The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-05-28
Work Will Be Put Through in
Twelve Southwestern States.
KANSAS is INCLUDED
Railway Situation in This Sec
ton Is Better Understood.
Other Items Of Interest in
Railway Circles.

st. Louis, Mo-, May 2S.-The railroad
situation in the south and west is I'M
derstood far better now than ever be-
fore, yet it is not thoroughly under
stood. During the keen excitement of
the past few years it became evident
that many railroad officials, especially
in the legal department, were unable to
appreciate fair demands Of the public,
and it was also plain that the public
was somewhat too exacting toward the
carriers, and that many public officials,
whatever their motives, were inclined
to be radical.
In the emphasis put on rates there is
the hazard of regarding the charges for
transportation service as being the ut
most, if not the sole Importance. The
right principle for guidance is that
rates and service are inter-related, one
depending vitality on the other The
mind does not have to exert itself 10
realize that, If the rates are too low,
the service must be inferior, and that
revenue for maintenance and capital
for development cannot be obtained.
Many railroad officials were loath, at
first, to recognize the right of the gov
eminent, as the representative OF the
people, to supervise or regulate their
affairs. They overlooked the fact that
the carriers are public servants. NOW
however. the chief executives of the
transportation lines have come to the
conclusion that governmental regula-
ton is Just as beneficial to their prop
critics as it is to the public. With this
idea controlling the men that own ana
manage the railroads, 1t is clear that
the adjustment of great transportation
problems will be comparatively easy.
The public and it's representatives
were unwilling, some time ago, to ad-
nit that the railroads had rights. Pub
lie officials were prepared and actually
tried to establish arbitrary policies and
methods in the formation of laws and
practices for the supervision of trans
portation companies. Quite naturally
attention and procedure were concen-
trated on the reduction Of rates.
After months of controversy and agi-
tation, it appears that the pubic ana
the railroads are gradually arriving at
the same point. The railroads are en-
tirely willing to be regulated, and the
public desires that they be regulated
with Justice. At the same time, rates
are not unduIy emphasized, and eonsid-
Grafton is given to the physical needs of
the carriers and also of the southern
and western commonwealth.
1t is no exaggeration to say that at
least SO, SOC, 100000 will be required for
improving extending and developing
the railroad properties of Missouri, HI
nois, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma,
leo Mississippi, Tennessee and Ken
lucky. These commonwealth have dp-
proximately 77,777 miles of railroads,
and they already want. at least as
many more.
According to a fair estimate, these
commemorative will need, and they
will get, in the next few years, more
than $4,000 miles of interurban electric
railway. Development of electric trans
portation properties will necessitate an
investment of $25O,O0O,009. or more, IN
the commemorative mentioned.
A total of approximately $3.50, 100000
is not an excessive estimate. When
the elimination Of curves and grades,
the reconstruction of roads, the install
lation of new equipment, the building
of extensions, the construction OF ter.
minals and staticas, the laying Of
double and passing tracks and general
betterment and developmentai work
are taken into consideration, :he esti- |
mate offered does not seem large. It is
at least, a fair estimate, based on re- |
quirements.
The object in dealing with the trans |
portation problem of st. Louis and the
south and the west must be obvious. L
is to lend some encouragement toward
the fostering of relationship between
the railroads and the public that should
be of immense benefit to botn-
The investment of $1,000 000,G00 to 49,
$50 900, GOO In the commonwealth men |
toned would have its effect on their |
development, and the major percent |
age of the money would go for labor |
and material The same argument ap-
plies to the situation in st. Louis.
Rates are, of course factor. but |
they do not overshadow development |
and service. That the railroads should |
be under governmental regulation
seems now to be an established pin
ciple. and 1t also appears to be a rec
ognized principle that the carriers have
rights. Why not endeavor to get the
very best results for all from so favor
able a status?