The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-07
Angered by Rate Increase,
Will Vote on Nation
wide WalkOut.
BURLESON rs BLAMED
His Explanation of Recent
Boost in Tariffs Called
an Outrage.
CAPITAL BRANCH ACTS
Resolutions Severely Criticise
Postal Chief-Inefficiency
Charged.
CAPITAL BRANCH ACTS
Special Dsspatch 10 THr sus.

Spctiut Dsspufch 10 Sun
WASHINGTON, April ga general
strike OF commercial telegraphers may
he called late this month because OF
Postmaster General Burleson's alleged
infringements on the rights of the op-
orators. Machinery for taking a ma
tionwide strike vote was put into mo-
tion to-day. Ballots returnable April
% were distributed to every local in
the country.
The union leaders expect a heavy
strike yste, Is dissatisfaction with Mr..
Burleson's administration of the busi-
ness has been keen. Resolutions
adopted at meeting here to-day Of
the Washington district branch, Com
mercial Telegraphers Union, charac-
terize as an outrage" the 20 per cent.
increase in telegraph tolls. The Post
master-Generars assertion that the
raise was necessitated by increases in
the wages Of operators was denied.
1t was declared that It has taken
constant vigilance on the part of officers
of the union to prevent walkouts. and
the action of Postma ster- General Burle-
son, who is in charge Of wire systems
under Government control in turning
down the wage award handed down by
the War Labor Board has brought dis
satisfa ction to the boiling point.
Il was charged that when the West
ern Union tried to give the operators
to Is per cent increase Mr.. Burleson
made 1t fiat per cent. increase that
ba . mil AnA ~xAA IN
crease in wages and took away $1,000
900 from the operators incomes. -----
Increase Called "Outraee."
The resolution adopted. after setting
forth the conditions against which the
telegraphers protest, declared the 20 per
cent. increase in telegram rates ordered
by Mr.. Burleson to be IAN outrage and
an unwa rranted imposition OF excess tax
on the business interests OF the country
and an insult to the intelligence OF the
workers in the telegraph service a whose
door he lays the responsibility" The
resolution follows: .r.
Whereas increased cost OF opera
'tion occasioned by wage increases now
In effect, made during the last year is
given By Postmaster-General Iurleson
as a reason for a 20 per cent. Increase
in telegrap tolls and.
"Whereas the statement OF the Post
master-Genera1 in this connection Is
maDifestly misleading and incorrect,
therefore be Il sA 81
No. - Commercial photographers Union
in regular session publicly states the
views OF its members, employed in the
commercial telegraph service, who are
conversant ON the subject as follows:
THE necessity for ipcrea sing tele-
sraph rates. II 1t exists. can and must
be charged directly and solely 20 in
efficiency Of operation, intensified as a
result OF controversy between Govern
ment departmental supervision of the
wire systems and a cleveriv concealed
intrigue. having for its purpose the elm
nation OF competition on the one hand
and on the other the persistent ha-
raised effects OF the smaller company
TO fave its organization and property
from absorption or destruction.
"As a result OF this three cornered
fight the Postmaster General called the
dare Of his critics by putting into effect
regulations adversely Affecting the finan-
cial interests OF the properties and ser
vice rendered the public. defeating in
functional proceedings because OF the
Federal Governments exemption from
action in court.
Blame both Companies.
The Western Union game OF heads
| win, tails you lose guaranteed a suf-
fcient amount to make good any losses
sustained to its plant while under the
control of Mr.. Burleson In the mean
time devoting much time and energy in
imical to the successful and efficient op-
GRAFTON of the lines OF it's competitor
and the struggle of Postal company 10
save itself from the unwarranted machi-
nations OF parties hiding themselves
from public view, bur always alert for
an opportunity TO further their schemes
have brought about stagnation in eff
cheney OF operation and increased over
head charges to an extent that will UNI
less immediate remedial action Is taken
undoubtedly absorb any additional reve.
nue. that may be derived from the au-
nounced 90 per cent, increase in rates
and further.
"Resoiped, The telegraphers OF Wash
ington, d. c.. employed In and thor
oughly familiar with conditions prevail
ing in the telegraph service and previous
10 the declaration OF war. condemn the
action OF Postmaster General Burleson
in Increasing telegraph rates as an out
rage and an unwarranted imposition OF
excess tax on the business interests OF
the country and as an insult to the in
telliRence OF the workers in the telegraph