Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-01-08

morrow. so far as it is likely to be IN
fluenced or controlled by Attorney
General McReynolds and the depart
nent of Justice. Although no agree
ment has been reached yet between
the department and the railroad, ON
Gals were still hopeful tonight that the
New Haven system would agree 10
complete re-or organization as the de-
partment believes will lead to res
toration of competition in New Eng
land transportation.
It became clear today that on the
main points involved the department
and the New Haven have been able
to agree, though on at least two ques-
lions there has been a disagreement.
Attorney General McReynolds and I.
w. Gregory and Jesse c. Adkins. the
assistants who have had the New Ha-
ven case in charge, have insisted that
the railroad agree to give up its troll
ley lines, both interstate and intra-
state and that 1t agree also to q dl-
vorce from its so-called Sound steam
ship lines.
Chairman Howard Elliott, represent
ing the road, has held on the other
hand that he is doubtful If the fed
eral government can compel the New
Haven to part with trolley lines which
are engaged in intra- state traffic and
has stood out strongly for the reten-
ton by the New Haven of its Fall
River Line of steamships.
According to the department, there
is no question that the government
can force the New Haven to part even
with its intra- state trolleys and the
such a condition becoming part of any
agreement which he approves. So far
as the Fall River Line Is concerned
department officials pointed today to
that provision of the Panama Canal
act which requires a railroad to part
with steamship lines which enter into
competition with it. Although some Of
fieials feel that action in accord with
this provision may be expected from
the commission, 1t Is highly probable
that the attorney general would make
certain that such result be aimed at
by insisting that it be made a part of
any agreement.
Despite the differences over these
two points, it was understood tonight
that Mr.. McReynolds was still hope
ful that an agreement can be reached
which will be satisfactory and which
at the same time will work no undue
hardship on the New Haven and its
thousands Of stockholders in New
England
The department officials have been
told that suit against the New Ha-
ven would be a serious matter to all
business In New England, and while
1t Is not expected that this considera-
ton would have much weight, no one
in authority in the department is anx-
ious to bring about until necessary
trouble. Callers who have discussed
the New Haven case with Mr.. Nc
Reynolds, however are convinced that
he means business and that the flu
ture course of his department rests
largely with the New Haven itself.
1t was still undecided today wheth-
er settlement of the New Haven
case would take the form of an
Agreed decree in a United States
court or merely an agreement by the
railroad to meet the departments de-
mands. There are so many complica-
tons in the case that this point has
been left for future consideration.
Re-o organization of the New York,
New Haven e. Hartford Railroad took
a new turn, when a committee repre-
senting the Boston Chamber of Com
merce presented the views of that or
ganization on the whole transporta-
ton problem in New England to At
torney General McReynolds. The
committee was introduced by Senator
Weeks and consisted of George Hutch
inson, c. F. Weed and Russell Robb.
It. w. Gregory. the special assistant
who has had charge of the New Haven
case, also was present.
The Boston committee told Mr.. Nc
Reynolds that 1t had no objection to
q separation Of the New Haven from
the Boston G. Maine, the Boston G. AL
bany Railroad and its interstate troll
ley lines. but 1t was said to have TAX
en- the position that the question of
the disposition of the New Ravens
steamship lines should be solved by the
Interstate Commerce Commission. The
Panama canal act gives to the COM
mission authority for such action.
Chairman Elliott of the New Ha-
ven did not appear at the conference
today and it was said he was work.
ing on a draft of an agreement COM
plying with the demands of the de-
partment of justice for re- organiza-
ton. About the only point left in
doubt today. it was said. was the ques-
ton of how to separate the interstate
and intra- state trolley lines controlled
by the New Haven, but it was believed
that point would be adjusted before
Chairman Elliott leaves Washington.
The attorney general went over condi-
hons IN New England with the business
men and discussed how a reorganization
Of the New Haven would affect that sec
tiop. He told his callers he was anxious
to better conditions and that all the de-
partment wanted was a restoration OF
competition.
The Bostonians declined to comment on
their visit further than TO say that II
had been satisfactory.
Attorney General McReynoids said the
Boston business men discussed particu-
larry the extent OF holdings OF Boston