Question: "Resolved, That the United States should take immediate steps toward assuming complete ownership and control of the telegraph."

Brief for the Affirmative.C. F. CLARKSON and L. COOLIDGE.

Best general references: 1. Report on Postal Telegraph (1884). 2. N. A. Review, vol. 144: 44 (Ely). 3. Forum, IX: 450 (Keeler).

I. The telegraph is a natural monopoly.

II. Private telegraph monopoly in this country has positive evils. (a) Selfish corporation management. (b) "Watered" stock. (c) Exhorbitant and complex rates. (d) Inadequate and expensive messenger service. (e) Press leagues. (f) Alliances with railroads. (g) Check on invention.

III. The owner and manager should be the State. Forum, Feb. 1888, (Cullom). (a) Experience in other countries. N. P. Hill's speeches, p. 216. (b) Telegraph naturally a part of postal system. (c) Present evils of private ownership would be remedied. N. A. Review, vol. 143: 35 (Phillips). (d) Positive improvements: (1) In extension of service. (2) In greater efficiency. (3) In economy of management.

IV. Government ownership and management is at present feasible and practicable. N. A. Review, vol. 142: 227 (Field). (a) Government could resort to paralleling. (b) It has right of eminent domain. (c) Essick machine

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