Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 275, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 November 1919 — BURLESON SHOWS DEFICIT IN OPERATING WIRES. [ARTICLE]

BURLESON SHOWS DEFICIT IN OPERATING WIRES.

Washington, Nov. 13.—War time operation of the telephone and telegraph systems of the country cost the federal government $14,418,237, according to a report of Postmaster General Burleson transmitted to congress today by President Wilson. This sum represents the difference between the net earnings of the companies taken over and the compensation guaranteed by the government. Total net earnings of the telephone and telegraph lines during federal control were reported at $70,387,532, while the Compensation assured was $83,055,769. The total deficit included an estimated $3,000,000 for settlement of future claims. Small independent companies operated by the government reported a surplus of $57,428. Reported deficits of the American Telephone and Telegraph company, operating thirty-six subsidary companies, were $9,920,170.31, while the Western Union Telegraph company, of Columbus, 0., operating four subsidary companies, showed a deficit of $392,123.