The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-12-19
TIE car
Can the Federal Government DO More Than
the Railroads themselves

eUN -
TIL subjoined views on car shortage and
present railway conditions in their relation
to Government supervision and control are
those of Mr.. Frank M. Murphy OF Arizona.
the president and general manager Of the
Santa Fe. Prescott and Phoenix Railway:
Railroads generally are experiencing. as
they have experienced more or less for the
past six months, trouble due to a combina-
ton of conditions quite general throughout
the country. First Of all there 10 an unprece-
denied increase in nearly all kinds Of traffc,
causing a shortage OF cars, and in many
cases a shortage Of motive power as well, to
which should be added the consequent con-
gestion at terminals and division points. On
top of this there are urgent appeals Of patrons
from all over the country for cars to move
crops and manufacturing products. In some
sections OF the country manufacturing enter
prises are suffering materially for the fuel
necessary to keep their different enterprises
going to full capacity. and in some particular
sections there has been much suffering re-
ported due to lack OF coal and wood for do
nestle uses-all Of which contributes to the
troubles and trials Of railroad officials at the
present time. l am sure il will generally be
accepted by all fair minded people. however.
that railroads are doing all they can TO re-
lieve the situation.
Il think the Presidents inquiry into the
car shorta ge situation will result in his learn
ing something about railroading. and some
thing more than he already knows about the
character and disposition Of those charged
with the responsibility OF mana ging rail-
roads. and some good may come from the
information gained. IL Ia nonsense to sup
pose that those Interested In the management
of railroads are not more directly concerned
and in quite as full sympathy as the Pres
ident OF the United States and members OF
the Interstate Commerce Commission can
possibly be-in seeing that everything con-
sistent and possible IL done 20 relieve the
present distressing situation. 10 IL clearly to
the interest of the different companies that
their officials should be conscientiously con-
cerned. Investigation will undoubtedly prove
that they are, and in most cases. at any rate.
they will be found equal TO the troublesome
occasion. It is hardly fair to Assume that
railroad officials are indifferent to the re-
quirements and actual needs of patrons: nor
would IL seem the part Of wisdom to assume
that the President of the United States. with
the aid and assistance OF the Interstate Com
merce Commission. will be able to oifer any
practical solution Of h diniculties complained
Of not heretofore fully considered and acted
upon by railroad officials. where possible and
consistent. all things considered.
IF il were possible for the President OF
the United States, directly or through the
Interstate Commerce Commission. as a result
of hasty Investigation. to Offer a feasible rem
edy which had been overlooked or neglected
by the mana gers of the different railroads.
IL would certainly argue much In support
Of the theory p~ropounded by some that more
power should be granted the executive head
of the nation and that more direct super
vision over all business Of the country be
delegated to him. The country Ia running
over just now with prosperity. and 1t will
take some time and a good deal of capital
to get everything properly adjusted, and II
there il not too much Interference on the
part OF political busybodies the same In
huences that have heretofore grappled sue
cessfully with vexatious and important
business problems so vital to the entire coIn-
try will be found equal to the present emer-
gency, without employing methods for the
purpose merely Of making a show. which In
generally depressing and hurtful alike to both
employer and employee. 1t Is certainly
very amusing just now to observe the readi-
ness with which some people run to the Presi-
dent OF the United States or the Interstate
Commission with all matters per-
tanning to the operation Of railroads. ag and
little. IL certainly begins 90 look as though
there We're a disposition on the part OF some
TO turn the management of railroads over to
the Government. indirectly. II not directly.
making all railroad presidents. boards OF
directors, &c. mere agents and clerks to the
Interstate Commerce Commission. 1t is rather
an interesting and somewhat amusing situa-
ton that confronts the country at the present
time"