SIR:--Arrangements are being made by the Postoffice Department to transport, after June 30, 1911, _certain_ monthly and semi-monthly periodical second-class mail matter for _certain_ states by fast freight to a number of central distributing points, from which points distribution and delivery will be made by mail as at present. This method of transportation necessarily being somewhat slower than the present method of carriage of mail throughout, it becomes necessary for publishers to rearrange their mailing schedules to allow an earlier delivery to the postoffice of mail for the states to be so transported, in order that delivery to subscribers may be made at approximately the same time as at present. It is believed that an advance in mailing dates of from _three_ to _six_ days will provide the necessary margin to offset the slower movement, and your co-operation to that extent is solicited. Specific information relative to the _states affected_ and the time of advance mailing will be furnished at an early date. Any further information desired relative to this matter will be given and any assistance in completing arrangements gladly supplied. The favor of an early reply is requested. Very respectfully, JOSEPH STEWART, Second Assistant Postmaster General. The foregoing letter brought a flood of protests in reply. Why should it not? Why does Mr. Hitchcock, as is evidenced by the letter of his Second Assistant, seek to make such an unjust discrimination among periodicals--a discrimination directly contravening _the basic principle of our government_? Among the replies Mr. Stewart received was one, a copy of which follows: CHICAGO, May 22, 1911. Hon. Joseph Stewart, Second Assistant Postmaster General, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR.--We acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 16th, and regret that an early reply, as requested, is but partially possible at present. You tell us unequivocally, if we interpret your letter correctly, that our Postoffice Department in rendering service to subscribers will discriminate against monthly and semi-monthly periodicals after June 30th; that certain publications of a class, issued weekly, will be favored with through mail service, and that other publications of the same character and class, issued semi-monthly or monthly, shall be rendered freight service, and no differential rate provided. It is unfortunate that a distinction directly affecting the majority of the people could not have been arbitrated, and thereby avoided a period of distress. Yours, very truly, CHICAGO TRADE PRESS ASS’N, E. R. SHAW, President.