The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-08-02
His Letter to Wilson.


all have been inspired with that best Of
assets-the Postal spirit
His Letter to Wilson.
"Fully realizing that the change from
private control to that of government Is
OF great moment, and might cause some
OF you to feel disturbed as to the imme-
diate outcome, and deeply appreciative
of your worth and solicitous of your flu
ture, addressed a letter on July 10 to
the President of the United States as
fellows:
New York. July Is. 1918.
".MY DEAR Mr.. PRESIDENT:
THE favorable action by Congress on
the resolution empowering you to take
control OF the telegraph and telephone
lines for the period Of the war impels me
TO write you at this time, and let me say
that in doing so l most earnestly desire
to be as helpful to you now as have
always endeevored to be, and at the
same time fulfilling the obligation which
owe to my shareholders and the EN-
ployees Of the company feel more than
ever the responsibility Of my position as
. trustee Of this company, because 20
many of It's employees have believed so
implicitly In the organization and its
stability that they have invested their
savings to the extent Of several mil
Lions of dollars in the securities Of the
company.
MAY I. therefore most earnestly sug-
Gsst that II you decide to have the Gov
eminent administer the telegraphs the
Postal Telegraph organization be utilized
as far as possible in such administra-
ton? This organization was the Gre
alton of my father. and goes back to the
early part Of the sos. starting as a very
IN nf he
bitter and constant opposition on the
part of the Western Union Telegraph
Company. 1t has grown into a large,
compact. thoroughly loyal body Of men.
imbued with that greatest assets, esprit
Dc corps, and the Postal spirit has
been a slogan for years.
Long Experience Necessary.
81 therefore feel and believe that this
same Postal spirit properly directed.
can be maintained to its highest effici-
sncy for the benefit Of the Government
II the Postal Telegraph organization be
kept intact as far as possible. The tele-
graph is a difficult and intricate bus
mess, the successful handling OF which
requires years OF experience as we'll as
the knowledge of thousands OF terminals.
wires and cables. and the best results
can only be secured for the Government
by retaining the men who possess that
knowledge. Such an equalization once
broken up would be impossible of restor-
alton for many years to come. I say
that without regard to myself at all.
Am perfectly willing to work as hereto
fore without salary. or even step out en-
t.rely. Incidentally, feel II is my duty
to tell you that already, because of the
uncertainty of the situation, some OF our
men are leaving us and am reliably in
formed that others contemplate doing
likewise, in order to seek positions In
other lines OF industry. need not say
to you that IL the telegraphs are to be
efficiently conducted In the future such
o condition should be checked.
I'm conclusion. let me again say 10
You how deeply feel the obligation OF
every American to stand by you in thie
great hour OF world trial and for the
ideals you have so nobly and convinc-
ingly expressed.
"I am, with much respect. yours
faithfully.
CLARENCE II. MAcKAr.'
President wilson's Reply.
ITO this received the following as.
surfing reply;
1.-THE WHITE HOUSE. July is, 1918
my DEAR Mr.. MAcKAY: Your let
ter Oh July 10 uOtS you great nOnOT anC
you may be sure l greatly appreciate 1t
am confident that II will be the policy
Of those to whom depute the manage
mont of the telegraph and telephone sys
TENS to use the existing personnel tc
the utmost. and i am sure that the Post
master-General. to whom shall assign
tho supervision OF this important mat
ter. will value your advice and coopera
ton very highly.
Cordially and sincerely yours,
"'WooDRow WILSON
ct cannot therefore help but feel con
hdent that the Postmasier-General viii
give you fair and proper consideration
while the property Of the company Il
under his control, and I most earnestl!
ask you at this time OF great nationa
stress to give him your unqualified sup
port.
IT trust that for the time being I an
only saying to you farewell and tina
the MOI far distant future will bring m
back into personal contact with a bod!
OF men with whom I have spent som
OF the best days OF my life. and 70
whose loyalty and splendid support dur
ing the many years OF upbuild!ng l shall
always be profoundly grateful.
"CLARENcE II. MAcKAY."