  Resolved, That the Federal Government should establish a Parcels Post. IntroductionI. It has been claimed that A. Our postal rates on third and fourth class matter are exorbitant as compared with those in foreign countries. B. Foreign parcels post systems afford many conveniences which we do not have. II. An extension of our present parcels post system is demanded. A. Bills providing for it have been presented to Congress. B. Postmasters-General Wanamaker, Meyer, and others have tried to secure it. C. It has been recommended in presidential messages, in conventions, by postal officials and by the people. III. The plan which has received most favorable attention is that of Postmaster-General Meyer, providing for A. A general parcels post at the rate of 12c a pound, with a limit in weight of eleven pounds. B. A rural parcels post at the rate of 5c for the first pound, 2c for each additional pound, limit of weight eleven pounds. AffirmativeThe Affirmative is in favor of the Parcels Post, for I. The United States government would benefit financially. A. The receipts from the increased volume of business would more than repay the loss from the reduction in rate. B. Increased receipts from rural routes would be clear profit. 1. Rural routes are already equipped for this service. C. If the post with foreign countries pays now, the government ought to make a profit from a similar domestic service. II. The general public would benefit by this service. A. Present transportation charges would be reduced. 1. The express companies would have to reduce rates. B. Greater convenience in sending merchandise would result. 1. The express companies would have to improve service. C. The cost of living would be reduced. III. Rural communities would be benefited. A. The local dealer would profit. 1. He could do a larger business with less expense, and with increased facilities for delivery. 2. He could meet the competition of mail-order houses and city merchants. B. Country towns and villages would have cheap transportation which is so essential for favorable growth. C. The parcels post would turn the tide of civilization from the cities back to the land. D. The farmer would be benefitted. 1. He would save time and expense in driving to market. 2. He could have more of the comforts and conveniences of city life. 3. He would have better market facilities for his products. IV. A parcels post would not be class legislation. A. Mail-order houses and city department stores would not benefit unduly. B. Express companies would not be seriously injured. 1. Their present rates are excessive. V. The parcels post has been successful in other countries and is practicable. A. It has paid 1. Financially. 2. In comfort and convenience. B. In nearly every country the rates are lower than in the United States and the limit in weight is much higher. NegativeThe Negative is opposed to the Parcels Post, for I. The present postal deficit would be increased rather than diminished. A. The cost of the increased service would not be covered by the increased traffic. 1. The government cannot compete successfully with the express companies. 2. There would be a continual demand for more and better equipment. 3. Government undertakings are always more costly than those under private management. B. The inconsistencies between our present foreign and domestic rates are not as great as has been claimed. II. The general public would not be benefitted by it. A. It would have little influence on express rates. B. It would increase the centralization of wealth, population, and manufactures. C. The demand for it has been artificially created. III. Rural communities would be injured by it. A. Retailers and local dealers would suffer. 1. Orders would be sent direct to manufacturing centers. 2. Mail-order houses would obtain most of the trade. B. Rural towns and villages would be injured. 1. Trade would be drawn to the larger cities and population would follow. C. The farmer would not be benefitted. 1. He would not use it nearly as much as has been claimed. 2. The market for his products would be largely destroyed by the removal of population to large cities. 3. The rural parcels post alone would be merely an entering wedge. IV. Legislation for a parcels post would be discriminating and unnecessary. A. Dealers, wholesalers and jobbers in heavy merchandise could not use it. B. Mail-order houses and department stores would benefit at the expense of the retailers and consumers. C. The Interstate Commerce Commission already has the power to correct excessive express rates. D. The rural post alone would increase the business of the express companies. V. That the parcels post is in operation in foreign countries at very low rates and high weight-limits is no argument for its extension in the United States. A. Conditions vary so widely. 1. Distances are greater in the United States. 2. The population is more scattered. 3. The railroads are privately owned, and the government must pay heavy rates for service. B. It is claimed that the system is run at a loss in England and Germany. |
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