In the fourth place, there were in the United States in 1917 some 55,000 post offices. The number of express offices is not definitely known, but it is probably in the neighborhood of 40,000. The possibilities of saving by coöperation and consolidation here are again obvious, particularly when it is remembered that a large section of the activities of practically every post office is given over to handling packages mailed under the parcel-post. Especially in many smaller cities and towns, post offices could handle with little increased cost the business now requiring separate express offices in those localities. Where post office facilities are inadequate to handle the demand now being made upon them, the present express company offices might readily serve to save the cost of additional construction and facilities in the future. The amount of rental saved merely by the consolidation of many different express offices may be indicated by reference to the recent experience of the Railroad Administration in a parallel situation. Similarly, there is possible an extensive consolidation and economizing in stables and garages, office furniture and supplies. THE POSTAGE STAMP In the fifth place, there is the saving represented in the very nature of the postage stamp itself, which can be sold and accepted for payment of charges only by the Post Office Department. Much of the expense of the express companies in issuing receipts, making statements, checking upon money received, etc., could be saved if the express parcels could proceed under a postage stamp. MISCELLANEOUS SAVINGS Finally, there are the hosts of miscellaneous items of operating expenses in which we must be led to expect saving by all other experience in consolidating similar agencies performing similar services. Some of these expenses might even be eliminated entirely under Government ownership and control. Such are the cost of superintendence and auditing, insurance, the cost of securing traffic commissions, advertising and law expenses, to say nothing of the profits paid stockholders in normal years.