New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-27
THE RAILROAD QUESTION.

The opinions of Aldacc F. Walker. Of the
Atchson. and Chauncey NJ. Depew, of the New
York Central on the existing railroad situation,
as given elsewhere In this paper, will be read
with interest, They are the first fruits Of the
article on the railroad situation in Fridays 1rlb-
une in which we endcavoled to point out the
mistake which we believe railroad managers
are making in treating the Supreme Court de-
cision against traffic associations as a disastrous
blow to railroad interests for which they could
find no remedy except in legislation. If it shall
have the further effect to direct the attention
Of other heads Of great railroad corporations TO
q consideration Of possible remedies within their
own reach. and the discussion shall become gen
cral. il will have served n most excellent and
useful purpose One cause of the disastrous
railroad competition which traffic associations
were organized to prevent. and which the recent
decision. according 10 many railway managers,
is expected 10 reOpen-and the main cause as
The Tribune beeves-is the distrust which these
managers have Of each other and their c0nsc-
ouent inability 10 act in harmony in the regula-
ton of traffic rates and the adjustment of their
mutual relations That implies dishonesty some
where Is II TOO much 10 say that. in the gen
oral judgment. It implies a prevalence OF dis
honesty. the faint Of which affects in greater or
less degree the entire railroad management Of
the country?
Is this a hard saying: Well, let the respOn
she railroad managers Of the country give ii
little serious thought. If any of them resent the
imputation that they have personally swerved
from the straight line OF integrity in their deal
inGs with each other or with the public, LET them
stop a moment and inquire Of themselves
whether they have not sometimes winked at the
practices Of their subordna,es which they would
resign their places sooner than be guilty OF
themselves We are not setting up any mprac
tcable Caesars wife standard Of virtue in bust
ness management. We are only directing the
attention Of these gentlemen TO the principal
cause Of the rate wars which they so deplore
and asking whether, upon the whole. 1t is not
possible 10 remove ii by their own concerted and
united action. We do not say even that abso-
lutte honesty is possible in the conduct of the
railroad or any other business. And yet the
question forces itself. Is it really impossible?
We anticipate the sneer with which that Ques-
ton will be received and which is its only an
swer But who will have the hardihood TO say
that honest management is impossible, and who
will frankly tell us why?
These are not impertnent questions that The
Tribune is asking. They are not founded upon
mere abstractlons or sentiment nor are they the
suggestions Of an "lridescent dream" OF mpOs-
sIble standards or unattainable ideals. They are
not necessarily based upon considerations OF
morality They do relate 10 business and the
conduct Of business upon the lines OF cold, con
scienceless materialistlc business policy. II IS
TO the consideration Of the actual facts in the
railroad situation the real sources Of disturbance
and danger. and the remedies that lie open 10
united and concerted action in mutual conf
dence with each other as honorable business
men, that we invite the managers Of the great
railroad corporations. In our Judgment no
trust is needed. no penalties are necessary.
Purge the management Of your railroads OF