American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-12-26

now furnished with scales of a limited
capacity makes it necessary for the
postmaster general to make this very
large purchase Of scales capable oil
taking care of the parcel post bust
ness. 1t is understood that this will
be the largest single order ever placed
for scales.
Rate on Seeds Not Affected.
1t should be said that the act oil
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 4s2 of the postal
laws and regulations.
The classification of articles mail
able as well as the weight limit, the
rates of postage. zone or zones and
other conditions of AVAILABILITY under
the act of congress. If the postmaster
general shall find on experience that
they or any of them are such as to
prevent the shipment of articles de.
sirable, or shall permanently render
the cost Of the service greater than
the receipts of the eyenue therefrom,
he is hereby authorized. subject to the
consent of the interstate commerce
commission after investigation, to re-
form from time to time such classif-
cation. weight limit, rates. zone or
zones or conditions, in order to pro.
mote the service to the public or to
insure the receipt of revenue from
such service adequate to pay the cost
thereof"
Through many years different mem
bers Of the house and senate have
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 ].
Lewis OF Maryland and William Sui
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
special parcel post committee. the
postmasters of five typical Offices.
are William H. Davis. Pittsburg.
Pa; Daniel T. Gerow. Jacksonville.
Fla; M. Fl. Joster. Wilmington. Del:
3. M. c. Quimby. Suffolk. Va. and
Henry N. Bradley. Charlestown w.
Va.
Confer With Postmasters.
The postmasters OF the five largest
ofiices in the country have already
appeared before the committee so
.ittsburg was represented as being a
arge first class Office. though smaller
han any OF the greater FIVE, and as
being the center of a tremendous man.
,~facturing area. The postmaster OF
'ittsburg reported that the board Of
.rade of that city has a special parcel
'ost committee. working toward
bringing the consumer and producer
carer to each other by the new sys-
en-. He also said that many Of the
merchants are planning to have their
'i.y deliveries made by parcel post.
wilmington, Del, represented a
farming and manufacturing dis
rict. with its mail connections close
With Philadelphia. one of the largest
Jacksonville is the largest of.
ice In Florida. and the outlet for all
he mail Of the state. 1t Is peculiar
a having a special increase of force
a winter. the tourist season. and tho
said that it was expected
hat travellers would use the parce,
ost extensively in sending home five
nd ten-pound packages of fruit.
SUFFOLK. Va, and ~Charlestown w
a.. are both very small second class
fhces. one In the Underwater district
18th large truck interests; the other
inland In an orchard country. with
farm products. The post.
OF both Offices reported great
lterest in the parcel post, and said
they had continual Inquiries re-.
arding its scope.
From these postmasters the COM.
ittee was able to CLEAN a great
mount Of valuable information.
hich. added to that gained from the
cent hearings in Maryland. puts II
a position to plan the details of the
'rvice to the greatest advantage of
q producing farmer.