The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-04-26
RAILROADS TO SPEND
$5O,OOO,OOO IN 1915
Many Carriers Officials See
Signs Of Improvement in
Business.
SOME NOT 80 OPTIMISTIC

PHILADELPHIA. April 25.-rnauiry
among presidents Of leading railroad
concerns throughout the United States
show that many companies are about
to follow the lead Of the Pennsylvania
Railroad. which has announced that n
would spend $2s. 900. 900 in new equip
ment for tts lines cast and west. About
$50. 900 will be expended for better
ments. renewals and now equipment dur
ing 1918 on purchases already author
izcd. Other railroads are holding back
before committing themselves.
Telegams sent TO heads Of all big
railroads In the country. asking particu-
larly about the business outlook. brought
replies from lines representing about
100. 900 miles of railroad systems. About
one-third reported signs OF improvement
and returning prosperity. The mileage
represented under THE opinion is ap-
proSlnately $4,000. Roads with 25.OO
miles reported the outlook not so good.
The remainder we're noncommittal
sir Donald Mann, who built tho
Canadian Northern Railway, said
The swing OF the pendulum toward
better business conditions was inevitable
both in Canada and tho States
President J. w Hnl Of tho Great
Northern, President Underwood Of the
Erie and President Thomas OF the L.
high Valley said that they were not in
a position to talk now about new orders,
but would have something to say IN the
near future
other railroad officials replied as fol-
lows:
w \. Gardner. president NJ tho Chi
cage and Northwestern-"We are now
soliciting bids for $4,000 900 worth OF
equipment and expect to follow our
usual course In the way OF repairs and
renewals"
Business Outlook Retter.
J. II. Kenly. president Atlantic Coast
Line-"We are not contemplating large
expenditures In the near future. The
business outlook IL somewhat improved
II. T. Bush president Missouri Pacific
II cannot attempt 10 forecast expendi.
lures that will be incurred for new con-
s,ruction work or purchase OF new
equipment but such disbursements will
be held at minimum because OF restricted
revenues An improved tone in senti-
ment accompanied by perceptihle Inn
provemeut In business throughout the
West indicates that the outlook is
promising"
\. II. Smith. president New York Cen
tral-'We have a surplus OF equipment
I'm good condition and ready for service.
and t. Is impossible TO give any estimate
OF what We will spend for additions
because II will depend entirely upon the
amount Of business We will have 10
move. There are signs OF Improvement
which We hope will materialize. and
when IL does We shall purchase what
additions may be necessary. In the
meantime all tina; We can say IL that
We shall at least expend sufficient 10
maintain the equipment and property In
It's normally good condition"
]. kruttschuitt. chairman executive
committee. Southern paci hc-"We slll
make necessary renewals on all parts OF
our property this year business shows
slight Improvement. hut is still far be-
low last year.
g, II Markham, president Illinois Cen
trail" Because Of large equipment pur-
Chases made twelve months ago the
Illinois Central will not he IN the mar
kct this year. Business shows I'M
provcment The crop prospects are good
and Il realized will result; in fairly
satisfactory fall business"