OCR Text |
Show WiLSOH TO TAKE - " CHAB8E0F WIRES AUGUST 1 SET AS DATE FOR FEDERAL FED-ERAL CONTROL OF TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE LINES. Administration of Wire System Placed With Postmaster General Burleson; Present Managements and Employes Em-ployes Will Continue. "Washington. Acting under authority author-ity recently conferred by cuiit'i'L'ss, President Wilson July 2.'i issued a proclamation proc-lamation taking ull telephone and telegraph tele-graph lines under government operation opera-tion und control at midnight, Wednesday, Wednes-day, July Ml. Although congress empowered him to do so, the president did not include wireless systems, because the navy already al-ready is iu control of them; and lie blso did not include ocean cables, pre-eumably pre-eumably because contracts the cable companies have with foreign governments govern-ments on whose shores they land contain con-tain clauses respecting government operation which raised involved questions. ques-tions. The navy already is in practical practi-cal control of the cables through its Censorship. The president's proclamation placed IHlministration of the wire systems with Postmaster General Burleson, and provided that until otherwise decided the present managements and employes Will continue. Present, financial arrangements ar-rangements also will continue with the approval of the postmaster general. Minimum of Interference. In a statement accompanying the president's proclamation, Postmaster General Burleson announced to the country that his policy would be one Of the least possible interference with the wire communication systems consistent con-sistent with the interests and needs of the government. Press wire service, Mr. Burleson Said, would be interfered with only to Improve its facilities, and farmers' telephones would be interfered with only to facilitate their connection with the larger lines. No general policy has been decided upon, the postmaster general gen-eral announced, and public notice will be given of any plans to change present pres-ent arrangements. Pledging to the public his best efforts ef-forts for the most efficient service at the least cost, the postmaster general declared he welcomed the suggestions and co-operation of the men who have built up the systems. , Committee Is Named. Postmaster General Burleson will personally take charge of the administration admin-istration of thewire communications, rind will be assisted by a committee of three, composed of John L. Koons, first assistant postmaster general, in subjects of organizatiqn and administration adminis-tration ; David J. Lewis, former congressman con-gressman from Maryland, 'now a member mem-ber of the tariff commission, on subjects sub-jects of operation ; and' William H. Lamar, solicitor for the postoffice department, de-partment, on matters of finance. |