Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-03-15
ALBA B. JOHNSON ASKS
AID FOR RAILROADS AND
INSURANCE COMPANIES
Baldwin Locomotive Works
Head Assails Excessive Reg
ulation and Persecution
by States
ADDRESSES LUMBER MEN

"The people OF the entire country need
protection against the legislative tendency
In various States toward the weakening
of the transportation systems"
Alba b. johnson, president Of the Bald
win Locomotive Works made this declara
tlon today before the National Wholesale
Lumber Dealers Association, which Is
holding its oath annual convention at the
Bellevue-Stratford
Mr.. johnson said that Congress should
be urged to bring about the Capitalization
Of regulation of Interstate commerce and
advocated moderation and conservatism In
the regulation of railroads. As years go
by, he asserted the defects Of the system
of regulation have become more and more
apparent
He predicted a readjustment of the
functions OF the Interstate Commerce
Commission and said that Congress will
probably be asked to establish regional
subcommisslons.
THE expenses Of the railroads are in.
creasing," said Doctor johnson. "They
must be treated SO that they will attract
new capital"
After pointing out the necessity of
helping the railroads in other ways, Mr.
johnson touched upon the subject of in
surance. In this connection. he said:
The Supreme Court has declared that
insurance Is not commerce. However, in
surance Ia essential to commerce. Life
insurance especially has become so
gigantic in its scope and so beneficent
that II affects the welfare OF the people
and the business interests in vital man
ner
Insurance should have the protection
of Federal legislation" Mr. johnson said
1T is now subject to the varying legisla-
tion of different States, and in some cases
meets with extreme persecution. 1t is
necessary to centralze the control of in
surance and free the companies of un-
scientific exactlons.
Il consider this to be one of the most
important measures upon which an in
telligent public opinion should be created,
for once the great masses of our people
have studied and formed an opinion of
the justness of the measures asked for
relief will surely be forthcoming from the
legislative authorities.
1T has taken more than 20 years to
establish in the minds of our people the
principle that not only transportation,
but all other lines of business must be
conducted in the interests of the people.
and must also be subject to so much of
Government inspection and regulation as
is necessary to determine the equity and
reasonableness of its operations.
But public opinion. which throughout
the last two decades has been hostile to
transportation and the larger business in
terests of the country. must learn that
true prosperity can come only from a
mutual understanding and harmony of
business practices and public opinion. 1t
is impossible for public opinion to insist
effectively upon measures which are de-
structive of business interests, and 1t is
equally impossible for the business IN
terests to continue practices which are
injurious to the public welfare.
There is a common ground upon which
both these conflicting interests can stand,
and the next great period OF education
through which we must pass Is the defin-
ton of this ground, so that public opinion
and the business practices of the country
may be in cordial accord; the one sustain
ing and justifying the other. and
thorough cooperation established. Let us
hope that 1t will not require another period
of 20 years for such thorough study and
discussion of the subject as may be neces-
sary to accomplish this end"
The delegates were welcomed by How
ard b. French president of the Chamber
of Commerce.
Addresses were also made by Director
of Public Safety Wilson and Girdon c.
Edeard, who presided.
The convention will close tomorrow
night.