New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-09-11
Calls Appeal for More
Revenue Lucid State
ment of Plain Truth
DISCLATMS RIGHT
TO DIRECT |. C. C.
Expects Various Governmental
Agencies" to Cooperate In
Sustaining Credits.
from Ths Tribune Bureau

Washington, Sept. 10.-President
Wilson told callers to-day that he had
been impressed by the entirely rea-
sonable attitude" Of the railroad presi-
dents who pleaded with him yesterday
to use his influence in providing means
for increasing the revenue of the rail-
roads. He disclaimed any right to d.
rect the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion to take action, but said he felt
certain the various government
agencies" would cooperate.
"A lucid statement Of plain truth"
is the way the President characterizes
the appeal of the railroad presidents in
q letter he sent to-day to Frank Trum-
bull, of the Chesapeake & Ohio, chair
man of the committee which waited on
him yesterday. Although he does not
believe he should advise other govern
mental agencies which have to do with
the railroads as to their action, the
President declared he would be glad
to confer with any one who wanted to
see him.
President Wilson's letter to Mt.
Trumbull reflected his confidence in
the integrity and soundness of the
American railroads and his view that
they should not be the subject Of sgita-
ton. His letter follows:
"Since you read it to me yesterday,
have read again the statement you
made on behalf of the committee Of
railroad presidents whom had the
pleasure of meeting and comforting with
at my Office. 1t Is 4 lucid statement OF
plain truths.
"You asked me to call the attention
of the country to the imperative need
that railway credits be sustained and
the railroads helped in every possible
way, whether by private cooperative
effort or by the action, wherever feas-
IDLE, of governmental agencies; and
/ am glad to do so, because | think the
need very real.
81 cannot say that I entertain any
deep anxiety about the matter, except,
of course, the general anxiety caused
by the unprecedented situation of the
money markets of the world, because
the interest of the producer, the ship
per, the merchant, the investor, the
/ financier and the whole public in the
proper maintenance and complete eff
cheney Of the railways is too manifest
! They are indispensable to our whole
economic life, and railway securities
are at the very heart of most invest
ments, large and small, public and pri-
vate, by individuals and by institu-
tiOns.
81 am confident that there will be &C
tive and earnest cooperation in this
matter, perhaps the one common in
terest of our whole industrial life. I'm.
doubtedly men both in and out Of Off
cal position will appreciate what is in
volved and lend their aid heartily
wherever it is possible for them TO
lend il.
"But the emergency is, in fact,
extraordinary, and where there is man
fest common interest we ought all of
US TO speak out in its behalf, and ! am
glad to join you in calling attention to
it. This is a time for all to stand to-
gether in united effort to comprehend
every interest and serve and sustain it
in every legitimate way.
"The laws must speak plainly and
effectively against whatever Is wrong
or against the public interest, and
these laws must be observed; for the
rest and within the sphere of legiti-
mate enterprise we must all stand as
one to see justice done and all fair as
sistance rendered, and rendered un-
grudgingIy."
Daniel Willard, president Of the Bal
timore & Ohio Railroad and a member
of the committee of railroad presi-
dents who conferred with President
Wilson in Washington Wednesday, re.
turned to the financial district yes
tetday hopeful of the results of the
conference. As to the attitude Of the
II terstate Commerce Commission tow
arr rcopening Of the Eastern rate
case, Mr.. Willard said that published
reports were guesswOrk. He asserted
however, that 10 new legislation was
necessary, and none would BIO asked
for by the carriers.
"OL( OF two Of the newspapers"
said Mr.. Willard, "have said that the
railroads should declare frankly what
they want and take the public into
their confidence. They are trying to.
ia Europe the peoples of all the ma.
tion4 are fighting and dying to per-
Lotuate their institutions. Americans
aro called upon to do so little in com
pariscn. All that we have to do is to
bury personal differences and personal
interests, so that we may meet the
situation that exists here on the high
est and broadest ground.
"A that we have asked is that the
President after considering the case
deliberately, and if he thinks it wise,
indicate to the public the seriousness
of thu situation the railroads are in
AMI 10 urge that they be given special
consideration at this time. 1t has
been said that the railroads are not
alone in being obliged to pay higher
rates for money since the war began.
Thai is true, but the other industries,
or the majority of them, are priva.a
enterprises. The railroads, while
built wholly out of private capital, are
wholly public institutions. If man
ufi cturer cannot operate at a profit he
can shut down his works. A railroad
cIrl o. cease to operate under any cir
c,i AZ %