Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-11-18

I been Uedlt Euihoouc ~ po'i D>eA'
Gratis and Republicans
There was received at the office OF
the Railway Business Association a
few days since. from a manufacture
ing company producing railway ma
terial, the following letter:
III the Railway Business Assocla'
. ton had been formed year ago. II
would undoubtedly have done con-
/ siderable good, but We think the re
suits will be lost at this time. on ac'
count of the election OF TAFT. as II
will probably produce normal busi-
ness in q short time,
Evidently the morning mail OF the
writer had contained an order or an
inquiry. He was happy. He imagined
that the rising sun of property was
shining in the windows. and that the
night Of commercial gloom was wholly
past.
Did all antipathy TO railroads van
ish from our land OH the night OF No
vpmber third? Have all anti-rai!road
agitators been put to sleep? Does the
placid smile OF affection for railroads
play upon the features OF all those
who by the recent election have r'eh
given Commissions OF power over our
railroads? Are there no vexatious
problems CT transportation yet to DC
solved no differences to be settled re-
ouir!ny patience. knowledge ard per-
suasiono Is the public mind converted
10 the idea that anti-railroad agita'ioh
is against the public interest II all
these beneficent things have come
to mass, then there is no reason LOT
the existence of the Railway business
Association. with its gospel OF con-
Citation nor Is there necessity for any
further effort by any one in behalf OF
railroads. The day OF miracles Is past.
By no juggiery Of words. or fantasues
of Imagination. can We avoid the stern
reality that the conditions which nave
led to the existing state OF pubic 1eei-
ing as to railroads, which is the growth
of many years, cannot be erad'ca'eu
in day. month. or year.
eli Is a matter for supreme satlslac-
ton that since the election.the Presi
dent-elect has expressed the hop. that
as a result of that event investors
may feel justified in investing capital.
and in putting out funds for raiiroau
construction while giving assurance
that under his administration AL men
who conduct a legitimate business may
| understand that the Government Ii
back of them" So far as the authority
land influence OF the federal executive
extend, 1t is most gratifying 10 learn
that this subject is under cons,aera'
ton by the incoming President. anu
there is sound justification for cheer'
fulness i'm the outlook relating to 1ed-
! eral executive activity. Presidents
are Dowerful-that We know. but II
| railroads are to have the Opportuhlt!
Ito do the things that must be done TOT
this country. to keep pace with It's
| TRANSPORTATION needs. they must nave
the friendly cooperation Of men OF
all the States; no. alone Presidents
but Governors. Senators. Congress
/ men Members of the Legislatures
and Federal and State Railroad Com
| missioners. All these ofhcials in the
end will represent pretty accurately
the temper of the public from ~hicn
they spring. If the gallery to, "hicf
they play is unfriendiy to railroads
they will speak the speech and ehac'
the laws that will win them applause
II the political atmosphere from which
they emanate is calm, and reasonable
! regulation OF railroads Is what thell
environment favors, then their Ofhcia
conduct will be attuned to fair play
| II there ever was time when 1rgan
| lied effort for the bringing about o.
a better relation between the railroad
and the people was absolutely neces
sary. il is NOW He lives in TOOL
naradise who delud IS himself with inc
| belief that there can be substantial
continuing prosperity for railroads ant
cosnate interests until II is the per
mapent policy Of our Nation that con
Citation is a better way to get rans
portation facilities than warfare. con
ciliatiop must be worked out as prac
teal plant must be tried. and !
must be found feasible. before thos'
who have been addicted to other meth
! DDS will join those who seek to en'
rancor. i!lfeeling and recriminat!on.
BE II understood clearly that In thi
scheme of Cancellation the railroa'
managers have to shoulder a great. III
share Of the conciliating. They mus
be open and above board in all thei
dealings with the public. and when u
contact with the people their pos
should be that Of k!ndliness and no
OF hauteur. The rights OF the rail-
roads which should not be accorde'
them cheerfully. should not be causes
to be withheld by any acts which chill
the hearts Of those with whom the.
deal. What a splendid thing il wouI'
he for the country II the people
large could come to think OF the 7ai
roads as their railroads! Not.
; course. in the sense Of Government
ownership bat as guardians fully al'v
10 the responsibility Of giving then
support. sustaining and encouraSin