New-York tribune., 1919-02-24
Commissioners Ask Wilson
to Return Systems to the
Owners Before July l
Complain of Confusion
Increase in the Rates and
Unrest Among Employees
Cited as Need for Change

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23.-Return of
the telephone and telegraph properties
to private management by June 80 was
recommended to President Wilson by
Charles f. Elmquist, president of the
National Association of Railway and
made public to-day. The recommended
ton was made, Mr.. Elmquist explained,
on behalf of the executive and war
committees of the association, which
all states.
"The net result OF six months OF
operation by the Postmaster General of
these wire systems" said the letter "is
inferior service and substantial in
creases in charges to the public" Dis
elimination by Mr.. Burleson in favor
Of the Bell telephone interests also was
charged.
"No military necessity can now be
pleaded in support of government con-
troll" the letter continued. "The quail
ity of the service has in many cases
deteriorated. No rule, regulation,
practice or rate has been adopted for
military purposes.
Rates and charges have been great
ly increased without giving the patrons
or the public an opportunity to be
heard as to the reasonableness or JUS
tice thereof, although the principle
vas long age settled that important
changes shall be submitted for public
consideration before becoming effective.
"These rate changes are applicable
upon state as we'll as interstate traf-
fic, and have thereby caused wide
spread dissatisfaction with Federal op-
Grafton.
Fundamental changes are being
made in the operation of these sys-
tens which probably could not be
legally done under private control,
and which upon return to private
management may cause serious dis
turbance in the relative status of the
different wire systems. Federal op-
GRAFTON has also disrupted service and
resulted in interfering with many of
the established practices in forty-four
states of the Union. 1t is felt that
prompt return to private operation
Will result in securing improved SER
vice. the restoration of reasonable
rates and charges and the giving Of
lie and the corporations.
"The Postmaster Generals recent
declaration that employees engaged in
the public service should receive high
er compensation than those engaged
in private service of similar kind,
which as a matter of fact can be &C
complished only through rate in
creases. has caused a demand by the
employees of the wire systems for
largely increased wages, and has re-
suited in decreased morale and ef-
fciency until such demand is com
piled with
Unsatisfactory operation is result
ing IN broadcast public feeling that
the wire systems should be returned
Immediately to private operation. In
/ fact, there arc now no advocates OF
government control except the com
panles who now receive or expect tc
receive benefit therefrom and those
who favor government ownership of the
wire systems.
"Under the provision of the law that
the President fix just compensation
for the government USE the Postmaste,
General accepted the proposal Of the
Bell system, which contained provision.
satisfactory to the company with re
spect to guaranteed return, recognition
of securities as basis Of value, reser
walton of property by that system, tn,
assessment OF taxes and increased ex
penses. In this connection, however, i
may be pointed out that correspondent,
contracts proposed by the Postmaste
General to other companies contain
elements much more protective of tn
public interest, and are so diffcren
that they constitute discrimination
IN favor of the Bell system as agains