Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/228

 From the Dean of Norwich:

Universal Penny Postage is due to humanity, England, as the mother of millions, should facilitate the commerce of her children with those of all lands. Interchange of thought smooths the angles of insularity, clears the sympathy; it deepens and strengthens mutual respect. It will be the meanest expression of the peddling spirit if the broad and bright reforms you have initiated, and intelligence now desires, are hindered by official parsimony. The great England of to-day should set this matter going. Other nationalities would follow her lead. The old song of Deborah should be chanted as your enterprise expands, "The leaders took the lead and the people willingly followed." We should not suffer this honour to be won by any other power on earth. You have done wonders, and I heartily hope the blessing of Heaven may crown your untiring diligence, your intelligent enthusiasm, your inspiring courage, and your unifying universalism. I'll gratefully join the League.

That H. H. did not live to see the adoption of his cherished ideal of Penny Postage to France must be accounted almost a tragedy, so dearly longed for was this project.

On July 14th, 1908, H. H. led a large deputation to the Prime Minister to ask that Penny Postage might be established between France and England. Mr D. Y. Pirie, M.P., handed in a list of 410 members of Parliament pledged to vote for Anglo-French penny postage. He stated that the list comprised 210 Liberals, 100 Unionists, 50 Nationalists and 50 Labour Members.