The Detroit times., 1912-01-16
TAFT is IN FAVOR OF
GOVERNMENT OWNING
TELEGRAPH SYSTEMS
Hitchcocks Interview Was In
tended To. Feel Public Senti-
ment on Subject.
PLAN LONG DISCUSSED
Postmaster- General Tells Bene-
fits That Would Come If
Lines Are Taken Over.

------
WASHINGTON. Jan. 16--Far from
being displeased with Postmaster-Gen-
tral Hitehcock's government owner
ship plan for telegraph lines, Presi-
dent Taft Is in favor OF such a scheme.
From a source OF the highest auth
GRITTY today II was learned that the
execptive is not only confident OF the
feasibility of such a plan. but before
the close of bis term will probably
r<commeDd Its adoption to congress.
Moreover il is said that Hitchcocks
net In publishing his views was part
~ 4 plan to feel out" the public on
<1et tgoyernmental ownership project
without committing the chief eXecu-
{Het to its principles. II the public
1Dproves the plan President Taft will
urge its adoption. II was pointed out
{odag that in the white house state
mem. yesterday, the president care
fully avoided denial OF his personal
approval OF the plan.
Government-ownersh OF telegraph
lines has been under investigation by
the 1postoffice department and white
house for more than a year.
The project was the principal sub
ject for discussion az today's cabinet
Neeting Hitchcock refused to permit
the use of direct quotations, but au-
fhofixed the United Press TO make
the Following statement OF his views;
G3Fernment purchase OF all tele-
graph lines, to operate, with the pos
tni seryice, cheapening operation OF
both, with better and cheaper service
40 rhc public.
Against government ownership OF
fck ephone lines, because of Local
SEA- Jce.
~ ainst government ownership OF
cxp3 'ss companies, but favoring a
eeneA II parcels post with some in
demnh ication to express companies
for Ipssa OF business taken by the gov
ernn1ems.
Tho D ostmaster-generar emphatical-
~ dktIaf ed today that for more than
n ycszr he had discussed the federal
teIegraph scheme with Taft and that
the presid ent thoroughly understood
hts views.
re decla red that combination of
icIeeraph an d postal services is high
w EGccessful In many foreign coun-
tries and is a natural economic de-
vel0pment In this country. Ete cited
the maintenai,ce Of postal and tele-
xraph stations In every community
and bRid they dould be combined with
great economy ,and efficiency.
Hitchcock asserted that HIS views
we're reached ah.er long study and
careful consideration, presented in de-
tail Hf the white house. and. exp pfessed
surpFise that his report created such
a fllfcre.
Tie present statutes he declared
provide for government purchas Sc of
the telegraph lines by appraisement
and teongressfonaI appropriation.
am IN entire sympathy with the
pIan,2 said Rep Burleson, OF Texas,
ranking Democratic member of the
house appropriation committee, "but
the ncquisition must not be at n hc-
tifious yalne. would favor giving
the bsnefit Of the doubt to the tele.
graph companies In fixing a reasonable
price; but the government sholIld in
no case be mulcted to the extent OF
paying for water"
Senator williams, of Missouri. said
he had been in favor OF the general
pr0positfon for 20 years.
II think all kinds or intelligence" !"
he said. should go through the post
ONCE department, although can see
very good reasons why It might not
be practical to take over the tele-
phones at this time"
II think Mr.. Hitchcock is trying to
change the subject and draw atten-
tion away from Mr.. Taft and the COM
ihr election. said Rep. Adamson, of
Georgia. chairman OF the house COM
niffee on interstate commerce.
II ann not In favor Of the govern
mcnt owning. anything that individuals
can own under proper cotrol."
Senator Stone, of Missouri, who has
been much opposed TO government
ownership of railroads, said: II can
see more good reasons why the gov
ernment should own the telegraph
than Why 1t should own the railroads"
Senator Borah, Of Idaho: II am In
favor OF the general proposition"
Progressive leaders in the house
favored government purchase of tele-
araph lines under proper safeguards.
II am inclined TO be In favor OF the
proposal,' said Rep. Norris, Of Ne
braska.
Il am also for the plan" said Rep.
Murdock, OF Kansas, but II will have
10 be carried out carefully and leisure
iy. and only after thorough investiga-
Hon. .....
II am against ownership OF tele-
oraph companies" said Rep. Hill, of
connecticut, Republican. THE govern
,uent-controlled telegraphs OF England
are = heavy expense to the taxpayers
i. mere and a failure 20 far as financial
.rosperity In concerned" ....
RI the government acquisition OF
t<Iekraph lines Is to be considered, the
.coulsition and operation of express
tompanies should be considered at the
e4mc time" said Rep. Lloyd, OF Mis-
@oori. chairman OF the Democratic con.
eressional committee.
cTos BACK ON CONFESSION.
rsCANABA, Mich. Jan. 1s.--Circuit
10