The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-01-15


Senators and representatives gener-
ally did not learn of the proposed rec
concentration until they read the pa
pers today. When they reached the
capitol all were discussing the matter
and many divergent views were ex-
pressed. Most generally discussed OF
all the reports early today was one
that pressure might be brought to
bear on Mr.. Hitchcock not to make
the recommendation. So far the mat
ter has not progressed beyond a dec
Iaration by the postmaster general
that he would make such recon-
mendation to congress with state
ment by him giving reasons for the
lines.
The postmaster general was late in
reaching his office this morning al
though there were many urgent calls
for him. There was no disposition at
the capitol today to avoid serious con-
sideration Of the proposed plan The
question of government ownership Of
public utilities Is a great one and needs
Representative Moon of Tennessee
chairman of the postoff1ce committee
IF Postmaster General Hitchcock's
plans are embodied in a bill to be in
committee it certainly will be given
thorough investigation. Such pro-
posal never has been before congress
that I know off,
The idea Finds Favor.
Senator Bourne of Oregon, chair
offices, reserved comment until affer
he had had time to read the details
of the postmaster generals plans.
ION the theory that the telegraph
is a part of the mail, it seems to me
that it would not be out of place for
the government to own the telegraph
lines" said Senator Cullom of Illinois.
Senator William Alden Smith Of
- - Il 60 w
opposed the government ownership of
the public utilities for many years.
The prestige enjoyed by American
citizens is due to their unhampered
appurtenance to the postal system,
have felt that the telegraph could be
more appropriately operated by gov
eminent than by any branch of indi-
Vidual business.
There was disposition among some
senators today to credit the report
that Mr.. Hitchcock's action might
mean a break between him and Presi-
Hitchcock with those who are urging
the candidacy Of Colonel Theodore
Roosevelt for the Republican presi-
Dental nomination. This, however,
was but one of the half a hundred
theories discussed about the capitol.
After Postmaster General Hitchcock
had been in conference with Mr. Taft
for more than an hour today an au-
thoritative statement was made at the
White House that there had been no
postmaster general over the latter's pro-
posed recommendation that the govern
ment acquire and operate all telegraph
lines as an adjunct of the postal sys-
tenn.
An Official Statement.
The statement given out at the
White House follows:
"A recommendation by the postmas-
ter general that it would be we'll for
the government to buy the telegraph
office system appeared in an earlier
annual report submitted by him to the
president. After some discussion it
was decided, at the suggestion of the
president to postpone reference to the
matter for another year and not to
bring it forward then, because of the
recommendation of many other i'm
portant changes including the postal
savings bank and the parcels post.
'"Fhese If adopted would take up all
the energy Of the postoffice department
in making the necessary changes. The
postmaster general intended to bring
this matter to the attention of the
president before the publication in adj
vance of this part of mis- report, At
ter having made preparations for pub
LEGATION he was suddenly called out of
town without having done SO. His
conclusion a to the wisdom of taking
over the telegraph lines had been reach
ed only after full investigation and
consideration. AS the report contain
ing these recommendations had not yet
been submitted to the president it has
not been considered by him or by the
cabinet with view to presenting it
to congress as an administration meas
ure.''
Received With Surprise.
New York, Jan. i5-The announce
ment from Washington thatPostmaster
General Hitchcock is q bout to recon-
mend government ownership of te1e-
graph and telephone lines was received
egraph and telephone companies here.
1T is a bolt out of a clear sky" de-
clared Theodore n. Vail. president Of
the American Telephone and Telegraph
company and of the Western Union,
whether the government could run tel
egraphs economically or not is very
doubtful" continued Mr.. Vail. 1.-THE
experience of Great Britain is not ia
vorable.''
Mr. Vail said that there had been
no conferences on the subject and that
to the companies he represents that
such a proposition was being consider
ed by the postmaster general
Edward n. Nally, vice president and
general manager of tie Postal Tele-
graphs Gable company, dio not believe
congress woL favor Mr.. Hitchcock's
IN my opinion" he added. the
country is not prepared for such a
over our public utilities shouldn't the
bigger things be taken first? Surely
the railroads are bigger than the tele-
eranh.'