New-York tribune., 1919-04-26

Repeal of the provisions Of the war
revenue act Of October, 1917, which in
creased the rates for the mailing of
newspapers, is demanded in resolu-
ton adopted yesterday afternoon at
the closing session of the convention
of the American Newspaper Publishers
Association, at the Waldorf Astoria.
The resolution, introduced by George
McAncny, OF "The New York Times"
chairman Of the postal committee, de-
clares that this part of the revenue law
is crude and unscentihc and should
either be repealed or suspended in op-
Grafton for two years from next July I.
Before new legislation is passed, TIE
resolution adds, an expert commission
should be appointed to determine tho
costs of sending newspapers through
the mails, so that fair rates may be
established.
Burdcnsome to All
The text of the resolution follows:
"Whereas, The system Of second
class posta! rates, affecting the car
riage of newspapers, established under
the War Revenue act of October, 1917,
and IN operation since July last, is
i'll suited to the needs of the country,
crude and unscientfic in character and
nurdensome alike to tbs newspapers
and to their subscribers; and
"Whcreas, The legislation establish
ing these rates was admittedly pre-
pared in haste and enacted without the
customary preliminary public hear
ings, or other opportunity for open
discussion; and
"Whereas, There is still lamentablc
lack of accurate information with re-
lation to the costs of the second class
mail service, or as to the proportion
of such cost that is properly charge
able to the carriage of newspapers;
and
"Whercas, 1t is of the highest i'm
portance to the country that the per-
manent second class rate system, what
ever it's ultimate basic character, shall
be framed intelligently, and designed
to serve the best interests not only Of
the readers of newspapers, but the
fundamental purposes Of government
itself; therefore be it
"Resolvcd, That the American News
paper Publishers Association, in corr
vention assembled, urges upon <lc
members OF the incoming Congress:
"First: That the present increased
rates for the carrying of newspapers
IN tne mails cStaDuSneQ ny the act OF
1917, including the discriminatory
charges hascd upon the use of newspa-
per space for advertising purposes, be
repealed or suspended in operation for
q period Of at least two years from
July l next, and
Second: That before the enactment
Of any new legislation, establishing
permanently increases or other
changes over the rates in force at the
outbreak of the war, provision be made
for the appointment of commission
of expert character which, under the
authority of Congress, shall examine
into those operations Of the Postoftice
Department that have to do with the
carrying of second-class matter, with
view toward ascertaining the actual
costs Of this service, in its various
branches, and of determining the prin-
ciplcs upon which the charges for such
service should be equitably assessed
such commission, incidentally, to hear
the representatives of the several in
l'terests affected, and to report its find
ings and recommendation within such
period of time as may be fixed for the
guidance of Congress in preparing
whatever legislation may then be
deemed appropriate.
"l3e it further resolved. that the
Postal Committee of the American
Newspaper Publishers Association i.