Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1912-12-27

On Wednesday, January 1, 1913 the
new system of parcels post will go into
operation in every postofice in the
country. Untricd before, on this side
Of the Atlantic, a system that is esti-
mated will cost at least $4,000, GOO a
year to operate at the beginning, and |
possibly double or triple this amount as
it develops, is to be set in motion by |
Uncle Sam. For months the officials of
the Postoflice Department have been
working out the details of the big
the greatest that has ever
confronted them.
Under the new arrangement, every
postofiice in the country becomes the
center of it's own system of zones
The United States is divided into units
of area, measuring 80 minutes of long
itude by 80 of latitude. Each unit is
numbered. The system of distance
zones requires the employment by post
masters of distinctive map, on which
the zones are represented.
Zone No. is generally about fifty
miles in diameter; the other zones
spread out with increasing diameters.
A one pound package can be sent to
any place in Zone No. l for 5 cents.
One cent is added to the cost for each
added zone through which the package
is to travel. Heavier packages cost
correspondingly more in the first zone,
with corresponding increases the farther
they have to travel until the eleven
pound package is reached, the maxi
mum cost, should it pass through the
entire eight zones, being $1.35.
The distinctive parcels post stamps
must be used on all fourth-cass mat
ter beginning January l. Such mat
ter bearing ordinary stamps will be
held for postage. All parcels must
tear the return card and full address
of the sender, or they will not be
forwarded.
The law, according to one officials
Interpretation of it is peculiar, in this
respect. If you bring book to be
mailed as parcels post, that book is
barred from being thus mailed, as it is
printed matter, and hence third class
instead of fourth class, and requires a
higher rate of postage. But, if you
place a new pocket handkerchief in
that book, and when you are asked
what it is, you may say it is merchan-
disc, for there is a handkerchief in the
book, then, under the ruling of the
department now in vogue, the book
will have to be sent as merchandise and
will go as fourth class parcels post
matter
Groceries, meat and other supplies
are mailabe. The person out in the
suburbs who is too busy to come to
town may order steak or a dozen eggs,
a few bolts, nails, or anything of that
sort and the dealers can send them by
mail carriers. That is, if the dealers
see fit to operate a mail order depart
ment. This opens up a big local field
..i.ed with possibilities.
Dealers in dry goods and small wares
will notice the effect of the law soon
est, one way or the other. Farmers
can sell produce to consumers in small
quantities direct. Competition with
express companies will not cut into the
express business as much as might be
imagined as the great bulk of express
business consists of articles too heavy
to carry by mail.
The post Office department will de-
liver any package of II pounds weight
or of size not greater than 72 inches
in length and girth combined to any
post Office address within radius of so
miles for Is cents, but if it is sent
l 800 miles or more that same package
will cost to deliver $l.32. Here is
table to use in connection with the
study of the map.
Each