The Cairo bulletin., 1913-07-20

II uHl NtlEht liihlt vi ~ puulluS anu
the reduction IN rates will apply
only to the tTst and second zones.
from any given postoffice-a dis
tance of about $50 mi eS-the
changes directed today constitute
the first long step towards a uniyer-
sal extension of the system and
general reduction in the rates of
postage on parcel matter.
Must Use Caution.
"ln the making Of extensions ana
reduC tions of rates, says Postmas-
sary for us to proceed with caution,
so as to afford ample opportunity to
prepare for the increased business.
FIR that reason we have made the
changes proposed apply only to the
first and second zones. | appreciate
fully the sentiment for an Increase
in the weight limit and a reduction
in rates to all ones. but it is neces-
say for us, in sense to feel our
way"
The changes as announced as 70 =
lows:
"The first zone shall include the
territory within local delivery Of
y-offirc and the fr5t zone rate OF
postage will apply to all parcel post
mail deposited at any office for local
delivery or for delivery by city car
rier or on rural routes emanating
from that postotGice. The second
zone shall include the remainder of
what is now the first zone together
with the present second zone, and
| shall include all the units Of area
| located in whole or in part within
radius of approximate y l50 miles
from any given postoffice.
"The rate Of postage on parcels
weighing in excess of foru ounces in
the proposed first zone will be re-
duced from five cents for the first
| pound and one cent for each addi-
tional pound or fraction thereof to
| five cents for each additional two
pounds or fraction thereof, and the
rate for the second zone will be re-
| duced from five cents for the first
pound and three cents for each addi-
| tional pound or six cents for the
| first pound and four cents for each
additional pound or fraction thereof
to five cents for the first pound and
one cent each for each additional
Ipund or fraction thereof. The maxi
mum weight of parcel post pack
ages will be increased from clever
pounds to twenty pounds, the in
crease of weight TO app y only to the
first and second zones No change
has been made in the size or Torn
OF the package"
Farmers vi | Benefit.
/ Statistics collected by the depart
ment show that quite one-third o
.he total number of parcels mailet
are handled within the propose,
first and second zones, and the Post
master general believes the increas
in the weight limit and the reduc
tion 0 fthe rates or postage in tn
first and second zones, as proposed
viii benefit great y more than one
third of the public; and that tn
, producer, the consumer and the 10
cal merchant Will profit material
by the changes. lie points out, too
, that the farmers VINO were led t
anticipate much benefit from IN
parcel post service, will be alforde
cheap means of transporting thei
products directly to the consumer
and that the local merchant who's
trade does not justify the employ
ment of extensive delivery serviC
also will be benefited, as the sy'
TEN will put him in close touch wit
his customers.
At the outset it was estimate
that 300,O00,O0O parcels would b
handled during the first year of tn
operation of the Parcel Post system
but it now appears from the stati
tics that, influenced by the change
proposed today, the service will |
so popu arized that the number {
parcels carried during the ensuin
: twelve months will be more tha
r double the original estimate.
Prepare Rate Sheet.
D The rate sheet, which is to
used as a substitute for the pare
post map will be prepared as soon |
e practicable and attached to the pa
: aal ,.cs s,,,sl1 rho ~u4z alart