Mr. Wilmer Atkinson, publisher of Farm Journal, Philadelphia, combated the contention of the postoffice officials, as shown in their statements and tables, and declared with much emphasis that second-class matter stimulated first-class postage receipts. The statement of the cost of carrying second-class matter, placing it at nine cents a pound, is, according to him, “only a stereotyped guess that goes into the postoffice department report, each year,” experts having repeatedly stated that there is no possible way of fixing the cost of carrying second-class mail. In the opinion of Mr. Atkinson the government could better afford to carry it free than not to carry it at all. “Gumption and common sense,” declared Mr. Atkinson, “should rather be applied than indulging in worthless guessing.” Representatives of scientific publications, college journals, fashion papers, fraternal societies and trade periodicals appeared before the members of the commission during the sessions, and all entered emphatic protests against the increase. In numerous instances these interests made the statement that serious reverses would be encountered if the postage rate should be doubled, and that many publications would be forced to suspend. The labor union press, an interest representing about 250 weekly and monthly publications, with a circulation approximating 1,250,000 copies was officially represented by President Samuel Gompers of the American Federation of Labor, and President Matthew Woll, of the Photo-Engravers’ Union. Mr. Gompers entered vigorous protests against discriminations against labor publications and registered a severe censure of the method by which the Postoffice Department had hampered the official journals of the labor people. Mr. Gompers stated that the publications of the American Federation of Labor and its auxiliaries were all highly educational in their character and, in the event of an increase in the item of postage to the extent of 100 per cent additional, many of the best would be driven out of business with corresponding loss to the men individually and to the nation as a whole. Mr. Gompers’ declaration was listened to with much interest.