The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

LIFE OF SIR ROWLAND HILL. [1851-4
contribution to the general cost of management), and
almost certain that, save at further loss to the revenue,
correspondence by its means cannot be cheap.*
FOREIGN EXTENSION.
"
October nth, 1851. Mr. Von der Heydt (Prussian Minister of
Finance), Chevalier Bunsen, and M. Drouet (Chargd d'Affaires for
the Belgian Government), met in my room to arrange with me
several matters connected with the negotiation for a reduction of
rates between this country and the German Postal Union."
The following general record may
details unnecessary :
render further
" November 2pt/i, 1854. The returns from our Ministers abroad
showing the postal improvements in the several foreign countries arc
now completed. They show that my plan has been adopted more or
less completely in the following States : Austria, Baden, Bavaria,
Belgium, Brazil, Bremen, Brunswick, Chili, Denmark, France,
Frankfort, Hamburg, Hanover, Lubeck, Naples, New Granada,
Netherlands, Oldenburg, Peru, Portugal, Prussia, Russia, Sardinia,
Saxony, Spain, Switzerland, Tuscany, United States, Wurtemberg.
"The results are in most cases similar to our own [similar
mistakes, probably, being made in the mode of adoption]. They
are generally an increase in gross revenue and in expenses, and a
decrease in net revenue. In some instances the revenue is ex-
ceedingly small: thus the kingdom of Portugal produces a less
gross revenue than the city of : Edinburgh in no instance is the
revenue, whether gross or net, so large as with us. The extent
to which my plan has been adopted in almost every part of the
civilized world is very remarkable, and very gratifying. In Europe,
Sweden is the only considerable State which forms an exception."
Sweden did not very long remain an exception.
*
Sir R. Hill's foreboding has proved only too true. In our high telegraph
rate we pay, and shall long pay, for the reckless extravagance with which the
purchase of the was made.
telegraphs
ED.