O. H. M. S. correspondence in the XIXth century

Abstract

Those of us who lived before Independence and the proclamation of the Republic in 1974, will remember that a substantial part of our daily mail was O.H.M.S. - On His (or Her) Majesty's Service. Correspondence originating from a public authority was distinctively marked as such. In pre-Republican times, the public services existed, at least in political theory, for the Sovereign's use; they were seen as a function exercised by the citizenry for their ruler. Mail thus travelled On His Majesty's Service. The concept that the service of Government existed for the utility of the people, was still in evolution. In fact, most postal services originated for the benefit, and exclusive use of the central power. It was only gradually that the general public was allowed to place its letters alongside with the official correspondence, to be forwarded by the postal organisation of the state. O.H.M.S. correspondence is the mailing system in its original, pristine function. [excerpt]