The Brinkley argus., 1912-12-27

the parcel post system which is to go into effect January 1st He has ac- cordingly authorized the issuance of bids for that number Two hundred of the largest postoffices and their branches will be supplied with auto matic springless scales. The next class of offices, numbering about 10.- GOO, will be given high grade beam scale. while the four class offices, numbering about 5000. will be fur nished with the best spring balances obtainable each having a capacity for twenty pounds These scales will be used by postmasters to determine the amount of postage required on parcel post packages. The fact that many of the postoffices of the country are now furnished with scales of a limited capacity makes 1t necessary for the. large purchase of scales capable of taking care of the parcel post bush ness. It is understood that this will. be the largest single order ever placed for scales.
 Rate on Seeds Not Affected.
 It should be said that the act of congress which puts a parcel post plan into operation does not in any way affect the postage rate on seeds. cut tings, bulbs. roots. scions and plants as fixed by section 482 of the postal laws and regulations.
 ~lo acc >S able as well as the weight limit the rates of postage, zone or zones and other conditions of mailability under the act of congress. If the postmaster. general shall find on experience that they or any of them are such as to sirable, or shall permanently render the cost of the service greater than the receipts of the revenue therefr0m, he is hereby authorized. subject to the consent of the interstate commerce commission after investigation, to re form from time to time such classifi- cation. weight limit rates, zone or zones or conditions. in order to pro- mote the service to the pubiic or to insure the receipt of revenue from such service adequate to pay the cost thereof"
 N many years different mem bers the house ano sena.a s.zga been interested in promoting parcel post Legislation. Among the men most active in securing the legislation which soon is to go into effect as law are Senator Jonathan Bourne of Oregon, Representatives David J. Lewis of Maryland and William Sul- ger of New York. who has just been elected governor of that state.
 To ascertain conditions surrounding the establishment of the parcel post system in places differing widely in size. climate and industries. Postmas- ter General Hitchcock recently sum- moned to Washington. to confer with the special parcel post committee, the postmasters of five typical offices. They are William H. Davis, Pittsburg, Pa; Daniel T. Gerow. Jacksonville, Fla. NJ. H. Joster, Wilmington. Del E NJ. C. Quimby. Suffolk, Va. and Henry N Bradley. Charlestown, w Va
 Confer With postmasters.
 The postmasters of the i've largest offices In the country have already appeared before the committee, so Pittsburg was represented as being large first class office. though smaller than any of the greater five, and as being the center of tremendous man. ufacturing area. The postmaster of Pittsburg reported that the board of trade of that city has special parcel post committee. working toward bringing the consumer and producer nearer to each other by the new sys- tenn. He also said that many of the merchants are planning to have their city deliveries made by parcel post
 Wilmington. Del. represented large farming and manufacturing dis trict. with its mail connections close with Philadelphia. one of the largest offices Jacksonville is the largest of flee in Florida. and the outlet for all the mail of the state It Is peculiar