The feature of the new stamp is a neatly executed map in miniature of the world, showing the British possessions as compared with all other countries. The empire is distinguished from the possessions of the other powers by being in red. Surmounting this map is a representation of the crown, underneath which is a bunch of oak and maple leaves, symbolizing the unity of the Mother Country and Canada. At the upper edge of the stamp are the words "Canada Postage" in a neat letter. Underneath the map is placed "Xmas, 1898", so that the date of the inauguration of Imperial Penny Postage shall be a matter of record. On the lower corners are the figures "2", indicating the denomination of the stamp, and at the lower edge is this suggestive passage taken from the works of one of our patriotic poets: "We hold a vaster empire than has been". Mr. Mulock will be able to claim the credit of giving the public the cheapest map of the world ever issued. The size of the stamp is about the same as the Jubilee issue. [166] =Monthly Journal, IX=: 87. A reproduction of this _multum in parvo_ composition is shown as No. 38 on Plate II. This remarkable stamp caused no end of criticism, at home and abroad, not only because of its novel and startling design, but also because of the bombastic legend which appeared upon it. The following clipping from the _Chicago Tribune_[167] explains the origin of the motto:-- The motto chosen by Mr. Mulock, "We hold a vaster empire than has been," is from the jubilee ode of Sir Lewis Morris, entitled a "Song of Empire", with the date, June 20, 1897, as a subtitle, indicating its tone and purpose. An excerpt from the last stanza, from which the motto was taken, is as follows: "We love not war, but only peace, Yet never shall our England's power decrease! Whoever guides our helm of state, Let all men know it, England shall be great! We hold a vaster empire than has been! Nigh half the race of man is subject to our Queen! Nigh half the wide, wide earth is ours in fee! And where her rule comes all are free. And therefore 'tis, O Queen, that we, Knit fast in bonds of temperate liberty, Rejoice to-day, and make our solemn jubilee!" [167] =Mekeel's Weekly Stamp News=, XIII: 76. In consequence of the peculiar legend, the stamp has been dubbed, not ineptly, the "has been" stamp. We learn from a despatch to the _Toronto Telegram_ that the printing of the stamp began on the 1st December:-- Ottawa, Dec. 2, 1898.--(Special)--The Governor-General and Hon. William Mulock, Postmaster-General, presided yesterday at the printing of the first copies of the new imperial penny postage stamp. The design is Mr. Mulock's own[168]. [168] =Ibid.=, XII: 206.