New-York tribune., 1918-11-21
Western Union and Postal
Ordered Consolidated;
Cables Taken Over
Award to Postal
Will Be Enforced
postmaster General Asks
Cooperation by Officers
and Employees

WASHINGTON. Nov. 20.-Consolida-
san of the services of the Western
,,,;or and Postal Telegraph companies,
.,asr government control, was an
.,nnced to-day by Postmaster General
surleson, effective December l.
The following order was issued:
aIp order that the telegraph facili-
.;.s may be used to the fullest extent
".s smS tbe transmission of messages ex-
asS asS;ted the telegraph systems shall
ssraafter be operated as one, and ef-
sss,;ye December l. 1918, all tele-
srsph Offices shall accept for trans
sS;ssion all classes of messages now
accepted by any one Of them at the
.rescribed tariff rates"
ur Burleson announced that failing
a reach an agreement with the
Postal Telegraph and Cable Company
,,on compensation to be paid for its
ssss during the period of government
.,rrrol. he had made an award, which
S,nld be enforced, though the depart
-.nt would facilitate q suit in the
nnrts to determine final adjustment.
the Postmaster General asserted that
Ae Postal company, In sworn state
-snts to the wire control commission.
.sd represented its net operating in
,ome in 1916 to be S4,157 $40, while the
M income reported by it's component
orporation to the Interstate Com
msrce Commission during the same
rsriod was but S332.343. This, he said,
made it impossible for the department
10 accept the company's proposal.
Explains Cable Control
An order making effective govern
nent possession and control of marine
cable systems of the United States,
proclaimed by President Wilson under
late Of November 2, was also issued by
Nj. Burleson. 1t directs that until fur
her notice cable companies shall con-
tnue operation through regular chan
uels, and asks the cooperation of Off
GERS and employees Of the companies
and Of the public.
The order follows:
Pursuant to the proclamation of the
President of the United States, dated
November z, have assumed posses
sion, control and supervision of the
marine cable systems Of the United d
States. This proclamation has already
been published, and the officers ano
operating officials of the cable com
,ranies are acquainted with it's terms
Until further notice the marine
sbls companits shall continue opera
ION in the ordinary course of business
Trough regular channels. Regular
avidends heretofore declared and
rsturing interest on bonds. debentures
.ad other obligations may be paid in
tge cource, and the companies may re-
lew or extend their maturing obliga-
Cons unless otherwise ordered by the
{ Postmaster General. All officers, op.
sstors and employees of the marine
able companies will continue in the
Nrformance of their present duties
sporting to the same officers as here
More and on the same terms of em
poyment. Should any officer. operator
p employe desire to leave the service
aa should give notice as heretofore tt
ae proper officer, so that there may b,
70 interruption or impairment of Che
service to the public.
i earnestly request the loyal co
s'eration Of all officers, operators ant
employees and the public in order tina
@s service rendered shall not only bt
nalnsained at high standard. but i'm
proved wherever possible. 1t is the
purpose to coordinate and unity these
services so that they may be operated
"a national system, with due regart
Aihe interests Of the public and tn,
ssaer OF the properties.
No changes will be made until af
e: The most careful consideration o
Giaets. When deemed advisable t,
as changes due announcement viii
An,de.
sathing contained in this orde
sasa be construed TO affect in any wa
.s censorship of marine cables nov
s.aaucted under the direction of tn
ssssle'ary of the Navy under executiv
'0sf Of September 26, 1918"