Norwich bulletin., 1914-01-08
An Obstacle to
An Agreement
NEW HAVEN LoATH TO GIVE UP
TROLLEY LINES
AND A STEAMSHIP LINE
Chairman Elliott Argues for Retention
of Fall River 6oats-ouestions Pow
er of Government Under the Law.

Washington, Jan. THE destiny of
the New York. New Haven and Hart
ford railroad probably will be settled
tomorrow, so far as it is likely to be
influenced or controlled by Attorney
General McReynolds and the depart
ment of justice. Although no agree
ment has been reached yet between the
department and the railroad, officials
were still hopeful tonight that the New
Haven system would agree to a COM
plete reorganization such as the de-
partment believes will lead to a res
toration of competition in New Eng
land transportation.
Reluctant to Give Up TrolIeys and
Steamships.
1t 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 questions
there has been a disagreement Attor-
ney General McReynolds and II. w.
Gregory and Jessie c. Adkins, the as
sistants who have had the New Ha-
ven case in charge, have insisted that
the railroad agree to give up,its trolley
lines. both interstate and intrastate,
and that it agree also to a divorce from
its so-called Sound steamship lines.
Chairman Howard Elliott, represent
ing the road, has held, on the other
hand that it is doubtful If the federal
government can require the New Ha-
ven to part with trolley lines which are
engaged in intrastate traffic, and has
stood out strongly for the retention by
the New Haven of its Fall River line
of steamships.
Provision of Panama Canal Act.
According to the department there is
no question that the government can
force the New Haven to part even
with it's intrastate trolleys, and the
attorney general intends to insist upon
such a condition becoming part of any
agreement which 1t provides. So far
as the Fall River lines is concerned,
department officials pointed today tc
that provision of the Panama canal act
which requires a railroad to part with
steamship lines which enter into COM
petition with it. Although some Off
cials feel that action in accord with
this provision may be expected from
the commission, it is highly probable
that the attorney general would make
certain that such a result be aimed at
by insisting that it be made a pare of
any agreement
Suit Would Affect New England Busi
ness.
Despite the differences over these
two points, it was understood tonight
that MIR. McReynolds was still hopeful
that an agreement can be reached
winch VIII De Satisfactory ana winch
at the same time will work Go undue
hardship on the New Haven and it's
thousands of stockholders in New Eng
land.
The department officials have been
told that suit against the New Haven
would be serious matter to all busi-
ness In New England, and while it is
not expected that this considera ticn
would have much weight. 10 one In
authority in the department is anxious
to bring about unnecessary trouble. Call
ers who have discussed the New Haven
case with Mr.. McReynoids, however,
are convinced that he means business,
and that the future course Of his de-
pertment rests largely with the New
Haven itself.
Case Greatly Complicated.
1t was still undecided today whether
a settlement OF the New Haven would
take the form of an agreed decree" in
a United States court, or merely an
agreement by the railroad to meet the
departments demands. There are so
many complications in the case that
this point has been left for future CON
sideration.