Evening journal., 1913-12-09
XMAS TO TEST
PARCEL POST
Postmaster English is Pre-
pairing for the Annual
YuIetlde Rush
BULKY BUNDLES
EXPECTED IN MAIL

With hobby horses and t keys to
take care OF, where heretofore they had
only such articles as handkerchiefs and
sachet bags the local postofica authori-
ties are making ready to handle the
great Christmas rush in the parcel post
department. which. it is expected, will
begin within the next two weeks.
While James J. English. the local
postmaster, has not yet made any def
mite arrangements for handling the ex-
pected rush. he realizes what this first
par-el post Christmas will probably be
and his work arranging the details OF
caring for the public will probably oc-
cupy the best part of his time this week
Extra automobile trucks and wagons,
extra men and probably extra stations
viii have TO be established, and the gov
ernment wagons will be seen fitting
about the city continually in all sections
the week be ore Christmas.
The comig Christmas will be one when
bulky remembrances will hasten through
tn mails. Last year, when the country
did not have the parcel post, the heaviest
package that could be sent through the
mails was one that weighed not over
four pounds. This year, by means of the
parcel post packages may be sent within
ithe first and second zone which weigh
20 pounds.
Twenty pounds The thought Of what
big and bulky things which weigh no
more than this and. consequently, can be
sent through the mails, are enough to
staggcr even the most optimistic postal
official. True, the express companies will
take care Of a great part Of the business
of handling the larger PACKAGE.
But thousands and thousands of these
big bundles viii 20 through the mails
and the big test OF the parcel post sys
tenn TO handle big business viii have
come. Big turkeys, a haunch Of veni-
son, case OF cranberries, boxes OIL
Christmas goodies heavy toys and
other such articles viii be permitted to
20 through the parcel post. as none OF
these articles weighs more than 20
pounds.
Every inch OF space in the local
postofiice Will be taxed to capacity, for
provision must be made for both in
coming and outgoing packages. Extra
windows will have to be provided in
the parcel post section of the local
Doetofhce, and extra space set out to
pace the phCkbEet IcCelYe0. bcSiueot
ihe regular mail will also be so much
heavier than usual, that provision for
this must also be made, so the parcel
post department will not be able to
encroach on any Of the space SGT aside
Tor the regular post
With all of these and many other
problems facing him and with post
Office building practically every square
foot of space in which is now taken
up with the regular business. Mr.. Eng
lish has hard nut to crack. But
he will set about cracking II this
week, and the predictions Of all who
know Mr. English are that everything
in the local postoliice. both in the
regular and the parcel post depart
ments, will be running just as smooth
ly around Christmas time as Ia mid
summer. when business is lightest.
True. things will necessarily be
cramped and it has been announced
that Il will be necessary to use parts
OF the corridors to make room for
everything
But the public is not worrying
particularly about these details II is
just leaving the matter in the hands
OF Mr. English.