Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-12-31

Those who advocate the postal telegraph
projects urged upon congress, say great deal
which shows that they have not well considered
the matter they attempt to discuss. This APP
pears in the assumptions and arguments they
use. western contemporary states one of its
arguments in this way: 'gn all the countries of
Europe the telegraph is under government con-
troll, and in all these countries, except Russia
and Turkey, the cost to the people is less than
in the United States" This appears TO assume
that our condition would he greatly improved
il we should be more like Europe. 1t should be
remembered that great many things are under
government control, Sin the countries of Eu-
rope" which are not allowed TO be in that con-
dition here. We do not initiate their methods
of organization and action, and can not do so
without treason to our political ami social ideas
But the most rem 4rkable part Of the argument
we have quoted is the assumption that fee-
graphing can be done as cheaply in the United
States as in such countries as Belgium and
Great Britain These two countries ar specially
selected for comparison, in most of the discus
sions. There are however, Two reasons why
the business can not be done as cheaply here as
there. In the first place, Belgium and Great
Britain are comparatively very small in extent,
and, consequently, can do the business of tele-
graphing with much smaller number of sta.
tons and operators than are Indispensable in
the United STATES. In the second place, the CHIEF
part of The cost OF telegraphng is for work, and,
in the two European countries named, wages
and salaries are less than half what they are
and must be in this country. Take careful &C
count of these facts, and the assumption that
our telegraphing can rival that of Belgium or
England, IN cheapness, will give way TO more
reasonable view of The matter.
Belgium is very little larger than Vermont,
and has population numbering nearly 50O0
900. Great Britain, including all the islands
has nearly 100000 of people on a territory
about half as large as that OF Texas We have
territory, most of it thinly inhabited, which
extends over half continent. 1t is not reason
aDle and can not show us anything useful to
institute comparison between the cost OF tel
egraphing in the United States and IN either OF
those European countries; nor would it be
Otherwise il there were no difference in
the cost of work 10 be considered
Labor is cheap in Russia; but the
~eSSS'hh hSAiiNSiy ilhO ouis, 10 fdSl III
extent, while the proportion Of the Russian
people who use the telegraph lines is compare
lively small. Consequently, the cost in Russia
is greater than in the United States. Moreover,
it should not be forgotten that our government
never succeeds to do any business as cbeapy as
it can be done by private parties, whether it be
shipbuilding, managing Indian affairs, erecting
important buildings, or business of any other
kino. Should it be allowed TO undertake the
telegraphing business, one certain result would
be a constant and heavy drain on the treasury.
No doubt there is room for improvement in
the teegraphing business in the United States.
Perhaps the charges can be reduced. Perhaps
facilities can be increased safely. Any meas
ures that can secure improvement should be
favored But improvement can not be realized
by taking the business from responsible private
parties, and placing it in the hands of the gov
eminent. 1t is impossible for government,
under the circumstances in which ours
Is placed, to be good business man
agef; and there is no comfort in deal
ing with the government, when one
has complaint to make or just claim for
damages TO urge. Private parties can he made
responsible for bad service and compelled 10 pay
damages; bat it usually costs great deal mort
to get proper attention TO just claim against
the government, than il is worth. We can not
believe that congress will be induced TO adopt
any of the telegraph schemes now urged upon
II, among the worst of which is that contrived
by Mr.. Hubbard. This is the worst because
there is a job in it.