The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-12-21

of twelve cents for the first pound and
six cents for each additional pound
with a small weight limit, utterly pre-
vent traffic movement The Austrian
system is like the German and sub
! ject to the same criticism. The Italian
rates. like the Australian. are nearly
impossible. The Gillian rates are not
quite so bad. while the Cuban rate is
ten cents pound
Rates can be made so high. as we'll
as so low, as to be Improbable The
Italian vender who sells oranges at
twenty-five cents each will make just
as much money and be just as success
full from a business standpoint as the
one who sells them for cent, perhaps
legislative body. for some reason or
other, will go to extremes, especially
with respect TO rates. It is perhaps a
lack of a comprehensive study of the
particular subject 1egislated upon
In the American parcel post law all
the administrative powers to change
rates, classified lions, zones, weight linn
its and other pertinent matters are Civ
en- the postal authorities. They are
vested with the power absolutely to
construct a perfect parcel post system.
We may expect them to lower rates,
improve the zones and classifications
as they proceed to solve the particular
pro blems of the American service.
Has a Bright Future.
In my opinion the American parcel
post goes ! to effect with the bright
est possible future. I shall be greatly
disappointed if it does not prove the
banner branch of the American postal
service
Mr.. Lewis, who was the author of
many of the vital provisions in the |
parcel post law, is delighted with the |
regulations for the service just issued. |
He said they have worked out in a |
sane, business like and public spirited /
way Postal experts, including Mr.. |
Lewis, estimate that within the next
year the parcel post system under
these regulations, will add S25,OOO,- /
900 in revenue to the postal receipts
wipe out the deficit and pave the way :
for penny postage.
1t is estimated that the governm ent's
baby express will take approximately {
1 5 per cent. of the express monopoIy'si
revenue and about per cent of its
traffic. The one great advantage,
which has been worked out, is that the
government will handle packages linn
tied 10 II pounds, with only one &C
counting. that of postage; whereas the
express monopoly handles its traffic
with eleven accountings.
The parcel post regulations follow:
Parcels Post Regulations.
The regulations that cover in detail
the workings of the new parcel post
system have been approved by POST
master General Hitchcock, and the
off at the government printing office
on a rush order for the distribution
that begins today. This new branch
of the postal service will afford the
American people the opportunity TO
send farm and factory products by
mail from and to any point in the
United States or its possessions.
The minimum zone rate will be
cents for the first pound and cents
for each additional pound to any point
Ia fl
fee of mailing; the local rate, which
is 5 cents for the first pound and
cent for each additional pound applies
to all parcels the delivery of which
does not involve their transportation
on railway lines. The rates increase for
each successive one of the eight zones,
the maximum rate being II cents a
pound which will carry parcel across
the continent or to any of our posses
sfons. Parcels will be limited to II
pounds in weight and six feet in length
and girth combined.
AIaiIable PerishabIe Articles.
Butter, lard, and perishable articles
such as fish. fresh meats, dressed
fowls, vegetables. fruits, berries and
articles of q similar nature that decay
quickly when so packed or wrapped
as to prevent damage to other mail
matter, will be accepted for local de-
livery either at the office of mailing or
on any rural route starting therefrom-
When inclosed in an inner cover and
a strong outer cover of wood, metal,
heavy corrugated pasteboard or other
suitable material and wrapped so that
nothing can escape from the package,
they will be accepted for mailing to
anv offices within the first zone or
within q radius of so miles Butter,
lard or any greasy or oily substance
intended for delivery at offices beyond
the first zone must be suitably packed.
Vegetables and fruits that do not de
cav quickly will be accepted for mall
ing to any zone If packed so as to
prevent damage to the mail matter
Eggs will be accepted for local deliv-
ery when securely packed in basket
or other container. Eggs will be &C
cepted for mailing regardless of dis
lance when each egg is wrapped sep
arateIy and packed in container-
There is no restriction on sailed,
dried smoked, or cured meats and 9TH
er meat products but fresh meat in
any form will be transported only with
in the first zone
Parcels containing perishable articles
must be marked ''perishable' and ar
ticIes likely to spoil within the time
reasonably required for transportation
and delivery Will not be accepted for
mailing.
Manufactured Articles.
Manufacturers or dealers intending
to transmit articles in considera BILE
quantities are asked to submit TO the
postmaster for approval a specimen
parcel showing the manner of packing.
When sharp pointed instruments are
offered for mailing. the points must be
capped or encased. Blades must be i
bound so that they will remain firmly