Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1912-01-16
ALL WASHINGTON Stirred
NOT UNLIKELY THAT CONGRESS
WILL REVIEW PROPOSED
BILL BEFORE LONG.
CONFERS With PRESIDENT
No Friction Sighted--Mackay Sees
Huge Political Maohlnc-NIany
Opinions are Expressed.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1j.-After
Postmaster General Hitchcock had
been in conference with Preside
Taft for more than an hour today
an authoritative statement was made
at the white house that there had
been no friction between the presi-
dent and postmaster general over the
latter's proposed recommendatict
that the government acquire and op-
crate all telegraph and telephone as
an adjunct to the postal system.
When Mr.. Hitchcock was summon"
ed to the White House there were re-
ports that the president was annoy
ed over the publication of the telo-
graph project ut this time. 1t de-
veloped, however, that Mr., Hitch
cock had called the matter to the
presidents attention a year ago but
to make n more complete inVesti-
cation a delay had been decided on.
One report abroad today was that
Mr.. Hitchcock's action meant break
alignment with advocates of Theo-
dore Roosevelt for president. This
was specifically denied Friends oi
Mr.. Hitchcock declared the latter was
most loyal to. President Taft In every
way and would not continue In the
cabinet for q minute If he were not
1t also was said the postmaster gen
erals recommendation would go to
congress according to schedule TO re-
ceive such consideration as the lead
ers of the house and senate saw I'll
and without comment by the presi-
dent.
The Official Statement.
The statement given out at the
White House follows:
"A Recommendation by the post
master general that it would be wei
for the government to buy the tele'
graph lines and incorporate them IN
The postoffice department appeared III
che earlier annual report submitted
by him to the president.
after some discussion, it was de-
cided. at the suggestion of the presi-
dent, to postpone reference to th'
matter to another year and not to
bring it forward then, because of the
recommendation OF many other i'm
portant changes, including the posta
savings bank and the parcels post
These, if adopted, would take up
all the energy of the postoffice de-
partment in making the necessary
changes.
The postmaster general intended
to bring this matter to the attention
of he president before the publication
| in advance OF this part of his report
After having made preparations fol
publication. he was suddely called
out of town without having done So
His conclusion as to the wisdom
as to taking over the telegraph lines
had been reached only after full con
sideration. AS the report containin
the recommendation has not yet beer
submitted to the president, IL has no
yet been considered by him or by the
cabinet with the view OF presenting /
to congress as an administration mehs
ure."
Hitchcock VIII Present II.
Most generally discussed of all The
reports early today was one to th'
effect that pressure might be brough
10 bear on Mr.. Hitchcock not to max,
the recommendation. SO far the mat
ter has not progressed beyond a dee
laration by the postmaster genera
that he would make such a recon-
mendation to congress with state
ment by him giving reasons for th'
proposed acquisition of the telegraph
lines.
The postmaster general was late II
reaching his office this morning, al
though there were many urgent call
for him.
There was no disposition at tn,
capital today to avoid any serious con
sideration of the proposed plan.
House VIII Take Up Plan.
In the House of Representatives
Moon, Of Tennessee, chairman of tn,
postoffice committee, announced tha
the matter would be given earnes
attention.
The question Of government own
ership of public utilities is grea
one that needs long and careful at
tentlon. said Mr.. Moon. IF Postmas
ter General Hitchcock's plans a.
embodied in bill introduced in GO
gress and the bill comes to this com
mittee. II certainly will he givar
uuvfr- Such a propose
has never been before congress tha
know Of"