The experience of the first day's sale convinced our government that halves and sixes would very soon be bought up by speculators unless some action was taken to further restrict their sale; they therefore came to the conclusion that those persons who were willing to contribute to the revenues of the Canadian Government to the extent of $16.22 for a complete set of jubilee stamps were entitled to protection, and decided that they at least should not pay more than face value for their 1/2 and 6. In consequence the following circular was issued by the post-office department, and no more of these values could be obtained from any licensed vendor. POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, CANADA, POSTAGE STAMP BRANCH, OTTAWA, 26th June, 1897. SIR,--With reference to the numerous demands upon this office for the 1/2 c. and 6c. Jubilee stamps, I am directed to explain that the respective quantities of Jubilee stamps ordered bear, relatively, the same proportions to the actual requirements of the Postal Service, but the tendency to exhaust the HALVES and SIXES has increased to such a degree, that it has become necessary to restrict their sale to the purchasers of full sets. Hence I am to express the Postmaster-General's regret that he is unable, having regard to the limited character of the Jubilee issue, to comply with any requests for the 1/2c or 6c denomination, apart from those for full sets. These sets may be obtained as long as the series of Jubilee stamps lasts, but as the demands upon it are unusually heavy, it would be advisable to apply for full sets at the earliest possible moment. When Postmasters obtain such sets to fill orders actual or prospective at their respective offices, they must not, in any case, break the sets. I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, E. P. STANTON, _Superintendent_. P. S.--Under no circumstances will there be any issue of Jubilee stamps, beyond the limits mentioned in the accompanying extract from Hansard, containing the Postmaster-General's statement on the subject. * * * * * It was necessary to print 3,000 copies of the foregoing circular in order to reply to all the demands on the department at Ottawa for 1/2 c. and 6 c. [123] =Mekeel's Weekly Stamp News=, X: 54.