New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-20
FINLEY SPEAKS ON ROADS
Says South Needs More Facilities,
Not LO1cer RateS-Sees Danger.

Atlanta March l9-At the annual dinner Of the
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce tonight President
rIiley OF the Southern Railway spoke on the rela-
lions between the railroads the people and the
state and national governments. He indicated his
oeIef that the present trend Of legislation endan-
gers the prosperity of the railroads and Of the
country alike
M fin!ey reviewed the progress Of the South
anu Sald that its pressing need to-day is for bet
Ter ana more extensive transportation facilities.
rather than for lower rates He contrasted the
attitude Of the public toward carriers by water
anu py ran, pointing ont that the former pays
nothing for hts highway; that It IS maintained and
improved at public expense. while the carrier by
ran must construct his own highway. must pay
heaFN taxes and Is subjected 10 increasi sing gov
ernmental supervision and regulation
expressing the belief that there is danger that
legislation Intended 10 regulate railways may prove
10 oe an obstacle TO their extension and develop
ment and may tend TO make worse. instead Of bet
l"T' the conditions sought remedied" Mr.
Finiey cited as illustration legislation 10 impose
penalties for failure to supply cars or TO perform
ouner services. without regard to whether such
nature IS the result OF wfu negligence He point
ca out that the present demand for cars "a beyond
the capacity OF the railways and the car builders
20 supply. and that the imposition OF car service
penalties would compel discrimination in favor OF
shipments wholly within the borders OF the state
imposing the penalty. lie continued:
II must he apparent that the Inevitable result OF
TINS WI! ne 10 bring about competition Of greed
ana rivalry between the states 20 which can
impose The heaviest penalties and secure the larg-
est supply or cars and the most prompt service.
ana that every penalty imposed for failure do
the impossible must reduce the ability or the rail-
ROAD 10 secure more cars and other needed better
!AtntS 10 must also ho apparent that such policy
~ IN direct violation OF the law rule for
bidding discrimination. which has been incorporated
IN IN" federal and state statutes. There seems to
he an idea in the minds or some that the business
of transportat on by rail Is different from al
other forms Of human activity, and that the rail-
way corporation Is so different from all other bust
ness concerns, that they should he hedg-d about
with restrictions which would he recognized as
being fatal 10 the success OF individual cor
p"Tauon engaged IN any other business 4 railway
corporation differs from other corporations gen
orally in that j. requires larger amount Of pI-
tai Tor the creation and operation OF Us plant than
IL needed IN most other lines Of business
It's capital can only be secured II those seeking
Investments can be reasonably Is fair re-
turn. and its business only he conducted sic
cessfuliy and rs facilities expanded II it's income
its credit and enable It 10 secure capital when
required for these purposes.
II has become popular 10 dlscredit the purposes
OF the railroad manager Whenever NE announces
policy intended 10 improve the relations between
the carriers and the public and founded upon broad
and just principles. there are those who question
his sincerity. I appeal against such a sentiment
TO the sense OF riEht and justice Of the American
people We who striving TO improve conditions
and to perform well our public duties must be
admitted to confidence and upheld hy your
encouragement. The task AT best Is hard The
conditions that surround most trying. We
only succeed II the sincerity and honesty Of
our purposes recognized by the public and are
upheld h. their generous favor and cooperation.