Arizona republican., 1918-11-25
RADIO PLANTS TO REMAIN IN
 l. ]. CONTROL
Republican A. p. Leased Wire1

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24.-Perman- ent government control of all radio communication. through acquisition and operation by the navy department of all shore wireless stations in the United States, used for commercial purposes, is planned by the admins tratron under a bill now before con- gress.
 Representative Alexander, chairman of the house merchant marine commit tee, who introduced the measure in the house, announced today that hearings on the bill will begin before his con- mittee December F, and continue until all interests have been given an oppor- tunity to be heard. A similar bill, in- troduced in the senate by Chairman Fletcher of the committee on com merce, has been approved by President Wilson.
 Besides providing for the acquisition and operation of the stations by the navy, the bill directs that the secretary of the navy shall, so far as may be con- sistent with the transaction of govern ment business, open radio stations to general public business under regula- tions prescribed by him and shall fix the rates for such service. He also shall establish special rates for the handling of press dispatches by trans oceanic or other special stations.
 Reasons why the government regards it as necessary for the navy to operate or control radio stations in this coun- try are given in a statement prepared by officials of the navy department and made public today by Representative Alexander The statement in part says:
 Private Control Doesn't Pay
 Tn general the bill provides for the acquisition and operation by the navy department of all radio stations on shore, used for commercial purposes Irrespective of the general subject of government ownership, this principle IS clearly indicated as necessary in the case of this particular public utility. Since the early days of the use of ra- dlo telegraphy, many companies have tried to operate radio stations as a commercial enterprise in the United States generally, or in certain locali- tles. Except in very special circum- stances, these enterprises have failed to make an adequate return, and in most cases no profit has been made except through the sale of stock. The reason for this is that a complete mon opoly is necessary. A period of about lo years has clearly demonstrated that the United States government is the only concern able to obtain and main- tain such monopoly.
 This bill, however is not to create a complete government monopoly. The scientist, manufacturer and ship owner are specially provided for and no change is proposed in their status un- der existing laws. Stations may be li censed for special communication and these are exempted from government operation.
 This is not war measure. In ac- cordance with the act of 1912, all radio l stations in the United States and DOS sessions, which were not already in the 1 governments hands, were taken over | by the navy department promptly in April, 1917, as a war measure, and are now being operated by that depart ment. Many changes have occurred during the war. Stations formerly | operated commercially have been found to be unnecessary for either commer- | clal or war purposes.
 The business of all companies hav- ing been suspended and their operators havlng made an instant show of pa trlotism by joining the navy in the car
 Hest days of the war, it is believed most or the companies owning radio sta tons would be glad at this time to sell their stations to the government at a ialr price, which is provided for in the | bill"