Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1912-01-15
'H1|'HDDCkON CARPET
o||R'|DN|'N[RSA|P N|' IDEA
PosrDaAsrER OPENLY Aovo.
cATEs FEDERAL CONTROL OF
TELEoRAPH LINZ.
w,LLsaEcoMMEND PURCHASE
.iNsREPoRr TO CONGRESS

r,ouncenont-Taft Summons Aide to
White Houss-Advanes Position
causss Stir in Washington.
washington, Tan. 15.-Postmaster
General. Hitchcock, who last night gave
ont : statement saying he would rec
ommend to- congress the government
ownership and operation of all tele-
graph lines. was summoned to the
White House by President Taft short
ly after II o'clock today.
Mr.. Hitchcock on his way to see the
president would not discuss the mat
ter In anyway.
1t was reported, however. that what
ever. feeling existed at the White
House was caused mainly by the abb
sencc Of information there as to Mr..
Hitehcock'S Intentions. 1t was said
that ar. Taft would make his attitude
perfectly clear on the Hughes report on
second -class matter. This report is
expected In the near future.
The pronouncement in favor Of tie
government ownership and operation
Of the telegraph lines as an adjunct OF
the pOstoHice department stirred Of
fetal Washington as few administca-
tive acts have in recent years.
The postmaster generals statement
was news to the White House. and
is said to have caused the greatest sur
prise there. This was evident when
efforts were made late last night to
recall the announcement. These ef-
forts, however, did not come from MI.
Hitchcock. He was out Of the city
when the statement was released and
did not return until late last night.
Then he went Immediately to his
APARTMENTS and would not be dis
tdrbed.
Senators, and representatives gener-
aliy did not hear OF the recomnenda-
t1or until they read the papers today.
!, yGhensthe reached the capital all were
discus 1iny gthe matter and many ai-
vaf6ent views we're expressed.
fsyins u Hsad lt on.
Most generally discussed Of all re-
ports was one that pressure might be
1brouglt to bear on Mr.. Hitchcock not
to make the recommendation. So far
the matter has not progressed beyond
the declaration that he would make
such q Recommendation to congress,
with statementSby him giving rea-
sons for the proposed acquisition by
the telegraph lines.
The postmaster general was late IN
reaching his office this morning altho
there were many urgent calls for him.
There was no disposition at the capi-
tol today to avoid any serious consid-
Grafton Of the proposed plans.
s csnaroso Would Consider.
.'The question Of government owner
ship OF public utilities is great one
that needs long and careful considera-
tion.c said Representative Moon. of
Tennessee, chairman Of the post0ffice
committee. "If- the postmaster gener-
ais plans are embodied in a bill to be
introduced in congress and the bill
comes sto, :thi4 committee it certainly
win be given thorough investigation.
Such Z proposal, never has been before
consress that I know off,
For q syear or more Mr.. Hitchcock
has had this recommendation under
consideration. After a thorough study
of the operation OF government con-
lines and postal tele-
graph systems Of foreign countries he
has decided to urge the matter upon
oongress...-. 's.i'
.siould this Recommendation be
adop3s = said Mr.. Hitchcock last night,
.I I'm convinced 1t would result
in infportaft economies and in mater
iaily:loWer telegraph rates.
9ueescsfpi in Fifty Countries.
.fYf .apnrdximately fifty countries Of
the wofld--notably in Great Britain.
FrSn1es Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain.
Russia. aad Japan con-
froilea -teaeefaphs now are In success
ful. md ptolkfable operation.
..l6 many OF the countries they are
onerited aAs connection with the postal
eerSies. These telegraphs serve an
asKrerate population OF $50. .0o0. 900. and
IN every. instance they have been found
"a 81 o( Immense practical benefit to
the People, In both promptitude and
cost n tt.e service.
..In thtS rsuntry, .postonices are main
.tained. 81, Numerous places not reached
81 the fele4raph systems. and the pro-
posed .consol ldation. therefore. would
afIord = favorable opportunity for the
vide; extension of telegraphic facilities.
IN many sna1l towns where the tele-
graph o0ppenles have offices the tele-
4raph an4 mail business could be
handed readily by the same employees.
I Il 10 Svidsnf that fthe separate main
tepance ofs the two services under pres
ent; cenditions results in a needless ex-
pensS
First Operated By Government.
.sTte- flr1t telegraph in the United
6tateD wss. operated from 1914 to 1s47
by tiI1 government. under authority
frori 4 congress and from many view
points it q Desirable that governments
ac0atrol sskeuld be resumed.
& & 4ss.A ss,eshod foF the acquisition Of
tIleGfaph slinAs isiprescribed In section
S367 of the revised statutes. which pro-
vides that ,foF postal. military or other
pufposss tie government may purchase
5 1eIesSaphe e1lnes operated In the United
0tate9 ~ n appfAised value
'oNjl view u that every reason
tor ~ 6ansmisslon OF mall under
ttoyel lnns control can 0GD1 vtsA
1880