New-York tribune., 1906-12-16
A RUSH" SEASON IN FREIGHT.


1t will be recalled that short time ago Mr.
James ]. Hill declared that freight congestion
was problem of tremendous seriousness to the
country. 1t is commonly called a shortage of
cars" but, as Mr.. Hill pointed out it is really
a shortage of everything which goes to facilitate
the transportation of goods Not only are there
not enough cars, but freight yards are not big
enough, terminals are not adequate, there are
not enough sidings and switches. In ten years
the railroads have only expanded 20 per cent
while the business OF the country has increased
10 per cent Mr. Hill sought to put the blame
of this condition upon the talk of government
ownership Of railroads, but it seems to us, with
little justification, for capital will hardly he
frightened by SO remote a risk as government
confscation-
What is, then, the real reason why capital does
not go into increasing the facilities of the rail
roads In proportion 10 the public demand? Why
should the transportation of freight be in the
disorganized condition it is to-day? The present
condition contains a menace TO cur prosperity.
The free movement of freight throughout the
country is necessary TO industrial progress. De
lay costs money. Interest charges. while mill
ions of dollars worth of goods tied up await
ing shipment increase prices. Uncertainty when
shipments will be delivered deters buyers. Per
ishable goods are lost. Seasonable goods lose
their chance of sale. In thousand ways such
now disturbs business conditions and introduces
a dangerous element of uncertainty into them.
Besides, we may read in the papers every day
of the actual suffering which it imposes upon the
people. The Northwest, with money in its pock-
cts, is freezing for want of COAL because for
weeks, perhaps months. the railroads have lacked
facilities to carry coal thither. There you have
the effect of the so-called "car shortage" upon
one Of the necessaries OF llfa
til,
Commerce Commission is about to investigate
the subject. 1t is a proper matter for its atten-
ton. and investigation will be IN the public inter
est, for the business Of this country has a right
10 know why the much yaunted unregulated pri-
v2te management of the railroads should have
permitted this deplorabe situation to exist and
to increase from year to year. The investigation
Will go into several phases OF the question. Are
the railroads making the utmost of the
facilities which they possess? Are all the cars
in use? Are cars allowed 10 remain empty IN
yards sidetrocks for an undue length of
time? When loaded are they allowed to remain
too long before being hauled to their destination?
On arriving at their destination do they stand
too long before being unloaded? These are ques-
tions of efficiency in management.
Another matter which there is iustifiabe
amount Of public curiosity, considering the his
tory of railroads, is discrimination in manage
no difficulty in getting cars while others have?
Whose freight is refused and whose accepted?
When cars reach their destination loaded and
crowd the terminal yards. do some concerns en-
Joy the right 10 take their own time about IN
loading them while the freight Of the public IS
unshipped for lack of cars? Do private freight
cars in these days of crowded terminals and
sidings enjoy any special consideration?
But these are mere details. II all are an
will OF
difficulty. namely. that the railroad facilities for
handling goods do not increase proportionally
with the growth of business. That is as Mr..
Hill intimated, the vital question. We refuse to
believe that capital is afraid Of railroad I'm
provements an investment We read of cap
ital planning new lines and facing the opposition
OF existing roads, just as If there were not
enough business for present facilities, instead Of
too much, as Mr.. Hill complains; and of rail
roads fined for giving rebates which are excused
on the ground that only so can they secure the
business necessary to their prosperity. We read
also of the Cutting Of melons" OF the division
of surpluses, of extra and unexpected dividends
coming to bless the grateful stakeholder. Why
then, is there no money for more cars, more
sidings, larger freight yards and improved ter
minals? Can 1t be that a situation something
Ike that which makes strap-hangng so attractive
TO traction managers exists IN the freight busi-
ness: Does It pay better not TO have adequate
facilities for the rush season in freight? Is
1t more profitable TO provide facilities which \
ordinary conditions tax and let the crowded sea-
sons. the times when crops are moving or
holiday goods are In transit take care of them
selves? The Interstate Commerce Commission
will confer great public benefit By throwing
light on this the vital and recurring question
which underlies the present temporary trouble
in shipping freights