Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 251, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 November 1917 — BIGGER XMAS BOXES ABROAD [ARTICLE]

BIGGER XMAS BOXES ABROAD

WEIGHT LIMIT ON PARCELS TO OUR FIGHTING MEN IN » FRANCE RAISED. Uncle Sam is that all his nephews fighting in France shall have as big Christmas boxes as relatives and friends here want to send them—up to 20 pounds, if mailed early enough. The French government recently gave notice that, because of its inadequate rail facilities, it could not transport any parcels post package weighing over seven pounds. Now the U. S. war department announces that it will handle all Christmas packages for the American expeditionary forces in France, on the lines there which have been built and are being operated by our nine railway regiments. Accordingly the postoffice department has issued a new order under which a Christmas package weighing up to twenty pounds may be sent to a soldier in France, but these regulations must be strictly observed: “I addressing give the name of the soldier, the name of the unit to which he is attached and send it in Care of the Commanding General, Port of Embarkation, Pier J., Hoboken, N. J. The package mu4t comply with the regular postal regulations, and, in addition, the articles sent must be packed in a wooden box not more than two cubic feet in extent. It must be well strapped and should have either a hinged or a screwed top. No perishable foodstuff? may be sent. The box should be marked to indicate it is a Christmas package and should reach Hoboken not later than Dee. 5. The rate of postage is 12 cents a pound.” I To be sure it will get to France in -time, mail your Christmas box before Nov. 15th.