The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-11

Haven has escaped the hand Of the Sher-
nan act. Several years ago the road was
investigated by the department Of justice
and VAS sued by Attorney General Bon
sparte. Former Attorney General
Wickersham, however. did not press pro-
ceedings. and the suit Mas abandoned.
Several months after AIr. McReynolds as
sumed office he determined the govern
ment would sut or the New Haven would
reorganze.
Mr. Elliott had nothing TO add tonight
to his formal statement. lie expected TO
return tomorrow. The working out of de-
tails of the reorganization will be begun
Immediately.
Late tonight n supplemental statement
was mare public from Chairman Elliott as
follows:
MIR. Elliott said the result of the ne
gotiations for the last six weeks with the
department of justice meant numerous
changes in the general structure of the
New England transportation system Ha
believed these could be brought about
without serious disloeation If all parties
interested would work together and have
patience.
The attorney general was broadminde1
in considering the business and CONNER
cial welfare of New England and OF the
railroads in New England. lie stated
frankly that he recognizes the obligations
just as far as circumstances will permit.
the full value of all of the properties and.
so far the department properly may,
will help the directors TO discharge thc.-
obligations
THE New Haven management. while it
could not agree fully with all OF the views
of the department of justice. nevertheless
felt that 1t was wise to Yield and to work
In full harmony in bringing about an ad-
1ustment. While that is going ON the
New Haven mana cement hopes that all
interested will Cooperate in every rea som
able manner to maintain the integrity
and welfare of all of the properties,
Situation Difficult
THE general business and transporta-
ton situation in New England is difficult
but the properties are inherently sound,
and will without doubt, be made not only
good properties to serve the public, but,
In due time. better properties for return
ing an income to the owners of the Sc.
curites.
There is on hand a very large amount
of detail to be considered of segregation
OF properties. This work will be under
taken in fair spirit by the department of
justice and the New Haven company. As
the interstate commerce commission we'll
said In their opinion about the New eng
land situation:
"'What is needed first or all to I'M
prove the railroad situation in New Eng
land is rest and an opportunity for con-
structive work.
Nov. that the railroad and federal
government have come to a conclusion
about the good principles it Is to be hoped
that the public and all interested will
adopt the suggestions made by the COM
merce commission. and that another state
ment made in the commerce commission
report will prove true.
No railroad management can succeed
without the support of the public when
1t serves. 1t never must be forgotten
that the road is a public servant i'm fact a :
well as In name, and that the service
which ii renders depends largely upon
the treatment which it receives from its
MASTER
Some Help Needed
Some help is needed now from that
master because of the complications sur
rounding the property. While these COM
plieations are great, the statement mada
by the commission in this same report is
true. namely:
The financial condition of this COM
pany calls for careful consideration anl
prudent action, but gives no occasion
for hysteria
Pending the adjustment of details with
the government and while new financial
plans are being completed improvements
OF all kinds will necessarily be postponed
and no money snapt axeant e,cI IA,