A much larger volume of money transfers takes place within the United States than for travelers abroad and importers and exporters. In these domestic remittances the postal service of the United States is of vital importance to banks and their customers. It is conducted not as a money making institution but to provide a safe, swift and convenient way for sending letters, packages and printed matter of different kinds at small expense. Indeed, it has been shown at times that on some classes of mail the Government actually loses money.

Registered Mail

All domestic mail matter except fourth-class matter (domestic parcel post mail) can be registered at the low rate of ten cents for each package (in addition to the regular postage). Fourth-class matter may be insured. Each package registered must bear the name and address of the sender. Indeed, it is advisable that all letters sent through the mails should bear the sender's name and address, so that if necessary they may be returned to him. A receipt for registered packages will be returned from the persons to whom they are sent if they are indorsed "receipt desired," or words meaning the same thing. Mail matter can be registered at all postoffices in the United States. An indemnity - not to exceed $50 for any one registered piece, but equal to the actual value of the piece if it is less than $50 - will be paid for the loss of first-class registered matter mailed at and addressed to a United States postoffice. Likewise an indemnity of not to exceed $25 will be paid for domestic third-class matter. Money is sometimes sent by this method, but as not over $50 will be paid for its loss it is not often done. However, much currency and some valuable commercial paper is sent through the registered mail, the package first being insured by an insurance company. The rates are very low, being but a few cents a day for each thousand dollars insured, the rate of course depending upon the distance and consequent time in transit. Money is usually sent by registered mail from such postoffices as are not allowed to issue money orders; or such towns as do not contain express offices. No indemnity will be paid if the loser has been reimbursed in some other manner. Claims for indemnity must be made within one year from date of loss of domestic mail and within one year from the date of mailing of foreign mail. The limit of indemnity paid for registered articles lost in mail sent to foreign countries is $10.