The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1916-12-01

and the richer the patient the more frequent
the blood letting The operation often canseu
the patient to faint; In many cases IT resulted III
great weakness, and often In death
Some critics of the railways have pointed
ont that the railways have suffered from serl-
ous difficulties which may be ikened to human
ills and for wears, the people, by means OF var'
GUS regulatory measures have been trying 10
cure the patient. A large number OF THESE
measures have taken the form OF blood leI-
ting, +" not only in the spring and fall, put all
the time 1t takes away In one form or another
the gustenance needed by the railWays-trea1-
ment which weakens the transportation system
of the country and which will, if continued
much longer, end in economic dissolution or
bankruptcy. This, of course, does harm not
only to the unfortunate holders of the railway
securities who have invested their money IN
good faith, but it Injuries the millions who need
adeoute transportation In order to carry on
their daily work.
Doubtless majority of the people in the
United States think that privately owned rail
ways. honestly and efficiently administered,
and subject to intelligent and reasonable regu-
lation by public authority, is far better policy
for the country than government ownership
Because of sins of omission and commission by
both owners and regulators the railways are
under cloud Of malady; and many remedies
have been tried and there is much confusion
and discussion because of them. Too many al
legged cures have been tried and too many
|. 'hobbles'' fastened upon the roads. Accord
ing to Mr. Elliott, this malady Of the railways
cannot be cured until:
The public thoroughly realize the fact that the
railways different from any other kind OF
business in their ability to increase constantly
all kinds expenses and at the same time reduce
or advance the price OF the article they
have selI-transportation, ANDY keep the plant
adequate the needs of the country
The public realize that extreme and conflicting
regulation is hurting them
There is reasonable control and regulation OF
the great organizations OF labor that are engaged
In the work of various public utilities, including
railways upon which the welfare OF society de-
ponds.
Instead Of passing additional laws account is
taken of those now In existence to be followed
by classification, amendment and repeal OF some
of them.
1t is realized that the railways more and
more national and less and less state ia char
and that state control and reguiauon must
be subordinate national control.
The right Of the nation liz recognized to expect
and demand OF every man that he give the maxi
rnum OF physical and mental eIIort In Whatever
position he occupies.
Of commerce give more attention to these
very important matters and their influence
with law makers executives in an effort TO
bring about a reasonable treatment OF all
= business, including that Of the railways.
Give the railways fair show. To condemn
zen. as 2 whole because Of the errors Of few
lis foolish, and to prevent their proper develop
ment is unwise, and dangerous for the future
welfare of the country.