Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-01-10

| to-" The Chamber opposed the
specific schedules first proposed be
cause they left out of consideration
such fundamental elements as density
of traffic, probable train load, etc.
1t should be remembered that these
increases applied to approximately
only 16 per cent. of its freight traiflc'
and thew should be followed by re-
adjustment and reasonable increase in
the commodity rates. The passenger
traffic. which in New England yields
an unusually large portion of rail-
roads income, is apparently not pay
ing its proper portion of the expense
of running the road, part or TINS
traffic now carried at less than cost
1t seems only fair that some increase
in passenger rates should be made.
We Must All Pull Together.
In the general readjustment when
is so clearly necessary all parties
should contribute their part and bear
their share of the burden. II the
neonle if New England believe that II
is of vital Importance to its com
nercial and industrial future that
there should be in the northern half OF
New England a railroad which VIII
nrovide quick transportation ana
ouielx delivery of goods and sausfac-
tory and ample train service, anu
which shall have adequate terminals
un-to-date equipment and modern
rolling stock-if the people of New
England want this kind of railroad
thev should realize that it can only be
obtained by everybody pulling togeth-
er.
Each group must make It's cohlrlou-
ton to this common cause
The present management, by seems
that. so far as they can bring 1t ABOUT
the road is relieved of unjust pur-
dens;
The Federal Government, Whieh
does not permit the railroads TO carry
passengers or freight without charge
or To carry them at less than cost os
itself following the rule Whlcn III lay
down for others, and ceaslng 10 re-
ouire the railroad to carry ordlnar!
mail matter at a loss, and parcel posi-
matter without any payment what
ever;
The stockholders of the New Haven
Road (as owners of the controlling IN
tpreSt in the 6OSloH ~ -itA'AA0'i
cepting an inevitable sacri1cei
The financial leaders of New Eng
land. bv showing that they nave the
courage TO tackle the difficult hnaheiai
problem involved. and the ability 10
handle it successfully;
The shipping and travelling pubic,
nv showing its willingness to con-
tribute it's share of increased income
The leased lines, by agreeing 10
new ARRANGEMENTS under fair conal-
tons; ~.
The investors, by showing that
their Willingness to invest Is gov
erned by their confidence In the ROAD ;
new era, and not by past history
The new management of the ROAD,
nv exhibiting an earnest desire to
meet fully the transportation needs o1
tho community, by making the oper-
alton of the road model OF ei-
ficiency and economy, and by nhpros
ing its equipment and facllltles anu
bringing them up to date as rapidly as
additional funds are available;
The employees, by showing thelf
LOYALTY to the road and to the com
rnunftv. and Willingness to do their
share in meeting the present dlfhcui-
ties,
The Commonwealth of Massachu-
sets. by displaying patience and Wis
dom in dealing with a difficult situa-
ton; and
The community as a whole, by
showing confidence in itself and IN the
future of New England.
The evident duty of this Cnamper
is to assist in every way that 1t can IN
making this spirit of cooperation, con-
fidence and collective contribution
reality. In working out the prop
lem, many minor differences of opinion
as to methods and detail must be ex-
pected to arise Our Chamber VII!
fail to do its duty in this emergency
if it does not unitedly and with
single-minded purpose, assist in in
ducing each group to do Its share for
the rejuvenation of this New England
railroad system upon which the fu-
ture welfare and prosperity of north
ern New England so largely depend