Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-12
Public Ownership.

Public ownership.
'"The question of public ownership u
,ic utilities is one which now STANDS III ''e
foreground. and as you gentlemen "ie
s,rdyInq this question with as much earn
.,,ass nc Won are the technical side OF
YOUR gigantic industry, l have no oouo' inc
exnerience of Germany in national owner
shin of railroads already has received your
attention. We do not recommend that you
follow our example. We simply say we
will be glad to contribute 10 your Know
edge on this subject by opening our QUITS
To your inspection.
Europe constructed her roads 10 pro-
vide better facilities of transportation Tor
traffic which had existed since the DARK
ages American roads, on the contrary
were mostly built to create trafnc. Amer
lean managers are studying the SOUND CON
seryative railway policies of Europe. On
the other hand the older nations are dis
covering that they must adopt many of the
American appliances and methods If they
are to establish profitable railway systems
in countries like China. for example
After discussing the inviting railroad pos
s!blites of China. the ambassador con-
Guided as follows:
our age possesses two poles around
which revolves all material development
iron and coal. The blending and the CO.
operation of the two form the base of our
railway systems. On these systems rests
all modern development This proves that
the railroads, their managers and officials
are the real bearers of our civilization.
They have just united men who represent
the highest intellect of their respective
countries | am sure the work they have
accomplished here will increase interna-
tional welfare and prosperity. stimulate in
dustry and spread the gospel so tersely
summarized by the President of the United
states In the phrase The Square Deal
Mr.. Cortelyou's Topic.
Postmaster General Cortelyou, who fol-
lowed discussed the relation of the postal
service TO the problem of TRANSPORTATION.
lie said the relations between the govern
ment and the railway companies carving
the mails was both intimate and dependent
the roads co-operated in getting the quick
mail service. which. he said was more i'm
portant 10 the people than rapid travel
AS TO rates, he said the law fixed the maxi
mum rates for carrying the mails and LEFT
the Post Office Department free to con-
tract for rates below the maximum 'The
wholesome activity" he said. that springs
from the right sort of competition is a
guarantee OF political peace among the ma =
lions Of the world"
AS | have already intimated." he con-
tnued, what | have outlined here arc tho
relations which the Post Office Department
now holds to the railroads Wbetber tail
ing them in their largest aspect they arc
the best that can be devised to serve the
great end for which all such relations are
established-the general welfare-is a cues
ton upon which there may be at times diff
ferences of opinion. but | am sure all faI.-
minded men will agree that, In considering
this problem, or any other with which we
have to deal, we should approach it with q
determination to seek the light on all
phases and To exercise conservative Iudl-
ment iR reaching our conclusions.
American Progress.
From a handful of despised colonisia M