Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-05-21
MAIL BOXES AT HOME
THE HOUSE COLLECTION SYSTEM
TO BE INAuGuRATED HERE.
HOW TIE hEW PLAN OPERATES.
Letters. Papers, and Packages May
He Mailed at the Door and stamps
Can he Ordcrcd-New quarters oi
station 4.
station 4.

| The greatest advance In the postal sys-
tom since the inauguration Of the iree-
delivery service by Postmaster-Generai
Blair in 1863 IS the introduction OF the
house-collection system by the Postal I'M
provement Company.
This system. already IN vogue IN
twonty-three cities Of the United States
is to be established here almost imme-
dlately. The Postal Department III
Washington has endorsed the system
patented by Messrs. Cushing ana
Mitchell. after four years Of careful IN
vestigation. The new box receives the
carriers deliveries, and enables house
holders to post letters. magazines. news
papers. small packages, and such other
matter as Is ordinarily carried by letter
carriers. without going out Of the house.
1t can be placed outside, as well as n
SIDE. It is adjustable TO doors, porch
rails. and may be constructed In the
walls of houses during or after construc-
ton. The capacity Of the mailing de-
partment of the boxes is seventy-thTee
letters and postal cards, two newspapers,
and d package.
HOW THE PLAN OPERATES.
When It IS desired 10 post only letters
and other valuable matter OF like dimen-
sions. the lid to the mailing compart-
ment can be locked but for packages
and other bulky matter, the ia
is left open, thus forming an cN-
tension tray. which is. Of course, within
the hallway OF the house. The act OF
raising the lid TO post mail hits the
carrier signal on the plate outside the
house door When the carrier opens the
door OF the outside plate. by means OF
pass-key, In order TO collect the mail, the
signal drops, or is pushed down by the
carrier
This box also affords an opportunity Tor
the purchase Of stamps by the house
holder, an official stamp-selling en-
velope, containing order slips, being pro-
vided with each box. The orders are
filled out and the proper amount OF money
enclosed, and the envelopes returned with
the stamps at the next delivery. In thls
manner, also, unstamped matter may De
sent.
There are eleven different kinds Of boxes
TO suit all requirements. but the same
system is carried out in each.
NEW QUARTERS OF STATION a.
The new quarters for Sub-Station A.
of the Post-Ohice Department, are ready
for occupation. and the removal from
the present quarters will be effected next
Monday. The building at 404 west Broad
street has been reconstructed TO meet
the requirements Of the growing bust
ness transacted by the sub-station.
The Office consists of one large room
4x42 feet. II is very effectively lighted
by large windows, which are protected by
massive iron bars. 1t will be lighted
with electricity. and be duly ventilated
with the most approved modern appli-
ances.
At the east end Of the lobby a small
room has been partitioned of for lock-
boxes. which will be placed In position
tomorrow. Admittance to this room for
the public viii be through a door from
the street. which will be open all night.
At the northeast corner another room
has been partitioned off for the money
and stamp department. IL also contains
a large safe and a desk for the manager
Of the post-office. In the rear OF this
room another one has been set aside as
a waiting-room for the letter-carriers.
The mailing-room itself contains four
teen desks for the carriers 10 arrange
their mails on. The entire floor has been
laid i'm concrete.
The MAI wagons will have access to the
building through an alley entering from
Grace street They can drive up close
TO the building and by cutting away some
of the fences of the adjoining buildings
the builder has created space enough for
the wagons TO turn.