IMPERIAL POSTAL SERVICES
By J. HENNIKER HEATON, M.P,
Prefatory.
It may he well to explain that no attempt is here made to give a complete and connected history of our inland and foreign mail services. But a selection has been made of the leading facts on the subject, especially such as relate to communication with Britons beyond the seas, and accordingly possess some interest for students of Imperial questions.
The germ of the modern post may be traced back to the earliest times. Hezekiah sent round his royal letters by the 'posts.' The late Max Müller lectured on correspondence of Egyptian Kings with Asia, scratched on tablets, 8,400 years ago, and doubtless enjoyed it more than the brightest pages of Lady Mary or Horace Walpole. The Persians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all had horses or footrunners stationed at regular distances for conveying messages. The distance was ascertained by King Cyrus in this practical way. He despatched a mounted messenger, who rode as far as his horse could run without baiting, and at that point a 'post' with a relay was placed. Thus, provided the beasts were not defrauded of their corn, a rough timetable could be kept. Caesar had a service of footrunners in Gaul, and two of his letters reached Rome in twenty-eight days. Charlemagne also established a post.
But in all countries, including our own, the ancient
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