11 JANUARY 1840, Page 7

The Christian population of Constantinople is said to have increased

to such an extent, that two new villages in its immediate neighbour- hood—one at the junction of the roads front Pero and Tatavla, the other on the hills between Thcrapia and Buy ukdere—have suddenly sprung up. This rapid augmentation is attributed to the distress which prevails in the provincial towns, compelling the inhabitants to desert them and to seek a livelihood in the capital. We were sensibly made aware of the value of the change in post- ages by receiving a letter early in the week from a lady, containing a sovereign, for a year's subscription to the Bailiff(' Mercury newspaper. It was sewn across several times with fine thread, which kept it in its place, although the letter travelled from Bishop Auckland, upwards of two hundred miles ; thus showing our readers a pound may be sent in a half-sheet of thick post, or a sheet of thin post paper, and be under half an ounce, or one postage.—Bee(Ard Mercury.

A letter, containing money, received from Lichfield this morning, reminds us, that registration of letters on payment of a small fee was a part of Mr. Hill's plan.

PREPAYMENT or POSTACE.—The following sensible advertisement appears in the Lincoln Gazette of the 7th- 46 The Bishop of Lincoln begs leave to inform the Clergy of the diocese, That, as the privilege of Franking is to Cease on the 10th instant, it is his in- tention after that (lay to prepay all letters which he may have occasion to ad- dress to them. Ile has therefore to request that they will do the same with respect to all letters which they inay address to him.

•• Willingham, 3d Jamuary DIM"

The Bishop's rule should be universal : not to "prepay," will be held the acme of ungentility.