The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-05-08
THREE GOVERNORS
GALL POSTAL LAW
WAR TINE bLUNOER.
Governor Arthur capper Of Kansas
Says: I'VE Must Depend on the
Press to Inform and
Unity"
GARDINER RAPs IT
at This Time Il Would be Most
Serious Mistake" He Holds
caroiintan Believes
Same.
GARDINER RAPs IT
BY the Hon. Arthur capper.
Governor Of Kansas. ]

lIOVeIuOf OF hduSdS.J
cannot hope to add anything new
to the postage rate discussion. but
hope the American Newspaper Pub.
fishers association, speaking authori-
tatively for the daily press Of the ma
at this late date on congress.
The zone system spells humiliation
for thousands Of useful publications.
But serious as that is, especially at a
time when every effort should be
made to conserve Industries, still
more serious is the fact that the sys-
tenn means sectional press in an
era when we need, as never before
national spirit.
II congress can be made to see that
the industry cannot pay this tax and
that its imposition will result only IN
la decentralization of business, It
seems to me that even the most rabid
opponents of q free press will hesi-
tate to place this unbearable injus-
tice upon the people. 1t is especially
important at this time, when the gov
eminent must have the loyal support
and hearty sympathy Of every citizen,
that the American press receive en-
enlargement rather than discourage
ment
The winning Of the war depends up
on the people at home, and though
the government printing plants work
overtime, we still must depend upon
the press to inform, educate and unity
the people. The imposition OF the
zone system at this time would be
strategical blunder that would
amount to a national calamity.
BY the Hon. Richard !. Manning.
Governor of South Cardinal
1 am not familiar with the details
and ultimate effect of postal zone
regulations, but think that any law
which bars the publication Of maya
zines and newspapers, and especially
hampers their distribution to those
who are less able to pay for 1t, is
step backward in the progress OF edu-
cation and enlightenment.
I also think that such regulation
should not be put into effect during
the progress OF the war unless Its ne
cessity to the government prosecu-
ton Of the war is absolutely required.
BY the Hon. Frederick D. Gardiner.
Governor Of Missouri
Any restriction upon the dissemin-
alton OF information is indefens1ble
even in ordinary times. At this time
lit would be a most Serious mistake.
It is extremely important that the
people be kept advised as to the war
programme and the progress OF
events. The best possible vehicles
for the spreading OF such information
are the newspapers and magazines.
Public speakers cannot reach all
the people In many inland districts
speakers and the people cannot be
brought together. Therefore, l am
firmly convinced that the zone law
effective July 1 should be repealed.
A tax on intelligence should be the
last to be imposed. The government
should not take any action that will
increase cost of periodicals. The
small profits to publishers VIII not
stand the increase Hence It will fall
on the people, with the result that
many most needing Information will
be unable to procure 1t.