Collection & Research

In 1888 (the 14th year of Emperor Kuang Hsu), Liu Ming Chuan, who was the first Governor of Taiwan, issued “Taiwan Posts Regulation” with 16 clauses and changed previous military posts into postal stations, and announced that the new style of postal service would be initiated from March 22, 1888. In his announcement, details about usage and range of “Postal Stamp”, fare rates, installation and management regulation of Post Stations, postal routes between Post Stations, delivery method and period of sending and receiving mail items, etc., were specified. However, government authorities and general public should use separate kind of stamps in Liu’s postal service (Post Station-Station postal system). The government authorities used “Taiwan Stamp” on the government delivering official documents for free, and general public used “Postal Stamp” on the mails, which was adhered by the staff of sending Post Station to indicate postage fare and delivering route. Both “Taiwan Stamp” and “Postal Stamp” are called “Taiwan Stamp” or “Station Stamp” in general and become the pilot stamp issued in Taiwan.