Note 87 — I THE RATE FOR LETTERS

"On the 9th April 1839, Lord Melbourne's Government brought in what is generally known as the Jamaica Bill—a Bill for suspending for five years the constitution of that colony. This measure was strongly opposed by the Conservative party (led by Sir Robert Peel), and by many of the Radicals. On the second reading of the Bill, the Government only escaped defeat by the narrow majority of five votes. The Ministry thereupon resigned; Sir Robert Peel was sent for by her Majesty, but owing to the 'Bedchamber Difficulty' failed to form a Government. Lord Melbourne was recalled, and in the negotiations with the Radical members for future support to his Government, the bargain was struck that that support should be given, provided Penny Postage was conceded.

"Thus one of the greatest social reforms ever introduced was, to speak plainly, given as a bribe by a tottering Government to secure political support."—The Post Office of Fifty Years Ago, London, 1890, p. 24. Cf. Parl. Debates, 26th March 1855, vol. cxxxvii, col. 1136; Sir Stafford H. Northcote, Twenty Years of Financial Policy, London, 1862, pp. 8-9.