Ottumwa tri-weekly courier., 1912-01-16
White House Call Came
After Postmaster Cen
eral Said He Would Rec
ommend U. S. Ownership
STATEMENT ISSUED
FROM WHITE HOUSE
Authoritative Denial Given
Out That There is Any
Friction Between Taft
and Hitchcock.

Washington, D., c., Jan. 15.--AfteT
Postmaster General Hitchcock ~had
been in conference with President
Taft for more than an hour today an
authoritive statement was made at
the white house that there had been
no friction between the president ana
the postmaster general over. the lat.
ter's proposed Recommendation that
the government acquire and operate
all telegraph lines as an adjunct OF
the postal system.
The postmaster general, who last
night gave out a statement saying he
would recommend to congress govern
ment ownership and operation OF all
telegraph lines, was summoned to the
white house by President Taft shortly
after II O'Clock this morning.
Mr.. Hitchcock, on his way to the
president, would not discuss the mat
ter In any way. 1t was reported,
however. that whatever feeling exist
ed at the white house was caused
mainly by the absence Of information
there as to Mr.. Hitchcock's Intentions.
1t was said that President TAFT would
make his attitude perfectly clear when
he sent to congress the Hugh he's com
mission report on second class matter.
This report is expected in the near fu-8
ture. . y s
Preside1t Advised ! Year Ago.
I Mr.. Hitchcock had been summoned
to the white house shortly. before
noon and there had been reports that
the president was annoyed over the
publication at this time of the matter.
1t developed, however, that Mr. Hitch
cock had called the matter to the
presidents attention year ago but
to make more complete investiga-
tion delay had been decided on. Il. b,
One report abroad today was that
Mr.. Hitchcock's action meant d break
with President Taft and probable
alignment Of the postmaster general
with the advocates Of Colonel TheO-
dore Roosevelt for president. This,
was specifically denied. Friends OF
Mr.. Hitchcock declared that the latter
was most loyal to President Taft In
every way and would not continue In
the cabinet for minute il he were
not.
1t was also said that the postmaster
generals recommendation would go to
| congress according to schedule to re-
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