Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1873-11-29
POSTAL TELEGRAPH.


coming report, reai,irlns his views
on the subject Of postal Geographic
service, and urges the Government to
assume control OF the lines already
in use and the construction Of such
lines as may be needed. He reviews
very sharply the late report of Presi-
dent Orion, of the Western Union
Telegraph Company, and concludes rs
follows: The telegraph should be
made a part of the postal system, with
out further delay. As Congress docs
not seem inclined to use the discretion
given to it in the Third Section OF the
Act of July oath, 1866, to APPOINT ap-
praisels to value the lines, property and
effects of the companies now i'll opera
ton, and as only the Western Union
Company appears TO be unwilling to
make q voluntary sale at fair price, |
recommend that a provision he made
by law for the immediate establishment
of a postal telegraph and for Tie con-
struction OF all such lines as may he
needed, under the direction Of compe-
tent officers of the Engineer Corps Of
the Army. The experience they ac
CURED during Che War OF the Rebellion,
would enable them to DO the work in
the most economical and satisfactory
manner
lime enough, he says, has elapsed
icr full and free discussion OF the sub
iect in all its bearings, and no new
points have been developed which have
not already been considered 1t is
noted as significant fact that oppcsi-
ton to the postal telegraph comes prin-
cipal!y from the telegraph companies.
1t will be remembered that President
Orion III his report did Tot consider it
inexpedient to state that the tender OF
free use Of the lines TO Federal and
State officers, for the transmission of
private correspondence, had resulted in
great benefit to the Company, in main
tanning its position, as one Of the most
successful enterprises in the country
and the financial exhibit of it's profits
for the year ending at the date of his
report. indicated that his boast was not
without substantial foundation. That
company has always contended for high
rates. and has maintained them, with
the exception of a reduction for long
distances, which has resulted in but lit
tie benefit to the public in general, who
use the lines mainly for messages within
circumscribed limits. Rival lines have
been crushed ont by the Western Union
Co. until it stands almost alone, and nc
means have been left untried 70 destroy
its rivals which tho powerful can employ
against the weak.
The recommendations Of the Post.
master-General, SO far as they upply to
this subject, will meet with the hearty
approval of the people. The telegraph
is too valuable an aid to the bushes,
world for its influence 10 remain tram
meled by such exorbitant charges
amounting almost to prohibition. It'
use should be thrown open to every
person, as freely as transmission by The
mails, by placing the tariff at rates
which are barely sufficient to pay The
cost of maintaining the service. Nc
scheme that has yet been devised woull
secure as great benefit to as large {
number, OF tend more effectively te
place the individual of small profits OF
an equality with those possessed of am
pile means. We. trust that Congress
will nd itself of some of the otiium tia
attaches from the ring influence, by in
augnrating measure Of such wide
spread utility and vital Importance.
a CAMPO ADMISSION. - The Walls
Wall: Union, in noting the return o.
the Walla Walla delegation in the Leg
islature to their homes, says: We
do not know just how much these gen
tleman have done for the country i,
general, and their constituents in par
ticular, but they insist that their work
when ready for inspection, will NEE
with general appreciation. We hope so
One thing that can tie said of them is
that they have improved greatly or
most of their predecessors in not hav
ing wasted the time of that body in fix
ing mp matters for election purposes
Or Mt least if they have dnna nnr4I;r.