The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1909-12-24
UP TO THEIR
NECKS IN POST CARDS

"we're in up to our necks. but
still swimming thank you, said
Postmaster Dickerson to an inquis-
tive reporter after a post office
story" Thursday afternoon. And
even as he gave out the statement he
was weighing n package with one
hand, writing out a money order with
the other and holding a postal card
between his teeth. For the genius
which presides over the destiny of
Uncle Sans mail service in Marion
is not the mahogany desk, velvet car
pet, leather chair sort of an official,
he is a real worker and licks stamps
Just as rapidly as any of the well
his guiding hand.
"That post card reminds me of the
picture post fiends." volunteered the
reporter in the hope of starting some
thing. "They ought to be rampant
at this season of the year"
You're right they are" agreed p.
M. Dickerson (Here was a chance
to wax enthusiastic) to the tune of
about ten thousand day. which is
smashing to flinders all previous rec
ords of the local office. Two extra
carriers have been put on the force.
What's the answer? Postcards! The
Office force is sorting the mail in re-
lays. Why? Again, postcards! They
come in every conceivable form un-
der the sun, bearing every known
inscription, comical, sentimental. and
lust words They have revolution
lied the mail service of the country,
and after all they furnish an excel
lent way to remind a friend across
the continent, or maybe In the next
town, that you have given him a
thought and are with him in spirit.
The registered mail has increased
considerably too. People are begin
ming to realize the advantage of Sc
curing the delivery of their gifts or
their money valuation.
'It's a good natured crowd that
besieges the windows these days
Now and then crusty customer
sticks the sharp point of his elbows
into his neighbors' anatomy In an al
tempt to take a short cut to service
hut we generally manoeeto overlook
such a one and make him await his
turn.
Questions? Millions OF them, ir'
relevant, casual and otherwise.
One of the greatest causes of de-
lay is the frequency with which we
are called upon to juoge the intel
Eligibility of addresses. There is plen'
ty of room for a good teacher oi
| penmanship outside tne public
schools. And there are as many DIFF
ferent hand writings as there are
| people. Another oft-repeated ques
ton is DO you think II will be saf'
TO send this package without reg
| lstered stamp?' The answer is
Probably so, probably not There II
only one safe way, and that Is reg
istration. And you ought to sec the
worried look on some OF the races
when we ask IL there Is writing II
the packages. Instead of saying a
card or my name they always In
sist upon telling us the exact word
of the Christmas greetings. and some
Of them are rich. You can invari'
ably tell by the facial expression now
near the answer comes to Icing th'
truth"
1t took more time than the report
or would care 10 admit, counting tn'
intervals between questions, TO eici
all this post Office stuff" from th'
busiest man In Marion. IT iookl
like the biggest holiday rush In TN
history of the Office said M" DICK
erson with a note of finality.~ ~scShicf
the reporter interpreted to meai
beat it. The hint wenr. and so di'
the reporter. through a congeste'
group of gift givers seeking wher'
10 aat Irncle Sam,a seal on their in