The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1913-10-03

by the introduction of different appliances
and facilities more rapidly than the roads
can obtain money then there is but one
result for some of the railroads of the
United States-and that is bankruptcy L
believe the commissioners-who have such
great powers-realize their responsibility
to the owners Of the properties as well
as to the users, and 1 hope earnestly that
they will give practical evidence of their
realization by permitting some advances
in rates
Should the commissions-federal and
state-make a positive declaration that
rates may be advanced so as to permit
the properties to meet all of their obliga-
tons, pay fair return to stockholders
and leave a balance for improvements
| they will do much for the entire country
and particularly for New England. Such
a declaration will at once inspire conf
dence and give to existing securities
better standing than they now have both
here and in Europe and will help to mar
ket new securities upon an interest basis
more favorable than is now possible, be-
cause of the uneasineSs in the minds or
investors about the future net earnings OF
the railroads.
Magnitude of transportation Machine.
Let us look for minute at a few facts
about the great transportation machine
made up Of the New Haven and New Eng
land lines and associated properties. There
| are 1876 miles of railroad and 14,l75 miles
of track. OF the track 20 per cent is in
Massachusetts, 20 per cent in Connecticut
IA per cent in Maine Is per cent in New
York, II per cent in New Hampshire,
per cent in Rhode Island, 4 per cent in
Vermont and per cent elsewhere. There
| are g. 1877 locomotives, S0SS passenger train
cars, 1882 freight train cars and 3,54
work cars. Then there is the marine
equipment of $40 steamers, tugs, barges,
etc. But this rolling stock is not standing
still. Each year the locomotives run about
100000 miles, the passenger train cars
move 220,00O,00O miles, and the freight cars
move 624,OO0,0O0 miles. The total mileage of
| these units of equipment is 100000 miles
per day, or more than 100000 miles every
| hour
Revenues, PayrolIs and Taxes.
The operating revenues of all the prop
critics were for the last fiscal year in
round numbers $155 100000. The operating
| expenses were S112,0O0 900. OF operating
| expenses approximately $6G,000000 or SO
per cent was paid in wages, an average
payment to each employee of about 800
year. The remaining Al per cent or $780,,
000, 900 was paid for fuel, supplies, etc, but
| engaged in the production of the materi-
ais purchased. This large payroll is an
important factor to the communities serv-
ed by the properties, as much Of the
money finds it's way each month to mer-
chants and others The total taxes paid
by these properties was S7,64O,00O, a very
substantial contribution to the funds for
carrying on the government.
Employees and Investors.
To maintain and operate this great
transportation machine requires the serv-
ices of from 10000 to 100000 men (927 1872 on
last PAYROLL. These employees and these
investors are drawn from all walks of
life. They are human beings with hopes
and aspirations and joys and sorrows.
The livelihood of employees necessarily
depends upon the return from their labor
and this in turn depends upon the pros
perity of New England and the railroads
of New England. In a smaller degree the
comfort and well being of many investors
depend upon the return from their invest
ment, and this also depends upon the |
prosperity of New England and of her |
railroads. These investors and these en- |
ployees, with their families on the basis |
of four to one, make $4,000 people, or |
nearly one-tenth of the population of New |
England. Should not their rights, COM |
forts and feelings be considered carefully |
In the current tempestuous discussion in |
regard to the New England railroads?
The report of the interstate commerce /
commission about the New England rail-
road situation was submitted by Mr.. |
Prouty on June 20, 1913. The very grave |
Importance of the suggestions and recon- |
mendations and the source from which |
they come mean that they cannot be de- |
cided hurriedly and without very thor
ough study. Already some steps have |
been taken so as to have closer super
i-f. o. 1EN, tie Il.
the properties. Other steps of this char
acter will be taken If careful study of the |
situation shows that they are necessary
for efficiency and safety Every effort |
will be made to build up a complete staff |
of officers and men from those now in the
service and in New England, men who
know the local conditions and who will
respond Loyalty to suggestions for the
closest, most efficient and economical op-
Grafton. Is 1t not in the interest of New
England to treat her servants in the
railroad service so that the best talent
in the country will want to serve?
All of us are animated with high pur-
pose to do our full duty, and we have no
desire for self ACKNOWLEDGMENT and self
glorincation. Our reward will come it, in
time, this complicated machine can be
adjusted so that it will run smoothly,
without friction, pay fair return to the
owners and become so much part of the
ually Ire OF the pubic that no more at |
tention is paid to it than is paid now to
drawing water from faucet or turning |
on an electric light.
Faith In Future.
I have faith in the future Of New Eng
land and in the good sense and judgment
of her people in arriving at the right con-
illusions when they understand and ap-
preciate the real facts. / have hope that
a better understanding of the railroad
side Of the problem will be brought home
to the people, so that they can see the
difficulties which directors, officers and
employees in the railroad service are try
ing TO overcome and that the people will
realize the sincere spirit which animates
these men to do the best they can with a
difficult situation. In such cases I hope |
we can discuss the differences calmly |
without prejudice and without any dis
turbance to the transportation machine
which is so delicately adjusted and with
out any Generalization among officers |
and employees, because any disturbance
Df this transportation machine reacts in
many directions. I hope that IL we should =
be unable to agree among ourselves we
can arbitrate the matter I'm an orderly
way before those tribunals and courts
which have been created for such pur- ,
poses.
About Rates and Facilities.
Important complaints about the railroad