80 COMMISSION ON COUNTRY LIFE 



ment of government service to the country 

 people through the post office. We hold that a 

 parcels post and a postal savings bank system are 

 necessities; and as rapidly as possible the rural 

 free delivery of mails should be extended. Every- 

 where we have found the farmers demanding the 

 parcels post. It is opposed by many merchants, 

 transportation organizations and established in- 

 terests. We do not think that the parcels post 

 will injure the merchant in the small town or 

 elsewhere. Whatever will permanently benefit 

 the farmer will benefit the country as a whole. 

 Both town and country would readjust them- 

 selves to the new conditions. We recognize the 

 great value of the small town to the country 

 districts and would not see it displaced or 

 crippled; but the character of the open country 

 largely makes or unmakes the country town. 



In order that fundamental correctives may be 

 applied, we recommend that a thoroughgoing 

 study or investigation be made of the relation of 

 business practices and of taxation to the welfare 

 of the farmer, with a view to ascertaining what 

 discriminations and deficiencies may exist, wheth- 

 er legislation is needed, and to give publicity to 



