It is only last year (1913) that the United States Post Office, after many struggles, has at last followed the example of the Mother Country in introducing the parcel post. At this time it may be of especial interest to take a short survey of the history of this great agent for helpfulness and of the splendid part which Fawcett played in promoting it. As early as 1698 Docwra originated the penny post for London. It dispensed impartially ‘bank boxes, tradesmen’s parcels, and apothecaries’ mixtures.’ Patients complained wisely or unwisely (for it seems that there has always been a faction in favour of mind cure) that they did not get their physic in time. But the high rate of postage put an end to this. Though a parcel post was advocated by Sir Rowland Hill, the Society of Arts, the Royal Commission on Railways, and though Lord John Manners had opened up negotiations with the various interests involved, no working agreement had been arrived at. When Fawcett took office he became keenly interested and persisted resolutely till the many difficulties were overcome. It required tireless patience, tact, and diplomacy, both with the Treasury department, which had to provide funds to meet the first outlay, and with the railway companies. Fawcett’s part in the work of establishing this new system was interrupted by illness, but, nevertheless, the new order was in full swing in August 1883. [Sidenote: The new red Vans.] He took a keen delight in this fresh work, of which he felt that the public should have the benefit, even if the Government made little profit. On the evening when the parcel post was started, Fawcett, with his wife and daughter, went to the ‘circulation office.’ He writes afterwards on the same night to his parents, describing the scene, the extraordinary variety of objects posted, and the ’smartly painted red vans.’ He begs them to come and have a look at it. Three days later he reports that things are working smoothly, and speaks warmly of the zeal of all concerned, from the head officials down to the humblest letter-carrier. He says that he shall soon issue a general notice of thanks to the persons co-operating in the result. The only difficulty was the public inexperience in the art of packing. In his report Fawcett writes: ‘The new post had been introduced without the least interference with the older services. The number of parcels conveyed had increased and was now at the rate of from twenty-one to twenty-two millions a year. Simplifications, and consequent economies had been introduced, and further improvements were under consideration.’ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Illustration: PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.——APRIL 15, 1882. THE MAN FOR THE POST. _With special permission from the Proprietors of “Punch”_] ------------------------------------------------------------------------