New-York tribune., 1919-05-20
Republican Leaders Agree
to Repeal Wire Control
Measure and Restore
Properties to Owners
Joint Bill Introduced
Heads of Independent and
Bell Systems Urge Move
to Prevent Deterioration


PRODUCTION of a joint resolution in the
House and notice in the Senate of 2
similar resolution ordering the wire
systems restored to their owners, to
gether with request for such action
by Theoore N. Vail and G. w. Robin
son, were developments here to-day
which were taken to forecast the
speedy abandonment Of the govern
ment's grip on the country's telephone
and telegraph lines.
The Republican Senator's decision
was made late to- day at a conference.
A measure providing for the immediate
return of the wires to their owners
probably will be introduced tomorrow.
The joint resolution in the House
was introduced by Representative
Steenersen, Of Minnesota, Republican.
1t calls on the President for an item
lied report Of all expenditures and re-
ceipts since the properties were taken
over and report showing financial
results of government operation. Re-
linquishment Of COVE nment control
would depend on the time Of passage
Of the resolution.
In the Senate Senator Gore an
nounced that at the first opportunity
he would offer resolution for imme-
diate return of all lines and to re-
enact all laws relating to wire and
radio communication. in effect when the
government took them.
The appeal from Mr.. Vail, who is
president of the American Telephone
and Telegraph Company, and Mr. Rob
inson, who is president of the United
States Independent Telephone Associa-
tion. asked for speedy legislation to
enable the return of the telephone
properties throughout the country to
their private owners. Since last No
vember Mr. Vail has been a personal
adviser" to Postmaster General Burle-
son in the COVE rnmental control of the
wire systems.
The appeal says that in view of the
announcements by both President Will
son and the Postmaster General that
government control would end as soon
as arrangements could be made for ad-
vantageous operation of the wire sys-
tens, action by Congress is the only
remaining step necessary. 1t is further
contended that unless Congress acts
promptly the deterioration of the prop
critics, caused by the failure to secure
revenues to meet greatly increased ex-
penditures, threatens in some localities
return to public ownership or op-
Grafton.
The text OF the appeal follows:
"To the members OF the Senate and
House of representatives:
"On midnight July 81, 1918, under
the authority of Congress for war
purposes, the President took super
vision, possession, control and opera
tion of the telephone systems of the
country and has since operated them
The war has practically ceased. The
public press is strongly demanding,
the general public and the owners
of the telephone properties are urging
that they be returned az speedily as
possible, that former conditions may
be restored and more satisfactory SER
vice be afforded.
"The President and the Postmaster
General have announced that this will
be done as soon as adequate arrange
ments be provided for receiving and
advantageously operating them. 1t re-
mains only for Congress to enact such
legislation as speedily as possible
"The expenses of these systems have
largely increased during the past year
for wages alone at the rate of more
than $20000,000 per annum. This was
inevitable and necessary by reason of
larger proportional increases by the
railroads and industries of the coun-
try. The revenues are inadequate to
care for such increases, and the deficit
OF the government on that account to
date is large and steadily increasing.
The Postmaster General ordered that
steps be taken to secure adequate reve-
nue., but contention with the regu-
latory authorities Of the states, not vet
settled, have prevented such adjust
ments.
"lf such conditions continue neces-
sarily the credit of the operating COM
panies will be impaired, proper ex-
penses cannot be met, the best oper-
atng forces cannot be retained, needed
extensions and satisfactory service
cannot be provided.
"a deterioration will ensue which in
some localities may threaten recur-
renee of public ownership or operation
III oTucT 10 care, even lnaQeQuately. for
public needs. BY prompt action Con-
gress can prevent this contingency.
Just and speedy settlements should
DC made for all properties taken under
the existing law, that such balances
now in the possession Of the govern
ment may be restored to assist in the
upbu'ldlng and extension of the yar-
Gus systems for better public use.
inc conditions and regulation of op-
Grafton should be clearly defined so as
70 permit the companies to reestablish
and maintain a satisfactory service
with reasonable rates without dis
cr'mlnation and procure the benefits Of
legitimate competition. The princ;nol
operating companies Of the United
states are vitally interested in co..
operating with Congress and the off
cials Of the government to accomplish
these results.
THEO. N. VAIL.
Prest., American Telephone G. Tclo-
graph Company.
G. w. ROBINSON,
Prest., u. s. Independent Telephone
Association.