Evening journal., 1922-09-06
ruBnrcnY-owNnp posrorr1cEs

rUyo thinking Deawareans the statement made by
Il Postmaster General Work that the government
could borrow money practically per cent basis 70
build postoices. whereas when It leases the depart
ment pays rental sufficient TO permit the lessor 10
borrow money at per cent in cases as
much 10 per cent. shows the Importance to the
Federal government owning its postoflce buildings
as good business proposition When the government
owns postal building is free from taxation where
when It leases building It is indirectly paying taxes
at rate of about per cent the investment and
many times at a very much higher rate" occording
to report the Postmaster General there are at
present $3.50 posofces leased quarters, and only
about 1900 in buildings owned by the government.
.In the case OF government ownership of postal
buildings" says Mr.. Work. "I confident there are
ample sites and abundant buildings which could be ac-
quired at reasonable prices and they could be erected
and equipped material purchased in the cities and
towns in which the government would purchase the
property' This would give impetus to construc-
ton and employment
The argument which is made by the administration
In support of ownership OF postal buildings
applies in some aspects OF the with even greater
force TO the ownership of our foreign SER
vice buildngs-embassies legations and consulates we
are today paying rentals those buildings aggregat
ing close to $500 900 annually which represents per
cent on s125o0o00. But tho amount appropriated oy
the rentals does not cover the total pa
out for that purpose by for In numerous IN
stances chiefs OF mission particularly at the most I'M
portant world capitals, down into their own pockets
for the rent OF their residences.
This frequently necessitates the appointment OF
man as ambassador or minister who is forthed with a
nrivats fortune into which dip occasion de-
ands on behalf Of his government Secretary Hughes
touched on this when he said: at is most serious
thing 10 be compelled to say that young man without
means who desires to marry and bring up family
after the American tradition cannot be encouraged 10
enter upon the most important careers that the
country has to Offer In the present situation
thera Is a double harm, first in keeping out men VINO
would invigorate the service and the other hand IN
creating the impression It (he foreign servce) Is
rich mans club. We talk great deal OF love
of our country and should like TO better appre
ciation Of what it's interests demand" A great many
instances could be prove,that because this gov
ernn,ent did not own foreign service buildings con-
siderable embarrassment has rested and efficiency has
been handicapped.
II has been estimated that S150o0,ooo would go far
toward eouipping this with its foreign ser
vice buildings particularly this time when We could
take advantage of the purchasing power Of the Amer
can dollar In foreign countries. II there is to be bill
Nc planned providing for national postal building
program the addition that program Of provision
for the ownership by United states Of It's foreign
service buildings merits favorable consideration II not
gernane as an amendment TO postal buildings BILL
ybv not general public buildings bill to cover all re-
oufrements.