New-York tribune., 1918-11-25
Administration Bill
Urges Seizure of
All S h ore
Stations
Purchase by Navy
Is Provided For
Congress Told That
Complete Monopoly
of Radios Is
Necessary

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24.-Perma-
nent government control of all radio
communication through the acquisi-
ton and operation by the Navy De-
partment of all shore wireless stations
IN the United States used for CONNER
cal purposes is planned by the Ad-
ministration under a bill now before
Congress.
representative Alexander, chairman
Of the House Merchant Marine Com
nittee, who introduced the measure in
the House, announced to-day that
hearings on the bill will begin before
this committee on December ~, and
continue until all interests have been
given an opportunity to be heard.
similar BILL introduced in the Senate
by Chairman Fletcher, of the Commit
tee on Commerce, has been approved
BY President Wilson.
Rates Up to Daniels
DSSlUcS pl ONiQlliS 1O1 Vic oS0
and operation of the stations by the
navy, the bill directs that the Secre-
tary of the Navy shall, so far as may
be consistent with the transaction OF
government business, open radio sta
tons to general public business under
fsguiatfons prescribed by him and
shall fix the rates for such service
He also shall establish special rates
for the handling of press dispatches
by transoceanic or other special sta
TONS
Commercial business has been han
died through some naval wireless sta
ton for four years, and since the ma
ton entered the war all stations have
been and still are being operated by
the navy.
Compensation Proposed
For any stations acquired under the
proposed law or those which may be
closed permanently just compensation
is to be paid. In case of disagreement
as to the amount of this compensation
the Secretary of the Navy shall make
an offer. If this is refused, he will pay
three fourths of it pending final adjust
ment of the claim in the courts.
Reasons why the government regards
it as necessary for the navy to operate
or control radio stations in this coun-
trv fr,, ,n c%o% =
by officials of the Navy Departmen nj
and made public to-day by Representa-.
tive Alexander. The statement in part
says:
"ln general the bill provides for the
acquisition and operation by the Navy
Department of all radio stations or
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.
Complete Monopoly Urged
Since the early days of the use OF
radio telegraphy many companies have
tried to operate radio stations as 6
commercial enterprise in the United
States generally, or in certain locali
ties
Except in very special circum
stances, these enterprises have failec
10 make an adequate return, and ir
most cases no profit has been made
except through the sale of stock. The
reason for this is that complete
monopoly is necessary. A period 0.
about eighteen years has clearly dem
ohstrated that the United States gov
ernment is the only concern able t.
obtain and maintain such monopoly.
The part played by high power sta
uons in this war and before the Unites
Mates became a party to it, show
very clearly the necessity for govern
mental operation of these stations
iFansoceanic radio telegraphy is no
aserlous competitor of the cables Higl
power stations are not yet able t,
receive from one another all day in al
seasons. Gable communication is Sc
e'et' while signals from radio station
are transmitted equally In all direc
"ons and all nations can read the bust
ness of all others.
signals from high power station
secome international matter at once
a.Ven the signals of an ordinary shor
ssa1ion transcend the three mile limi
a''c are capable of interfering with tn
esitlmate work of an installation un
oer foreign flag. Only by the mos
..aareful regulation of radio traffi,
through international agreement, ca
eae maximum good be obtained, an
my by each nation having the opers
non OF radio stations under it's direc
iSohtrol can international agreement
DC properly executed.
Ihis bill is not to create a complet
sovernment monopoly. The scientis
manufacturer and ship owner are spe
Siaiiy provided for, and no change
proposed in their status under existin
.sw' Stations may be licensed for spt
4 Inn