Williston graphic., 1916-12-07
REIMBURSEMENT OF
U. S. POSTAL RATES
QUESTION FOR CONGRESS
ZONE SYSTEM FOR MAGA-
ZINES CONSIDERED

Washington, Dec. 4-The ways are
now being CREASED for the launching
of the movement for the readjust-
ment of postal rates in the next ses-
sion of Congress. This problem was
to have been taken up in the last ses-
sion but had to be deferred on &C,
count of the consideration required
by railway mail pay. Since this has
been disposed Of the committees are
prepared to take up the matter o.
placing the various postal rates on
more equitable basis.
A zone Of rates for. second class
matter is being prominently urged
to take the place of the present nat
rate which was adopted nearly forty
years ago. The present rate mas
for some time been regarded as
discrimination against the neWspa,
pers in favor of the great national
magazines. Like the parcel post the
proposed zone rates would be based
on the length of the haul.
The postal committees have been
besieged by petitions bearing mil
lions of names and several hundred
thousand letters from individuals
urging a readjustment of postal rates
with a view of making possible one
cent letter postage. A survey of the
situation indicates that sufficient
changes will be made in the various
rates to permit the granting Of l
cent rate on local delivery letters in
the next session of Congress.
Chairman Moon of the House Pos
tai Committee, said: "I think that
the Committee will take up this sec
ond- class mail matter at the next ses-
sion and press it to conclusion at
once. While l cannot speak for the
committee, this is my desire in the
matter. I do not know what kind of
bill we will pass, whether it will
have zone feature attached to it OF
not. This view has been presented
frequently in years past, and some
times received favor and sometimes
not. As to what shape the legislatio!:
will be in l am not able to say. but |
am sure the Committee will give it
the best possible shape in the public
interest"
Senator Clapp, of Minnesota, said:
"Legislation creating a postage rate
of one cent on local delivery letters
should be enacted by Congress with
out any further delay. In view of
the nervous condition Of business
throughout the country l believe the
reduction of the local letter rate from
cents to one cent would serve very
valuable purpose by stimulating the
commercial situation to a more salts
factory level"
Congressman Stafford, Of Wiscon-
sin, one of the leading postal experts
in the House, has given extensive
study to the question of postal rev
enues and he firmly believes that
there is even large profit to the Gov
ernment with the reduced rates as
provided by his bill for l cent local
delivery letters. He said that with
the inauguration of one cent local
delivery postage the merchants and
people generally, who use the mails
so frequently for local delivery, vii!
be induced to utilize the mails still
more by reason of the reduction of
the rate"
Congressman Royal c. johnson, of
South Dakota, "The advocates of l
cent letter postage have succeeded in
educating the patrons Of our postal
service to the realization that the
existing rates are far from being
equitable and that the time is oppor-
tune for a change. 1t seems almost
certain that the members of the
House will have an opportunity of
oting on a proposition to extend the
American people cheaper rates on
delivery letters in the next session OF
Congress-.