The undersigned, citizens of Baltimore in the State of Maryland, respectfully request that, in view of facilitating business operations and of promoting intellectual and moral improvement and friendly intercommunication among the peoples reduced and uniform rates of postage may be established not exceeding five cents for a half ounce letter, and not exceeding one cent for any newspaper, for any distance within the United States; and that all newspapers may be conveyed in the public mails free from postage within the respective States in which they may be published; and also, that the rates of postage on pamphlets and other mailable matter may be in like manner reduced and made uniform.