Postage

The money charged by law for carrying and delivering mail matter. The rates of postage between places in the United States are fixed by law; the rates of postage upon foreign letters are fixed by arrangements entered into by the postmaster-general, In pursuance of authority vested in him by congress for that purpose. The vice president and members and memberselect of, and delegates and delegates-elect to, congress may send “any mail matter” free, not exceeding four ounces, “upon official or departmental business.” Act of April 28, 1904. Reading matter in raised characters for the blind, up to 10 pounds in a single volume or in packages not exceeding four pounds and containing no advertisements or other matter, unsealed, and when sent by blind institutions or public libraries as a loan and on return, are free. Act of March 27, 1904.

The fee charged by law for carrying letters, packets, and documents by the public mails.

— Postage stamp. A ticket issued by government, to be attached to mail-matter, and representing the postage or fee paid for the transmission of such matter through the public mails.