The sun., 1918-07-24

the attitude OF labor and his purpose as
10 rates for wire messages.
Those things" said Mr.. Burleson,
VIII he adjusted when we come to them.
All people employed in the wire service
VIII have proper consideration. I do not
| anticipate any strike or other troubles
that cannot be adjusted without delay.
The operatives are said to be very well
satisfied with the pay for what they do.
the rates for messages will not he
interfered with at the outset, but that
Is one OF the matters that we must
consider. Our immediate aim shall be
better service at less expense.
Il believe that by proper economy
and the cutting out OF Implications Of
effort we can effect great saving to
TIE people. At the same time we can
extend the telephone and telegraph to
the home of every man IN the country
; The farmer should he able to talk to the
financter on Wan Street from his own
private booth.
There will be no confusion: the SER
vice of the wires will continue but In
time will improve"
Mr.. Burleson stated that the question
Of taking over the cables still was being
considered. Il am more familiar with
the telephone and telegraph systems.
We are ready to take them over and
Profit of $50, 1000, 900 Likely.
There seems to be little question that
the wire lines are In better financial
condition than were the railroads at
the time the latter were taken over. 1t
Is estimated by Government officials that
there will be profit OF from $50. 900, 900
to Sl00,000,000 a year to the Govern
ment In operation Of the domestic sys-
| tens after rental is paid to the own
ers on the basis provided in the Presl-
dents proclamation
1t Is believed that copper telegraph
wires, on the other hand, will afford
100000 additional miles of long dis
lance telephone wires. The long distance
telephone wires give 1000, 900 additional
miles or telegraph wire. adding ma
terially to the estimated wire availability
Of 2S,000.000 miles.
One of the results probably will be
improved press wire service for the
newspapers In answer to widely ex-
pressed fears of increased press rates
and less service or less efficient service
Postmaster. General Burleson stated that
there would be no change in the press
wire service except to improve 1t wher-
ever possible.
Immediately after his appointment as
Director of Wire Service Mr. Burleson
Issued formal statement making clear
his attitude in regard to operation. It
was as follows:
Il realize the immensely of the task
which has been entrusted to me by the
Presidents order The telegraph and
telephone service. as conducted by those
who have had the responsibility under
conditions heretofore existing. has been
remarkably successful considering the
unusual additions to their task and the
unprecedented difficulties in the way OF
its full performance which have arisen
out of the war--difficulties which could
be overcome only by unity OF admin
istration, particularly a unification Of
the use Of the telephone and telegraph
lines. which could not be realized with
out the aid Of the Government
Under the Presidents order condi-
tions are changed and greater opror-
tunity is afforded to effect improvements
and economies. and a larger use by the
people Of these facilities which have be-
come an imperative need in their every
day life. Whether advantage can be
taken of these opportunities to improve
this service to the public remains to be
disclosed by experience. Every effort of
the department will be directed to the
accomplishment of this end
1T will be the purpose Of the Post
Office Department to broaden the use Of
the service at the least cost to the pco-
pie. keeping In mind that high stand
ard Of efficiency must be maintained |
shall avail myself of an early oppor-
tunity to consult with those who have
heretofore had the responsibility of d.
recting the affairs of tho various wire
systems taken over, and doubt not will
be greatly benefited by suggestions they
may be kind enough to offer me-
The operation or control OF what are
commonly called farmers telephone
lines will be interfered with only for the
purpose OF facilitating their connections
with the longer lines. There will be no
change affecting the press wire service
except to improve it wherever possible
"Of course no general policy has been
decided upon and will not be until a
most careful survey OF the whole si;ua-
ton is had and a grasp of conditions as
they now exist secured. / shall freely
avail myself of all advice and sugges-
tons which those in position to make
same valuable may be good enough to
offer me-
Whenever it Is necessary to in
augurate any changes of policy an
nouncement of such will be made through
the Postmaster General"