The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1919-05-20

these matters, to speak once more and
very earnestly OF the proposed amend.
ment TO the constitution which extend
the suffrage to women and which passed
the House OF Representatives at the last
session OF the Congress: 1t seems to me
that every consideration of justice and
of public advantage calls for the imme-
date adoption of that amendment and
its submission forthwith to the legisla-
lures of the several states Throughout
all the world this long delayed extension
of the suffrage is looked for; in the
United States, longer, | believe, than
anywhere else, the necessity for it and
the immense advantage of it to the ma
tional life, has been urged and debated,
by women and men who saw the need
for it and urged the policy OF it when
it required steadfast courage TO be so
much beforehand with the common con
viction; and /, for one, covet for our
country the distinction of being among
the first to act in a great reform
"The telegraph and telephone lines
will, of course, be returned to their own
ers so soon as the retransfer can be
effected without administrative eonfu-
sion, so soon, that is, as the change can
be made with least possible inconven.
fence to the public and to the owners
themselves. The railroads viii be hand
ed over to their owners at the end of
the calendar year; if | were in immedi-
ate contact with the administrative ques-
lions which must govern the retransfer
of the telegraph and telephone lines, !
could name the exact date for their re-
turn also. Until | am in direct contact
with the practical questions involved 4
can only suggest that in the ease OF the
telegraphs and telephones, as in the case
of the railroads, it is clearly desirable in
the public interest that some legislation
should be considered which tends 70
make them indispensable instrumental
tiles Of our industrial life, and accord
system which will afford those who use
them as complete and certain means OF
communication with all parts Of the
country as has so long been afforded by
the postal system of the government,
and at rates as uniform and ineligible.
Expert advice is, of course, available IN
this very practical matter, and the pub
lie interest is manifest. Neither the
| telegraph nor the telephone service OF
| the country can be said TO be in any
sense national system There are
many COMMISSIONS and inconsistencies of
rates. The scientific means by which
communication by such instrumentalities
| could be rendered more thorough and
satisfactory has not been made full use
of. An exhaustive study of the whole
question of electrical communication by
which the central authority OF the ma
! tion can be used to unity and improve 1t,
| il undertaken by the appropriate com
mittees of the Congress, would certainly
result indirectly, even if not directly, in
great public benefit.
The Prohibition Ban.
"The rehabilitation of the military
forces of the country has progressed to
! such point that 1t seems to me entire
liz safe now TO remove the ban upon the
manufacture and sale OF wines and beers,
but | am advised that without further
| legislation | have not the legal authority
TO remove the present restrictions /
! therefore recommend that the act APP
proved November 81, 1918, entitled, An
! act TO enable the secretary of agricul-
| ture to carry out during the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1919 the purpose of the
act entitled, IAN act to provide further
1 for the national security and defense by
stimulating agriculture and facilitating
the distribution of agricultural products"
and for other purposes, be amended or
repealed in so far as it applies to wines
and beers
II sincerely trust that / shall very
soon be at my post in Washington again
to report upon the matters which made
my presence at the peace table apparent
! ly imperative and to put myself at the
| service Of the Congress in every matter
| Of administration or counsel that may
seem to demand executive action or adj
F.! vice Woodrow Wilson.
40 May, 1912