New-York tribune., 1919-04-24

second class mail newspapers and
magatiines).
"a virulent attack founded upon
falsehood was made on the Postmas-
ter General by the advertising mana
ger of "The New York World the
principal newspaper engaged IN this
intrigue, at the time the increase of
these postage rates was pending be-
fore the Ways and Means Committee.
The increased rates were bitterly OPP
posed. All opposition was brushed
made by the Congress. The repeal of
this law is what is now really desired
by those attacking the Postmaster
General.
Sinister Purpose Charged
1t is believed by some OF those
affected that this cannot be brought
about unless "Burleson is gotten rid
Of" The principal lobbyist employed
by this selfish combination, which is
reputed to have raised many thousands
of dollars to be used for accomplish
ing the repeal of this law. in circular
letters, after telling of the number
of Democratic representatives COM
mltted to the repeal of the law and
how it was hoped Republican members
could be used, urged certain publishers
law (the increased postage rates) but
TO broaden their scope of criticism.
Thus the sinister purpose is disclosed.
I'm fact, as stated, notice was given
the Postmaster General more than a
year ago what could be expected if
there was not acquescence on his part
in the suspension or repeal of this
law. At that time a member of the
committee representing those contend
ing for the repeal urged the Postmas
ter General to acQuiesce therein and
in the course of conversation bluntly
informed him, we have made and un-
made many CongressVen. We ruined
Postmaster General Hitchcock and de
stroyed Mn Taft. We realize that
without your aid we may not be able
to secure relief now, but we will see
what can be done with the next Con
gress.'
Two Offers Spurned
Later a well-known publisher called
on the Potmaster General aud also
urged that he recommend the suspen-
sion or repeal Of this law, saying;
We Will mako YOU the most popular
man IN the Wilson cabinet, but If YOU
do not | fear they Will ruin YOU Those
two statements were made to the Post
master General in the presence of the
present lirst Asaiatant Postmaster
General, Tho Poatmaster General
spurned them holh and ia now con
froNtol with tho effort Of theae ae
fah intereata through systematlc
propaganda, pteRlthily conceAing their
rehl rurpoae hv creating and talsfN-
ing neWH. Misrepresentation of facts.
and NrpoAla to prejudice 10 destruN tho
Postmaster Gonoral, thereby aiding IN
|, 4
thvm to rosumo tho enjoyment Of u
postal subsidy OF over S7o,ooo0oO per
nnnum, which muat be- taken out OF
the pockets OF tho other usors of the
mail.
$50,O0O,000 n Year Lost
'lt might not be wise at thos time
to suggest it, but AS n matter of fact
justice as between the user Of the
various classes of mail would require
an increase Of this postage rate, in
lie for years suffered loss Of millions
of dollars by the transportation of
second elias mail at much lrss chan
cost
"A large percentage Of this mail is
not printed and distributed for cduca.
tonal, but solely for commercial rur-
poses. Even under the zone law after
the maximum rates have been reached
there viii still be an annual loss OF
moro than s50,00o000 to be made up
by the general public This makes
clear the exact interest the owners OF
certain newspapers and magazines
have IN the effort now ON foot to di :
credit the Postmaster General
Il do not object to criticism having
behind 1t an honest purpose On the
contrary. 1t is welcomed; but it is 70
GREETED that many conscientious pub
fishers who desire to be fair arc frc-
quently unwittingly mised by those
willing to resort to base means for the
accomplishment of sinister purpo es."