Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1912-10-30

to a rate proportioned to the cost to
the government of the short distance
hauls, then the long distance hauls
would be carried by the government
at a great loss.
"The government has contracts
with the various railroads for the
transportation of the mail. The only
equitable plan for a parcels post is
to consider first the expenses to the
government of handling packages,
and, second, the expenses to the gov
eminent for hauling the packages.
With these two elements Of cost con-
sidered, proper charges would involve
much smaller rates for short distance
than for longer distances.
81 sought to find out the length
of hauls in which our people were
interested. l became satisfied that
the haul by the rural carrier was the
most important, and then after this
haul the short distance of from so to
$50 miles would cover the service
which our people would principally
require from a parcels post limited to
eleven pound packages.
81 reached the conclusion that not
only justice to the entire public would
require lower rates for hauls Of this
character than for the long haul
across the entire country, but also
the interests of the people of our
state could only be taken care of by
giving them cheap rates for these
short distance hauls.
The bill which has passed con-
gress does not claim to be perfect
That experience will furnish informa
ton by which it can be improved,
am sure; but it is a great step in the
right direction. One rural carrier
service for packages up to eleven
pounds is placed at 5 cents for the
first pound, and / cent for each addi-
tionai pound, making the cost of IL
pound packages by rural free delivery,
Is cents. For a distance of so miles
the charge is made 5 cents for the
first pound and 3 cents for each ad-
ditional pound, making the cost Of IL
pound package for so miles 35 cents.
For a distance of $50 miles a
charge is made of cents for the
first pound and cents for each ad-
ditional pound, making the cost of IL
pound package for $50 miles As cents.
81 sought on the floor of the senate
- oh n
cents on each additional pound for a
50-mile haul and 3 cents for each adj
ditional pound for $50 mile haul,
but these amendments were defeated.
The bill, however, authorized the
postmaster general to watch carefully
the cost to the government, and with
the approval of the interstate com
merce commission to reduce the rates
when it becomes apparent that the
service can be rendered by the gov
eminent for less charges.
Il believe this measure will be Of
almost inestimable benefit. 1t will
enable the farmers to sell many
small products that now go to waste,
thereby being a clear economic saving
to the farmer and facilitating the use
in towns and nearby cities of things
raised on the farms which will great
ly contribute to the health and COM
fort of those living In towns and cit
les. It will give the farmers more
money with which to bay more Of
the comforts of life and thereby in
crease the business of the merchants
in the small towns and nearby cities.
THE rates gradually increase until
they reach fat rate Of IL cents a
pound for a distance Of 1900 miles
or more. The rates are based upon
what was believed to be figures that