The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1907-02-26

True, Belgium has with fair success
operated her roads but Belgium is 1-G
the size of North Dakota. Germany
has been partially successful in oper-
ating her roads, but in Germany the
roads are built by the states the larg-
est of which is smaller than Montana
and every interest is made subservient
to the military one. But in those coun-
tries where government ownership has
had to meet the test of development,
in those countries where the govern
ment has had to build roads, what
has been the result? Everywhere this
policy has proven disastrous. Politics
and not business instince has directed
the building of railways. Fat con-
tracts have been let through political
influence. Official incompetence and
governmental waste have united in the
disaster. And yet the development in
these countries is as nothing compared
to the problem in the United States.
Suppose for instance North Dakota
needs railroad, how is she to get it?
Do you suppose for a moment that
the congressman from the east and
south where the balance of power
rests would allow such measure to
pass? Certainly not. And past his
tory bears out this answer. But
granting for the sake of argument that
the bill was passed. the next question
is when would the road be built? The
slowness of government is proverbial.
AS an example, the appropriation for
the federal building in Chicago was
signed by President Cleveland some
twelve years ago, yet is only within
the last three months that Secretary
Shaw signed the draft for the last
payment. Again l ask how is such
a system to meet present American
needs? Therefore, in view Of the act
ual conditions in this country, in view
Of the immense problem of develop
ment this policy is impracticable.
No Inducements.
My second proposition is that the
government cannot run business on
business principles. In the first place
we must have capable managers. It
is true that in the highest government
positions-the highest positions mind
you, honor Is a sufficient inducement
to draw good men. To get such men
the government must offer the same or
better inducements than private capt.
tai. This it cannot do. The chances
of promotion are less and it is fact
that skilled government employees
are VIGOROUSLY underpaid while I'M
skilled labor is overpaid.
Matter Of Men.
No man is competent to run rail-
roads unless he can make money for
himself. And if he can make money
for himself you will not find him ac-
cepting poorly paid government
office, where mans money is invest
ed there you will find him doing his
best work, where il mans treasure is
there will his heart be ALSO" If then
a man has no personal interest in an
undertaking. if when the business
runs behind his own pocket book is
safe laxiness carelessness and waste
fulness are the enevitable results
Would such men as Casset, McCrea or
Hill act as government railway en-
ployees? Certainly not And yet to
make a success of the business we
must have men of that calibre. How
does the government get its men?
Look at our government industries
and see for yourself. Graft not ability,
political influence not efficiency dictate
the offices. 1t is very plain that the
best ability Of the country Is not in
the employ Of the government. And
what else can you expect. Here is a
poorly paid Job with an opportunity
for graft. Who wants such job?
The CRATER. How then do you ex-