Promptly, "as advertised", the stamps were placed on sale throughout the Dominion on the morning of Saturday, the 19th of June. The natural result followed: an expectant populace, for various reasons but with one main object, literally besieged the post offices for the coveted treasures. The advance publication of the quantities of the various denominations to be issued gave speculators the hint as to the most desirable values to "corner", and as a result the 1/2 cent and 6 cent stamps were a special mark in all quarters. This action seems to have been more or less anticipated, for these values were doled out in very small quantities, if at all, in spite of the large orders that were everywhere given for them. This was doubtless largely due to the following circular, sent out with the initial supply of the stamps to all postmasters:[122]-- N. B.--Requisitions for _full sets_ of the Jubilee stamps will be filled until the issue is exhausted.--E. P. S. POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, CANADA, POSTAGE STAMP BRANCH, OTTAWA, _June_,1897. SIR,--I am directed by the Postmaster-General to send you herewith a supply of the Jubilee stamps and 1 c. post card, equal to one month's ordinary requirements of your office. Should this quantity prove insufficient it will, on your requisition addressed to this branch, be supplemented; but as the Jubilee issue is limited, it would be necessary for you to apply early in order to secure further supplies of the same. I am also to instruct you not to sell any of the accompanying stamps or post cards before the opening of your office at the regular office hours on the 19th June instant--the eve of the anniversary they are intended to commemorate. These stamps and cards are, of course, like the ordinary issues, to be sold at face value. I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, E. P. STANTON, _Superintendent_. THE POSTMASTER. P. S.--As there appears to be a somewhat general desire on the part of many persons to purchase, for souvenir purposes, complete sets of the Jubilee stamps, it is hoped that you will so manage the sale of such stamps that persons applying to purchase full sets may be able to get them. E. P. S. [122] =Monthly Journal=, VIII. 177. The conditions that developed when the stamps were actually issued seem to have surprised the Department, and caused additional measures to be taken for an equable distribution. We quote Mr. F. W. Wurtele:[123]--