The guardian. [volume] (Boston, Mass.) 1901-1960, 1955-10-29

ing a period of unprecedented
national prosperity, the Post
Office Department has oper-
ated at a total loss of more
than four billion dollars. The
interest alone on this portion
of the national debt is now
costing American taxpayers
more than 100 million dollars
a year.
Despite recent economies
and greater efficiency, the
Post Office Department oper-
ated at loss of 1898 million
dollars in fiscal year 1854. This
loss does not include pending
wage increases and other en-
ploye benefits that will cost
at least 1876 million dollars
more per year.
The mailing charges in the
United States for a letter. a
magazine, or a book have been
called "the biggest bargains
on earth"
PROFIT BASIS
Most other countries, in
GLIDING our neighbor Canada,
run their mail service on a
break-even or profit basis.
New postal revenue is need
ed now to meet increased
costs; to provide facilities to
keep pace with growing mail
volume; to improve service.
Raising postal rates is not
a popular issue. But Americ-
ans always face up to finan-
cial necessities when they
understand them.
The American people are
adult enough to know they
only deceive themselves by
keeping postal rates artific-
tally low, and taxing them
selves to pay the difference.
Traditionally, they prefer a
pay-as-you-go basis with
the user of a service paying
his way
The Gallup Poll results of
January %. 1855, showing that
the majority opinion today ia
vorS raising the rate on first
class mail from three cents to
four cents, confirms this CEN
cluSion as do other SURVEYS
made on the same subject.
Somebody has to pay for
postal services. Low postage
rates are misleading when the
difference is paid by the tax
payer. Isn't it fairer to charge
those who receive the direct
benefit rather than the gem
eral taxpayer?
INCREASES
With these views in mind,
the Post Office Department
has proposed to Congress
on first, second, and third
class mail.
1t has also recommended the
establishment of a permanent
Postal Rate Commission to
provide a continuous flexible
system of scientific rate adj
justments under policy guild
ance of the Congress.
The creation of a postal
Rate Commission would MAJ
erially aid in The formulation
Of a sound long-range policy
Tor the Post Office Depart
ment.
President Eisenhower, in his
January 18th message to the
Congress, stated that "Approv.
al Of this program will be IL
the public Interest for it viii
further assure efficient seryic.
by the Post Office Depart
ment."
Brief facts about rates and
costs of First Class Mail in
Guiding domestic Air Mail
Second Class Mail, and third
Class Mail follow:
FIRST CLASS MAIL
The three-cent letter rate
has been called the Orphan
Annie" of the postwar infla-
tionary period.
The postage rate on letter,
is the same as it was in 1882
Meanwhile, Post Office De-
rar5ment costs have almost
doubled.
Since 1882, there have beer
five general wage increases
for POSTAL employees and an
other may be imminent. There
have also been two increases
in rates paid to railroads.
First-class mail service UNI
der present rates does no,
carry its fair share of postal
costs.
In 1854 the cost of handling
the average first-class letter
was 3.12 cents and it will be
substantially higher in 1855
This is in contrast to a cost
of 1,89 cents in 1882.
If the letter rate was fair
in 1882, it is obviously too low
now.
In terms of increases in the
general price level, the three
cent stamp would cost six