The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-08-01
CONTROL or WIRES Z
FORMALLY BEGINS
Telegraph and Telephone Sys-
tens Passed to Hands Of Gov
eminent Last Midnight.
NO CHANGES IN METHODS
Employees Instructed to Con-
tinue Operation Of Lines as
Under Old Plan.
specioi Dsspstch TO TIE sus.

WASHINGTON, July 31.-Postmas-
ter-General Burleson formally took
control over all Of the wire lines
Of communication in the United States at
midnight. The transfer from private to
public control was made without cere-
mony Of any kind.
Mr. Burleson issued a formal state
ment retaining in the Government ser
vices all Of the present officials and en-
ployees of the telephone and telegraph
companies, and calling upon them to re-
main at their posts as public servants.
performing their operating functions as
usual and under the same conditions.
These Instructions covered the en-
ployees of the Western Union company.
who threatened TO strike, but rescinded
the strike order at the behest ofGovern-
ment officials. The companies are to
continue their present financial arrange
mente and pay the usual dividends.
To Unity All Lines.
As has been indicated in THE Sun,
the Postmaster-General made 1t clear
that his first step would be to unity the
wire lines 80 that the nation will have
q single system of wire communication,
as It has one great railroad trunk limo
system under Government control. His
statement formally taking possession OF
the $4,000. 900 miles OF telephone lines
owned by $4,000 companies and 2.o00.-
900 miles Of telegraph lines controlled
by the two big companies follows:
Pursuant to the proclamation or the
President of the United States I have
assumed possession. control and super
vision of the telegraph and telephone
systems OF the United States. Until
further notice the telegraph and tele-
phone companies will continue operation
In the ordinary course OF business
through regular channels. Regular divi-
dends heretofore declared and maturing
interest on bonds. debentures and other
obligations may be paid In due course
and the companies may renew or extend
their maturing obligations unless other
wise ordered by the Postmaster General
All officers, operators and employees
OF the telegraph and telephnoe companies
will continue in the performance Of their
present duties. reporting to the same
officers as heretofore and on the same
terms of employment. Should any Of
fcer. operator or employee desire TO
leave the service he should give notice
as heretofore to the proper officer.
To Keep Up High Standard.
II earnestly request the loyal cooper
alton Of all officers. operators and en-
ployees. and the public. in ol6er that the
service rendered shall be not only main
tanned at a high standard, but improved
wherever possible. 1t IL the purpose to
coordinate and unity these services so
that they may be operated as a ma
tional system with due regard to the
interests of the public and the owners
OF the properties.
NO changes will he made until after
the most careful consideration Of all the
facts. When deemed advisable to make
changes announcement will be made.
Control OF tho wire systems will be
exercised by the committee recently APP
pointed by the Postmaster General. with
himself rs chairman and John C. Rooms,
First Assistant Postmaster-G
David J. Lewis and Judge William II.
Lamar. solicitor for the department, as
members.
This committee expects to ~ COM
plish. through common use OF facili-
ties and other economies. a reduction Of
both telephone and telegraph rates to
the public where this can be consistently
done Plans for use OF stamps for pre-
payment OF kilograms are being worked
out to reduce the accounting necessary
Cnifcation plans call for the use of
telephone wires for kilograms and use
Of copper wire telegraph wires for tele-
phone conversations to relieve conges-
ton, particularly In the East