Mr. Andree is full of hope for his scheme, and expects to reach the pole. He will be spared the long journeys over the ice-fields, which all Arctic explorers have found to be the hardest part of their work. * * * * * The Sixth Convention of the Universal Postal Union is being held in Washington this month. Delegates from all over the world are here to attend it. The Postal Union is a union of governments to regulate the postal business between nations. As the correspondence of the world grew larger, and the improved means of travelling made it possible for men to journey to all parts of the earth, great trouble was found in the handling of the mail matter. The rates for carrying letters varied for each country, and infinite work and delay was caused by the calculation made necessary thereby. At last a few of the countries most interested in the matter formulated a Universal Postal Union, which established a fixed rate for letters sent to all countries in the Union. This plan was first suggested at Berne, in Switzerland, in 1874. The countries agreeing to abide by this rule styled themselves the Universal Postal Union, and made many useful laws for the transmission of mail matter. It was the hope when the Association was started that every country in the world would join it. In 1894 the hope was so nearly realized that all countries excepting parts of Asia and Africa had become members of the Union. It is expected that China and Corea will ask for admission at the present meeting in Washington, and then, to quote the words of Postmaster-General Gary in opening the Congress: "When these two countries shall have joined us, the sun in its daily circuit will not rise on a civilized people which is not included in the Postal Union." Many subjects will be discussed during the session of the Congress. One of the most important will be that of having a Universal Postage Stamp. Stamp collectors won't like the idea, because there will only be one kind of stamp in use between all countries; it will, however, be a great benefit to people in foreign countries who would like to prepay the answers to their letters. New York has decided to make some important changes in her mail service. These changes have not been suggested by the Postal Congress; but if they were only in working order, they would give some of the delegates much to talk about when they return to their own countries. The changes to be made are in the line of hastening the despatch and delivery of letters. This is to be accomplished by means of a network of pneumatic tubes, which will be laid under the streets. When a letter is posted at any of the sub-stations, instead of lying in the box until, the postman comes round to collect it, it will be instantly sent through the tube and deposited on the cancelling desk at the nearest station.