Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-11-06
EACH HOUSE A POsTOFFICE.
rcoRnrspoSDENcE OF THE DISPATCH, /,


cembcr to manufacture those articles for
the private use of householders all over the
union. They are designed, as already an
nounced in The DISPATCH, for attachment to
the doors of dwellings and other buildings,
being of the patterns selected by the Post
Office Department from 1000 models offered.
To produce these models cost the inventors
| of this country not less than $50, 900. The
company controlling the patents which we're
successful in the competition will have
practically monopoly OF the business, be-
cause people will prefer to buy the boxes
approved by the Government. Half-a-dozen
| styles were picked out as best by Mr.. Wana-
maker, and the inventor of one OF them has
bought out the others, SO that all the rights
are now vested in q concern which calls It.
self the Postal Improvement Company.
The contrivances are to be introduced in
all places where there is free delivery. Ac-
cording to the latest census, there
are 26ls,267 residences in all the
towns OF the United States which
have more than I000) inhabitants.
The free delivery system extends to all COM
munities having over 5000 individuals.
Thus it will appear that the company has
pospect of selling its devices to a vast num-
Der of purchasers, with profits corresp ond-
ingly large.
The Inducements for Using.
1t was recognized from the beginning
that, in order to get householders to en-
ploy such contrivances, some better induce
ment must be offered them than the privl-
lege OF having their mail dropped in n re-
ceptacle at their doors. Citizens Renei1llly
will not even take the trouble to have sits
in their front doors through which lettcrs
may be put. They do not feel interested In
saving the postal service time. But the in
ducement required is supplied in these de-
vices by the Introduction OF an arrangement
which enables every person having pri-
vate box to mail his own letters, ne ewspa-
pers and packages without going out OF his
dwelling. At the same time he can pur-
chase stamps and stamped envelopes in
any quantities lie desires without leaving
his house.
Let it be supposed that Mr.. A, who owns a
box has written a letter at his home. Hav-
ing no stamp he drops it with cents into
the collection compartment of the box on
the inside OF his front door. The act OF lift
ing the lid OF this compartment to put
in the missive automatically raises into
view Il target on the outside OF the door
which bears the word "MaiP' IN big letters.
target displayed, unlocks the compartment
from the outside and takes out the letter
and the money. Very likely he has letters
to deliver, in which case he unlocks lower
compartment, intended for the reception of
mail, and drops them in. Nothing appears
on the outside of the door but slot and two
keyholes. The occupant of the dwelling
has his own keys Tor opening the compare
ments from within.
How to Get Supply of Stamps.
1.-The wants to procure stamps or stamped
envelopes, he incloses the money Tor them
in an envelope with an order indicating the
number and denominations required. He
drops this envelope into the collection COM
partment, addressed to the carrier, who
takes it TO the postoffice, where the order is
filled. On his next trip he delivers the
stamps, two 2-cent stamps being retain cd and
cancelled for the service. This system is
profitable to the Postoffice Department as
well to citizens. Lack OF stamps and dis
inclination to make trip to the nearest
stamp agency or corner box, whether the
cause be inclement weather or a too COM
for table dinner, rob the Government OF an
enormous amount annually, which might be
gained if a complete postoffice we're at
Recent trials OF these house-boxes in cities
having proved greatly successful in the
saving or time, similar experiments are to
be made at once on the rural routes selected
for test purposes-one a village route, and
the other farming district 10 miles square
with noun ted postmen. This is in line with
Mr. Wanamaker's plans Ior extending the
free delivery system. Two Years ago Con-
greSs gave to the Postmaster General $4,000,
which was expended i'll trying the merits of
free delivery i'll 46 villages OF fewer than 5oo
Soihe " e,iSA,
Carriers were put on in those communities.
and the result was tnat In one year So,oVo
was earnea Ny tne Senture Unel anu aooro %
an @ M !, % ue Epd naom II aoo oSoy ny
NhS NJ, M voSS ,Oa Sn1 tnat TIncie Sam,
would have made $500, 600 by the speculation:
Incidentally, owing to increased sale. of |
stamps in those 46 villages, the aggregate |
salaries OF their postmasters. which are paid |
by percentage on the sale of stamps, were |
-, js ;n trnGvcad r. "a fonnd nrofi allie ior
LII I.ii = 20 a~s - +ho postmostar Can
or, vie ~ i,aS tha. tSa Uewannss of hi.
dennrtment would be largely augmented by |
eet ept"nSino !, to .b., farn,iB~ aistricts
~ w o
The ComPany's Pian Oh Campaign.
To have the boxes put in, two.thirds of |
tho honseho,ders on n route must agree To |
- 80, SaIaot,,. ,h.;. 49,, .eto
Duy theni, seiec''hS 'heti OWN pht.erhs'
The Postal Improvement company Will en-
ploy agents in every big city, who will send |
descriptive circulars to every house describ-
;nrr tha q bores and their advantages PaonI.
-ns '!1, ~ -, .o-,.ss =. Iii - - st.a,.s
Will oe ihNiseu w eaii Nv ehe Postoihoo anu
inspect the BOXES, or, II they desire, the |
1t is expected that when a lew cftizeus on a |
route have made mn their minds that they
desire boxes, they will voluntarily canvass
men nelsmOoIsi az e UFtea th 70 i, s1Sure sme
p, stmasters ali over the country have al.
ready been instructed by MI. wanamaker
to lend all reasonable aid to secure the adop-
non Oh inc boxes;
Another p3int IN i,, Iaxor OF tne nouse-Dn4
syi,S ths So,i,ino of Ietter hnIas' PatIerns
Of the boxes will be made with two horizon.
tai Sits in the door plate above and below
the mail slot. By this device persons
name anu NUMBER can oe puG on ms plate In
SanHa on the hanE nf it iiLe u nn S go q
paper fastener. which is thrust through tile