Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-07-21

Vi I&.|nX%.E y lists and labor lead
y III 5fi4JtgllfNf1' ers, has given and is
Wl.sA giving rise to much
HgER fIlnDWN discussion a m 0 Il g
= VRhTHNY'Hl\' government officials.
The arguments of
those republicans and democrats who are
strictly under partisan control are against
the policy OF the insertion of such
plank even in the advance sheets
of their far future platforms. but those
VINO are not accountable to any direct
constituency have generally shown a
Willingness to talk on the subject. al
though. strange to say. most OF those who
have in any way betrayed leaning in
favor OF such a scheme have talked only on
condition that they will not be personally
quoted Several Of this type who are recog-
niZed as the very best authorities OH the
subject, have said that the great question
will doubtless be national issue before
many administrations have passed over
our heads.
Naturally great interest and import
ence is attached to opinions from the de-
partment of labor and the interstate COM
merce commission. At the former inquiries
from scores of reporters have been turned
down during the past few weeks. 1t is
standing rule at the labor department. that
no opinions are to be expressed either on
the side OF labor or Of capital. At the in
terstate commerce commission, however
although some opinions have been obtained,
no arguments In favor of such a move are
to be had for love or money. Col. William
r. Morrison. the commissions chairman.
whose name has been several times whis-
pered i'm regard to NJ is not inclined to
talk for ptlhiica cf, ;y,;V, ho,
question is much too deep for him to con-
slider in a short interview He told the
writer that within q few months he may
be able to divuige some theories.
Views of Gen. Yeaxey.
Commissioner Neszey however, whose
name stands next on the list. submitted to
an interview. He said: The reasons for
and against govern mcnt ownership and
control of the railways of this country
cannot be given in a brief interview. The
limited extent OF government ownership
and operation Ia other countries, under the
peculiar and different conditions there ex-
listing can be of little value in deciding the
question In this country. In my judgment
there is no adeQuat necessity for cur coun-
try to try that which 1 think would be a
dangerous experiment OF the government In
assuming the enormous burden OF debt
which the acquisition Of all the railroads
would involve. and to engage I'm a business
that requires a force Of nearly one million
men. The exact number reported to us
June 30. 1893. was SI3. CO.. and they are in
ofeasing at the rate of about J0Joo year.
The total railroad capital, reported on
the same date. was sIo. jo6 2::,5. 40. Ii this
capitalization Is twice too large / should
still say the necessity should be most ex-
IRENE before such enormous power and
working force should be added to that
which the general government already has
No such necessity exists. The railroads are
well operated now. ! do not believe this
government could do better. They meet the
demands OF commerce with more than rea-
sonsble satisfaction as a whole As a gem
eral proposition. rates are low. Service Is
usually adequate and prompt. Improve
ments are constantly going on. Forces.
commercial and competitive. are in perpet-
uai operation. which necessarily hold rail-
roads well up in every department of trans
portation service. Regulation under the
law. state and national. is working out its
designed result in correcting evils that had
crcpt into railroad administration.
There are very few evils yet to be cor
rected. but experience is rapidly guiding 10
greater wisdom in legislation and admins
tration. The labor disturbances. So far as
they affect transportation, will be. 1 think.
ephemeraL Methods Of settlement which
are just and fair will be adopted. II they
do not already exist. In any event l would
avoid any action that would tend to trans
fer the specific question of difference be-
tween employer and employee to politics.
which would probably result With a million
railroad employees on one side Of the ques-
ton. Let politics deal with principles. but
not with questions that belong to the courts
or boards of arbitration. In a word. with
out stating further reasons 1 do not be-
lieve that transportation by common car
r,ers. or the interests of commerce. will be
improved BY government ownership and
operation Of railroads. The railroads them
selves. artificial persons would unjoubt-
eddy be benefited in majority of cases by
government ASSUMPTION. but ! would not
take the risk of it,
Another Commissioned Talks.
Commissioner Yeomans was also COM
municative. but agreed for the most part
with Mr.. Veazey. why. 1t wouldn't help
la Dor troubles any" he said. IF they are
what you want to remedy. Look at the
strikes in London they are the worst in the
world. and England has more of a hold on
her railways than We have
What do you think about the farmer?
Would he be benefited by such change"
The railroads under the present system
are the farmers friends Why don't more
railroads pay their dividends to their stock
holders, during these hard times, IL the
farmer suffers for it, What's good FOR the
railroad is good for the producer and the
erament has as much as II can attend to
now"
What method could our government use
il is desired to take control OF the rail-
roads,
"Oh. there are many but the bes, scheme
l know OF. as an ideal thing Is that of
President Blackstone of the Chicago and
Alton road.
According to this plan of Black
stones. which has been considered
Of value. being phe fruit of honest
thought. coming from a railroad official him
self. who would be suspected for the most
part of condemnng all the claims Of the
federal ownership advocates. the govern
ment Is to acquire the ownership of all
lines now used for interstate traffic TO BE-
obtained under such Limitations as Con-
gress may determine toe payment to be
made by the issueaof government bonds.
bearing interest att rate not exceeding
3 per cent of the whole issue. The annual
interest and sinking fund is to be pail from
the net earnings OF the roads, and rates of
transportation. from wear to year, are to
be reduced SO to provide no more money
than shalt be needed for such paymeass
In order that citizens shall not pay unneces-
sary rates separate schedules are 10 he
made subject to change, according to the
locality. 1t aiSo provides that such rail
roads as are hereafter constructed may be
pure hased b. the government. al its op-
ton. or in the case Of its not choosing to
purchase. il will withhold the right to make
through rates in connection with other
interstate lines. divided according to mile
age between those owned by the govern
neut arl these not. A board OF national
railroad directors is to be appointed ny the