STATE OWNERSHIP IN AMERICA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 69, 21 November 1913, Page 4

STATE OWNERSHIP IN AMERICA.

The announcement in the Xew Void j I hues that tlin Wilson Administra ti on is contemplating 1 si a t ion which will ultimately involve the Go verumem ownership of the telegraph and telephone linos of the country caused astonishment both in New Vorli and in Washington. There wen' prompt nnoflhaal denials, which found swift circulation, if not credence, in Wall Street, hut the knowledge that it he Kederal ojieration of tlie parcel post systi'in has proved such a remarkahie success is another reason for I the widespread helief that the suggested policy will he recommended hy the President when he has sueeeeded in persuading Congress to put the Currency Reform Bill on the Statute Book. It looks as if the I'Vderal authorities will sooner or later so extend the parcel post systi'in as to drive the express companies out of business;

and il is being suggested tha I the (Jovernment might acquire and utilise the long-distance telej>hone lines tn compete with the telegraph companies. How much it would cost the (iovernmont to purchase the telephone lines is being worked out, and data are being prepared dealing with the old question as to the constitutionality of a measure to establish a Federal postal telegraph system.