R. CREIGHTON.--Split stamps have been used in the U.S., but, with one possible exception, without authority of the U.S. government.
EDWARD HUBBARD, 515 Myrtle Street, El Paso, Tex., wants stamps in exchange for Porto Rico and Mexico stamps.
A. MERRIAM.--Coins made in the Philadelphia mint have no special mark of origin. Coins made in the Carson City mint are marked "C.C."; the San Francisco, "S."; the Dahlonega, "D."; the New Orleans, "O."
W. R. WHEELER.--U.S. Revenues were first used in October, 1862, and almost every legal or commercial document (policies, leases, conveyances, etc.) used during the next ten years bore Revenue stamps. Also every receipt, and check, every box of matches or bottle of medicine, every photograph, every barrel of beer, package of tobacco, etc. In fact, very few things escaped taxation in those days. After the war ended, one tax after another was removed until only the tobacco and liquor taxes remained. These pay taxes by stamps to this day.
GEORGE WERNER.--Most of the Central American States have been using "Seebeck" stamps during the past six years. It makes very little difference whether these stamps are used or unused. Of the earlier issues the unused are generally the rarer.
SIDNEY MULHALL.--Always use hinges, and of the best quality. Care must be taken in turning over leaves, or the book should be examined beginning at the last page and going backwards. The 1885 Corea stamps were probably never used. The 1895 issue is in use at present.
F. PULIS.--There are four varieties of the 1802 cents, and they can be bought of dealers at 10c. to 35c. each.
M. S. TAYLOR.--I cannot assist you in the sale of your album. As a rule albums two or three years old are valueless.
CARRIE E. BALL.--The only small cent which is scarce is the 1956 flying eagle. All the others are in common use.
It was in the dusty smoking-car on the Long Island Railroad that the following was overheard. A number of anglers were grouped together discussing their big catches, and at times the wind that rushed by the car windows fairly groaned with the weight of the wonderful stories that it carried away. An old man in the corner with a short clay stump of a pipe stuck between his lips turned slowly around in his seat and surveyed the group. Giving a hitch to his trousers, which nearly dislocated the pins that held them together, he approached the boys.