New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-17
ATTACKS THE PRESS.
Newspapers More Powerful than
Congress. Mr.. OuerStreet Says.

from The Tribune Bureau
Washington, Feb. 16-Smarting under the dis
approval by the press of the country of the rec
ommendation Of the Postal Commission that
certain increases of postage and numerous
strctions be placed on second class matter,
which would interfere seriously with news
paper enterprise Chairman Overstreet. of this
House Committee on Postoffices and Pcstroads
attacked the press to-day in tho House. He
suggested the existence of an alliance between
the representatives. OF certain papers and the
railroads to defeat all postal reforms proposed
by Congress. and criticised the press generally
az having been unfair in its publications on the
effect OF the reforms recommended by the COM
mission. Mr. Overstreet acknowledged that the
press more powerful than Congress.
His criticism of the press made in two
hour speech in defence OF the Postofice Appro-
prlaton bill, which came UP in the House in
committee OF the whole for general debate.
Much OF the first part OF his remarks was de-
voted TO the proposed reduction in the compen-
sation for the transportation of the malls by the
railroads He advised the members to face the
question with some courage lest the onslaught
or the railroads carry them of their feet. The
Dill carries an appropriation OF more than SOB,
$4,000. the largest amount asked for In any
appropria ton bill ever presented to Congress.
Mr.. Overstreet's speech heard with intense
interest. as indicating the hard fight that will
be made next week on the reform recouue nda-
lions. His view Of the Postal Commissions sug-
gestions was in marked contrast TO the conser-
vative opinion expressed by Senator Carter in
these. dispatches 10 yesterdays Tribune.
A united press is more powerful than Con-
gress." said Mr.. Overstreet. in discussing the
report OF the postal commission ON second class
matter but he added. it was with great regret
he had observed an absence Of fair investigation
on the part OF certain newspapers in criticsius
the findings of the commission.
We will never be able. in my Judgment" be
said, TO reach any kind of satisfactory adjust
mcnt of the great problem of second class matter
press of the country. daily and periodical. II is
In the interest of chose great enterprises that
Legislation is needed. The Anticipated laws OF
to-day scarcely enforceable A strict en-
forcement of existing laws relative TO second
class matter might easily result in great harm
and loss to publishers but long the news
papers and periodicals Of the country insist upon
Wholesale criticism without fair and reasonable
cooperation upon their part fear we VIII al
have unfortunate ENHANCEMENT and
contest which will bring about fair results.
Much transformation has been spread abroad
with respect to the action of that commission.
II l had the time 1 would be glad TO inform this
House upon some methods which have been
adopted by some periodicals, daily and otherwise.
which have been stimulated. started upon their
hellish methods. for the purpose of defeating ac-
ton could point out to this House wherein
some of these misguided and unfortunate repre-
sentatiycs of a great and influential press have
even sought TO aid the railroad corporations in
joint movement TO defeat all legislation by Con-
gress relative To second class matter and the re-
duCtion OF railway mail pay
1T think that the great volume OF the Ameri
can press should be exonerated from such crit
iCiSmS as / nave just mace IN reference TO SONS
/ believe in the integrity, the influence and hign
purposes Of that press and they can subserve
splendid motive and aid in cause which has
been urged for their benefit by giving better
attention TO the efforts OF honorable gentlemen
of Congress i'm studying and seeking to bring
about some wise laws which will result in their
benefit. But until the press as a whole can give
ear at least TO fair aud reasonable efforts we
can never hope for final action upon this great
problem"
In the morning hour the House passed a num-
Der of bills. among them being one permitting
the special delivery of letters carrying ordinary
stamps. also bill limiting to January I, 1909,
the operation of acts TO reimburse the Governors
Of states and territories for expenses incurred
by them in aiding the United States TO raise
troops in the with Spain.
The House. at 5:35 p. m. adjourned until noon
tomorrow, when eulogies will be pronounced
on Robert r. Hit.