The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1919-12-03
THE HIGH COST OF BURLEsONIsM

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28-The repub-
lican publicity association through It's
president, Hon. Jonathan Bourne, Jr.,
today gave Dut the following statement
from it's Washington headquarters:
"A few months ago the postmaster
general was strong advocate OF gov
ernment ownership and operation of
the telegraph and telephone systems,
in which respect he followed humbly
the lead of former Congressman David
J. Lewis, of Maryland. Lewis had been
an arch champion Of government own
ership, and was always ready to pre-
sent enormous tabular statements that
were alleged to demonstrate that prl-
vate ownership was wasteful and ex-
pensive. Burleson swallowed the Lew.
is propaganda, hook, line and sinker.
"Acting under his war powers, and
without any real war necessity, the
president took over the telegraph and
telephone lines and placed them under
the control Of Postmaster General Bur-
leson, who in turn placed them under
the control of Lewis. Lewis.sit should
be remembered, was defeate4 for re-
election by his congressional district in
Maryland, was appointed to the tariff
commission, and thence transferred to
the management of the telegraph and
telephone systems. We had a year OF
experience with government operation
of the wire systems and the experience
is about to cost the government some
$14, 900 900, or the amount OF the de-
ticit.
1T can scarcely be denied that the
demonstration is complete. Mr.. Lewis
and his democratic followers in the
socialistic movement, confidently as
serted that immense savings could be
effected and rates greatly reduced un-
M unn1anf VHhpv
were given full and absolute control
They were dictators in the offices of
the wire companies. They could and
did remove supervisory officers at will
Almost the first act OF their manage
ment was an increase in rates ana thelr
last act will be a call upon the treas
urty for an appropriation to pay their
deficits.
1T is true that in some respects the
wire companies were embarrassed Dy
war conditions, but in other respects
the war was an advantage TO them. II
gave them the largest business in their
history-the government alone using
the wire to an extent that is almost ap-
palling. During the war period the
wires were never idle, nor were the en-
ployees of the companies. They We're
earning revenues every moment or the
day and night.
IF it had been true, as alleeeu Wy
Lewis and apparently endorsed by Bur-
Lesson and President Wilson, that there
were enormous wastes under private
management which government manage
ment could avoid, the savings in that
respect should have been great enough
to cover increased expenses, and make
increased rates unnecessary. But the
savings were not effected, as inferen-
tally promised. Expenses were in
creased, charges We're increased, service
was curtailed, efficiency was SACRIFICED
the business was demOralized, and, IN
the end, there is deficit to be paid.
"But there is one consolation. Al
though it will cost the people of the
country $14000,000, together with the
increased charges, to learn by practical
demonstration what government man.
agement means, the lesson is probably
worth what it costs. We shall never
again be troubled with the complicat-
ed tabulations Ineligible to no one. by
which Mr.. Lewis claimed to be able to
demonstrate the superiority OF govern
ment management over private manage
ment. Mr. Lewis, like many other Inn
practical theorists, will probably retain
an honored position in the Wilson ad.
ministration until 1921. Then he and
all the rest of the costly bunch will go.
He will deserve the thanks Of the ma
ton for having demonstrated the un.
soundness of his own teachings"