Show I A r i j 1 0 Machinery il for Censorship I i P PASSAGE of the telegraph raph and telephone bill by the i. i Senate gives President W Wilson the machinery for nn 11 absolute censorship extending extending- to every even news source in the thc United States Radical measures such as this one are arc welcomed in wartime when it is shown that there I 1 J j is a military necessity deman ing- ing stem stern treatment In the case of the telegraph tele ph and telephone companies how hou- however v ever no showing showing- of military necessity has b been cn made 2 and td little complaint has been offered which would indicate incH indi- 4 cate that the measure is in iti the interest of greater g ef- ef in the conduct of these companies If H there is any an one line of endeavor that has functioned functioned Honed properly since the United States entered the war J it c is s the communication system It was wa on an efficient bas basis s when war mr was declared and quickly quick 1 adapted itself to the increased demands of wartime despite the handicap handicap handicap handi- handi cap of or taking care of an abnormal business with the T f equipment of normal times The government g has had 1 right of wa way over o-er all telephone and telegraph raph lines at rates which arc are not to be he lowered by fe federal eral operation I It is more likely they the will be increased 5 In rn view of thes these facts it would seem that the new power granted President Wilson sets a n. dan dangerous erous prece- prece d dent deit nt in authority delegated without the thc saving swing grace of military necessity Friends of the tile measure have hinted that it was desired for the thc protection of military secrets v- v and it Sit is possible that there are dangers at h hand nd of advised we c arc no Conditions may exist hi which h make th this a military militar measure but the they h have he e not been brought ht out in m Co Con Con- press giesa es One thin thing is certain and that is that the bill extends the thc same powers for political cen censorship the application of which can lead lend hut but to new hazards for fore e American freedom The only thing thing- that can enn S save C this measure and establish it as merited lc legislation is a aJ J- J strict military application of the broad powers bestowed L by it From the thc arguments which have bac been advanced in f Congress on it would seem that the thc telegraph will 7 h receive c wa wage c increases Tho The companies cannot be operated operate by hy the government at a loss and we may h 4 for increased ld rates as the administration takes j- j co complete char charge e of the lie communication system |