Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1908-12-20

1t would be almost impossible for even the most confirmed pessimist or alarmist to push through the busy throng of shoppers on all the business streets of Pine Bluff just now, with. out being converted to the belief of the majority that bank failures, pan. ics. drouths, river bank caying. and any other combinations of troubles can not phase this city. The Christmas trade IS on, in fact is has been on for
 more than a week, and it is on more and more with every sinking sun Many of the down town stores have already yielded to the pressure of trade by remaining open until late in the evening, and from now on it is probable that customers may depend on getting into any store in which they wish to trade in the evening"
 In response to the repeated sugges. tions of the press that every store pro- prietor, aided and abetted by the wo- men, holiday shopning opened in Pine biuf III advance of any previous sea- son. AS a result the confusion incl dent to the last days preceding Christ mas will be avoided. The merchants have taken advantage of favorable weather conditions and converted their stores into beWjldering bazaars of beauty. While the holiday trade op. ened up last week: ii will reach it's height next week, though il appears from the rush now on that tlla wave of shoppers will pretty near exflaasT itself before Christmas eve. Most Der sons, it is predicted by merchants, viii nave completed taeir shopping before Christmas eve and that night will be given practically over to small pur- chases
 Christmas at the Postoffice
 Although shopping has begun ear Her than usual shipping has not picked up yet in any material extent The local postoffice is beginning to hear the rumblings of the landslides which is coming and 8 few early packages which must go long distances have already been sent on their way. but the bulk of the business has not op- ened up yet. When it does come the department expects a very busy sea- son, and all the carriers and the en- tire postotfice force will be utilized. It is supposed that although buying early Christmas shoppers this year will hold their shipments as usual so that they will arrive as near Christ mas eve as possible. This custom is one which the postof1ice and express would like to see altered because it is just before Christmas that the incoming storm breaks and they are flooded with gifts for other people These employees state that packages started on their way sooner should arrive at their destination in better condition and with more cer- tainty of prompt delivery than those which are held until the final rush is on.
 Instructions for Express Packages
 The following are instructions by express companies to persons who con- template sending Christmas presents by express.
 Ship your packages as early as pos sible. The express company desires that you paste a small label on the package reading "Do not open until Christmas" This will insure the package reaching it's destination be- 'ore Christmas and the additional pleasure to the recipient of the gift of having it Christmas morning.
 Use wooden boxes for packing It nay cost few cents more, but the danger of loss or damage is very much reduced. True, if the shipment s lost or damaged, the express com- ,any will pay for it. but that will give ! your friend no pleasure.
 Write the address in full, county, | treet and number on the oox with ink 1 ,r crayon. Tags are frequently torn | ,ff or lost
 If you want to prepay the charges : write the word Paid" in large letters l 'n the package.
 Insist upon a receipt and see that l he amount paid is on the receipt and 1