day, 25 March 1627
8 And all my e
12 Love, all alike, no season knows, nor clime,
25 Poor intricated soul! Riddling, perplexed,
come back, a
Nor hours, days, months, which are the rags of time.
labyrinthical soul!
the specimen
13 This bed thy centre is, these walls thy sphere.
xlviii, 25 Jan. 1628/9
still spring in
14 Send me not this, nor that, t'increase my store,
26 A day that hath no pridie, nor postridie, yesterday
but time, tim
doth not usher it in, nor tomorrow shall not drive it
to find them,
On a Return f
190