The Alaska citizen., 1911-05-29
OBJECTS TO TRANSFER
 OF OUR CABLE SYSTEM

In the last mail was received a copy of bill introduced in the s,nate by Senator Warren which has for it's purpose the transference of the Alaskan cable and telegraph system to the postOfiice department, and correspondence regarding it which passed between the delegate from Alaska and Major General Leonard Wood. The copy of the bill. and the correspondence fol low:
 "A Bill to transfer the Alaskan
 cable and telegraph system to the
 post office department.
 Be il enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the United States of America in con gresS assembled, that the operation and maintenance by the signal corps of the army of the Alaskan cable and telegraph system shall here after dcvolve upon the post office department. and estimates for the support Cf such bureau as a branch of the post office for the fiscal year heeinning July first, nineteen hun Gred and twelve. shall be included with Othe" estimates for the post office department and shall be sub mitted to congress by the postmas- ter general. Pending the transfer, and until the post office department is fully prepared to operate the lines. not to exceed four officers If the signal corps and such en- listed men of that corps as may be deemed necessary by the postmaster general shall. with the approval of the secretary of war, be assigned to duty with the post Cffice department, and while so serving shall receive the pay and allowances to which they are entitled by law; and such civilian employees now connected with the Alaska cable and telegraph service as may be necessary shall be transferred to the post office department and their compensation and allowances shall continue as at present until otherwise provided by law"
 Washington, D. c.
 April 19. 1911. Major General Leonard Wood,
 Washington, D. c.
 "Sir-Herewith I enclose for your information copy of Senate Bill No. 314, introduced April 10, by Senator Warren The purpose of the bill seems to be to transfer the Alaska cable and telegraph sys- tenn from the war department to the post office department. l have not been advised why this is desired, and from my intimate knowledge of the conditions in Alaska do not know of any reason why it should be done The government telegraph system in Alaska has been very sat isfactory to the business interests and to the people of that territory. So far as I know, the service has been well conducted in every re- spect. and the people are quite sat sfed with it. The signal corps has done good work there and the man. agement and control of the telegraph lines to and in Alaska is most sat- iefactory to all interests. The build ing of the lines has brought Alaska into close communication, one part with another. has developed feel ing of friendship and strength in the territory. and has encouraged the growth of business and the ma terial development of the whole ter rtory We are very anxious that nothing shall be done to injure this particular branch of the service. l do not know what the transfer of the control from the war depart ment to the post office department will njure it, but fear that any transfer may have that effect. l presume there is a satisfactory req son for the Introduction of this bill. and I am informed that the request fer it's introduction came from the war department. May l call upon yon soon and discuss this matter with you?
 "Respectfully.
 JAMES WICKERSHAM.
 Delegate from Alaska"