“That the _present_ average cost to the Post Office of distributing letters is ¾_d._ each, and that this cost would be greatly reduced under the proposed arrangements. “That the cost to the Post Office is frequently greater for short distances of six or eight miles than for long distances of two or three hundred miles; thus showing the unfairness of the present varying charges. “And that the partial reductions in postage rates hitherto made have, after a short time, invariably benefited the revenue. “I have taken the liberty of enclosing a short abstract of the Report of the Select Committee on Postage, which has been drawn up by the Mercantile Committee, as well as some ‘Facts and Estimates as to the Increase of Letters,’ prepared by myself, to which I respectfully solicit your Grace’s attention. “The boldness, yet safety of the proposed change, its simplicity, and its tendency to extend commerce, science, and education, will, I confidently hope, recommend it to your Grace’s favourable consideration. “I have, &c., “ROWLAND HILL. “To His Grace the DUKE OF WELLINGTON, &c., &c., &c.” To this letter I received no reply, nor was any expected; but the letter appears to have had its effect, for when the debate came on, the Duke, as will be seen hereafter, distinctly supported the measure. Meanwhile the bill for establishing penny postage was brought in by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord John Russell, and Mr. F. Baring; and passed the first reading without discussion.[270]