19 MARCH 1881, Page 3

Mr. Gladstone announced on Monday that he was prepared to

carry out a small, but very convenient, reform. No one has ever understood why a penny postage-stamp, which everybody has, should not do for a penny receipt-stamp, which nobody ever has when he wants it. The reason is said to be statistical, but it is probable that the Inland Revenue likes to receive its own money, and does not like to see so much profit go to an independent department; The absurdity is henceforth to dis- appear, postage-stamps being sanctioned for receipts. We do not see why they should not be sanctioned. for all other stamps, or why the Poet Office should not undertake the whole business of stamp distribution. What is the use of a separate and costly department for that purpose P