Franks for Yanks

Soldiers of the American Revolution had the privilege of sending mail free--even before there was a U.S. A century later the privilege of the frank was so grossly abused and over-extended that Congress abolished it, restored it two years later to a comparative handful of free mailers: Supreme Court justices, Cabinet members, members of Congress, Government officials (for transmission of official business). Last week the Yanks joined the frank ranks.

The President signed the second War Powers Bill, authorizing postage-free transmission of "any first-class letter mail matter . . . which is sent by a member of the military and naval forces of the United States" to families, sweethearts and friends in the U.S., its possessions and territories.

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