The Washington times., 1894-11-04
CONTROL OF THE RAILROADS
YIN. C. A. Debaters Discuss the Pro-
priety of Government Ownership.
DECISION IN THB NEGATIVE
Mr.. M. A. Watson Presided as Judge Speeches
Were Made by George L. Beeler, George
Baker, George Drew, and others-Vigorous
and Convincing Arguments by Orators.

whether 1t was due to the unpopularity of
the question or the absence Of the inimit able
Fred Tasker cannot be decided, but the fact
remains that there was not as large an at
tendance as usual at the Y. Nj. G. A. Literary
Society's debate last evening. Ladies were
decidedly in the minority, and the solons OF
the society did not turn out in their custom
ary strength.
The question for discussion was: Resolved,
That the United States should take posses
sion of and run the Union Pacific Railroad"
Judge NJ. A. Watson was chosen to decide the
question upon the merits of the debate.
President Weston then introduced Judge
George L. Beeler as the first speaker in the
affirmative. He drew upon the blackboard
map of the States traversed by the railroad in
question, and contended that as the corpora
ton is now indebted TO the United States in
the sum of S52, 900. 900 and has failed 10 pay
interest on its bonds, the Federal government
would be better able to liquidate heindebted-
ness by assuming control of the railroad and
applying the receipts in the liquidation OF the
enormous debt.
Judge Buler continued this line or argu-
ment for fifteen minutes, and then Judge
George Baker proceeded In his usual vigorous
and convincing style to pour his Volleys OF
sarcasms into the hitherto unbroken line OF
argument of the affirmative. He was sur
prised and amazed that such learned and
able gentleman as Judge Beeler would aivo-
cate such unquestionably unconstitutional ac-
ton as the Federal government TO take pos
session OF a private enterprise. Such thing
might be permissible under monarchial ad-
ministration, but never in republic, es-
pecialy in the United States. This govern
ment had loaned the Union Pacific $50 ,000, 900
voluntarily, and because the corporation had
not paid back the debt could not, in his
opinion, now claim that the railroad had
taken advantage of it.
Judge George ". Drew, Of Georgetown,
followed Judge Baber, and in mis- opinion it
would be dangerous precedent for the gov
ernment to establish II it should assume con-
troll of the Union Pacific Railroad. Prof.
Goodwin was heartily in favor of the gov
ernment running all railroads, and cited its
management of the postal service as prece-
dent.
Judge L. Caben Williamson claimed that
under the existing form OF government in the
United States it was folly to make such a
proposition, while Col W. P Freeman an
nounced his allegiance to the policy of CEN
tralization. and his idea was concurred in by
President Weston. In closing the debate in
reverse order Judges Bahcr and Beeler were
each allowed five minutes and then Judge
Watson rendered q decision in favor of the
negative.
The subject and speakers for next Saturday
are
Resolved. That the patronage OF our
theaters by church people would be for the
best interests the public" Affirmative, Mr..
n ". Barksdale; negative, E. V. Chittenden.
Preceding the debate there will be recitation
by Mr.. w. v. Watson.