Parcel-Post by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jul 25, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 38, No. 29.

Parcel-Post

By Editor

THERE is still hope that the nation may adopt the parcel-post. The Chicago Tribune points out the utter inconsistency of rural free delivery without the parcel-post. For instance, there are over 40,000 routes. At present the total load of the average wagon on the average trip of 25 miles, reaching 125 families, is about 20 pounds. It could be made 500 pounds with little or no additional expense. It would save the farmers a large amount if the parcel-post were at their service.

The Tribune says, "By our policy our Government charges 1,000 per cent more for parcels carriage than the German government, and besides that, restricts parcels to four pounds and less, while the German post carries up to 110 pounds. By our policy it costs more to send a small parcel to the next town than it costs to send it half around the world."

One measure before Congress looks to the condemnation and purchase of the express companies in America by the Federal Government, and the addition of their business and service to the Post-office Department. Congressman Lewis, of Maryland, who presents this in a bill, declares that the express companies are positive hindrances and obstacles to the business of the country, in fact, in league against the Government. For instance, it is said that an express company will receive from British authorities parcels weighing three pounds, and will carry them from New York to San Francisco for 37 cents, while it would charge $1.76 for transporting a domestic package the same distance.

We have a great mail service, but it might do very much more for the people than it is doing, and still not be a loss. If it were conducted as it should be, we would not hear the constant contention that rates ought to be raised on magazines.