One of the most serious objections to the government of the United
States assuming the control of the telegraph is the political one. In
monarchical countries, where the sovereignty is a patrimony of a
particular family, and where no change is made except by revolution,
everything which tends towards the permanence of the reigning dynasty is
looked upon as in the interest of law and order, and for these reasons
the absorption of the telegraphs by the government is regarded as a
proper and legitimate act, and consistent with the public weal; but in a
republic, where the rulers are changed periodically, and where the
purity of the elections is of the first importance, the placing of so
great a power in the hands of the government would be a public calamity.
It might be supposed that rulers could be elected who would not take
advantage of the control of the telegraph for selfish purposes, but the
temptation to do so would be great, and, even if not yielded to, the
suspicions of the people would be constantly aroused, and confidence in
its impartial administration would be destroyed. In every election the
whole army of postmasters and the machinery of the department is
enlisted in the service of the party in power. Shall we give it the
telegraph also? What would be the influence on election returns?
The censorship of telegraphic correspondence, always a subject of public
disapprobation, is generally exercised by all governments which have its
management. In France the control of the telegraph by government is
loudly complained of, in consequence of notorious abuses which result
from it. Amongst other things, it is well known that the authorities of
the Bourse, in Paris, have opportunities of seeing every telegram which
reaches or leaves that city on matters relating to the stock exchange
operations.