New-York tribune., 1922-03-05
Congress Balks at
Voting Funds for
PostoMce Here
Advocates of Economy in
Senate Oppose a Big Out
lay for New Building, De-
spite Need for Facilities

From The Trbunes Washington Burcdu
WASHINGTON, March 4.---Inability
of the joint Congressional committee
which investigated the necessity for a
new postal office building in New York
to get Congress to approve All appro-
priation of between s9,000,000 and $10,-
100000 for this purpose, opening the
way for general public buildings
bill, is proving a stumbling block to
the desires of the Postoffice Depart
ment and New York business interests
for improved postal facilities in the
greater city, Senator Townsend, chair
man of the committee, indicated to-
day.
Although the last official act of
former Postmaster General Hays was
to urge an appropriation for the build
ing before the committee yesterday.
little likelihood that Congress would
provide the required funds. Two
plans have been presented to the COM
mittee. One provided for the Pcnnsyl-
vania Railroad to secure the site and
private interests construct the build
ing to be leased by the government.
The other is for the government to
buy the site and erect the building.
Economy Policy Stumbling Block
While the Townsend committee
agrees that it would be economical
for the government to own its own
building, the temper of Congress is
against large outlays Of funds for pub
lie buildings at this time. Senator
Townsend said that If a bill was re-
ported for the New York Office alone,
it may meet the objection of Sena-
tors from other states who have with
held advancing their claims for postal
facilities in line with tho economy
policy of the Administration.
The annual Post Office appropriation
bill, as it has been agreed to by sub
committee of the Senate Post Office
Committee, will carry funds to restore
the pneumatic postal tube system in
continuance Of the transcontinental
air mail service.
The House, when it passed the Post
Office Appropriation bill, turned down
both Of these propositions. Postmas-
ter General Hays recently appeared be-
fore the Post Office Committee OF the
Senate and urged that they be al
lowed.
Favor Restoring New York Tubes
The subcommittee will report in IA
vor of sufficient funds to restore the
pneumatic tubes in New York and for
extensions to several Of the postal sta
tions in congested districts. The joint
postal commission of the House and
Senate some time ago strongly recon-
mended this to relieve the congestion.
Business interests in New York have
strongly urged the restoration Of the
tubes, which were discontinued by Post
master General Burleson.
The tubes are still in place and serv-
iceable. it is said by members of the
sub committee. but it will require some
time to get all Of the necessary ap-
paratus rcinstallcd and in working or
der.
The subcommittee report has to pass
the gauntlet of the main committee
and then to pass the Senate. 1t Is ex-
pected to be approved by the commit
tee, but will encounter strong opposi-
tion in the Senate.
AS to air mail, the Senate sub-com-
mittee will vote $1,900,OOO for the
airplane service.
None Of this is TO go for branch routes.
1t is expected this will pass Congress.