The weekly chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Craig County, Okla.) 1905-1913, 1910-02-25
IEEDOM OF PRESS
DEAR 70 AMERICANS


Washington, d. O., Feb. 21.-That
edom of the press is still dear to
hearts OF all Americans is evi-
need by the thousands OF protests
alnst the proposed increase In Sec
d class mali rates These protests
coming from all directions even
,nl fer OF and isolated Alaska. Ey.
ynenIber n of congress is being snow
nnder by them. The mail Of Okla
ma members OF the house Is pretty
Ach all criticism OF :he attempt to
kke newspaper publishers ana per
hcals pay more postage.
Senator owen believes that the en-.
movement to raise second class
tvs car be traced to eoterie OF
sn who have been exposed by the
Ilitant newspapers AMI periodicals
the country.
The protests. however, are voiced
the average citizen in the ordinary
llks OF life which is a sufficient in
4 zion that they represent the
ought OF the masses Of the people.
fmers. laboring men. professional
en and business men are alike arous-
by the danger that turks in legis-
ton that might have the effect to
row many publications on the fin
.ciai rocks and tend toward the con-
ntration OF the publication busi-
sss in concerns that have the back
& of the so-called "capitalistic inter
Isl"
The apprehension which exists has
und a responsive chord In congress
i'd il the proposition to advance the
ties ever had a chance in congress
lat time has passed and the Okla
oma delegation can be depended up
to vote solidly against the increase.
Indeed among members of the Okla
ona delegation there never has been
az sentiment in favor of the placing
iditional burdens on the publication
daily and weekly newspapers and
iagazines. The plea that the increase
/ rates is necessary to wipe out the
ostai deficit has not made a hit with
he Oklahoma congressman who be-
eve that the railroad companies are
sceiving exorbitant pay for carrying
he mails and that the express com
anies are being permitted TO infringe
non the governments rights in hand
Ing mail below the first class in a
gay that absorbs the profits which
hould go to wipe out the deficit. II
would be an easy matter, the Okla.
; ina members think, to enact RENE.
ial legislation that would take care
4 the deficit without advancing sec.
nd class matter
Nor do members Of congress gener
nly believe that Il is a fantastic
lream that the eapitalistie interests
nay be reaching out to control the
press OF the country While Il Is not
susceptible of positive proof there is
growing and somewhat general be
lief that It has substantial foundation
In fact.
Publicity policy demands" said
Representative c. D. Carter that in
formation should be made as cheaT
as possible. The effort now beinG
made to raise second class rates
largely eminates from the trusts anc
other big corporations that do no
want the light Of publicity to shine
IN on their affairs II 1t succeeds tht
little periodicals will be crowded ouf
and | fear that the time will come
when the avenues Of publicity in this
country will be controlled by a gigan
tic combination with some ]. Pierpon
Morgan at its head. The little home
paper Is one OF the bulwarks OF the ma
ton and any legislation that woult
put unnecessary burdens and restrio
lions on its publication and circula
ton would be essentially bad"