Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1916-11-18
WILL ASCERTAIN THE
CONTROL OF SYSTEMS
On Result of the Hearing
May Depend the Issue of
Government Ownership
Many Important Ques-
tions.

Washington, Nov. 18.-The arrival
in the capital of many prominent rail-
road officials, financiers, economists.
and representatives of commercial and
industrial organizations throughout
the country indicates the widespread
interest that is taken in the big rail-
road investigation under the Newlands
resolution, which is to be launched here
Monday with the beginning of a series
of public hearings to be conducted by
the joint sub committee of congress
appointed for that purpose.
While the joint committees work
will be distinct from that of the spe-
cial investigating commission, author
lied by the Adamson law, enacted to
prevent the threatened railroad strike,
It's scope will be broad and any legis-
lation recommended in the report to
be made may include questions in
volved In the controversy between the
roads and their employees.
The public Importance that attaches
to the Newlands probe, however, lies
in the fact that it is the first investi-
cation attempted in this country with
a view of inquiring into the advisa-
bility Of government control or gov
ernment ownership of the railroads and
other public utilities. For some time
past rumors have been in circulation
to the effect that the committe will
seize the opportunity to make a thor
ough investigation of assets and con-
troI of the railroads to acquire the pro-
perties by purchase or condemnation
proceedings.
QUESTION OF THE HOUR.
These rumors have been strengthen
ed by statements and interviews given
out by Senator Newlands, head of the
committee, who in a recent address In
Chicago declared that if government
regulation falls, government owner
ship of railways is inevitable. There
is no other course open in settling dis
putes between the big employers and
employees in public utilities. Govern
ment control or ownership Is the ques-
tion of the hour and must be faced by
the people,"
According to Senator Newlands the
plans of the committee with relation
to the question of government owner
ship will include a consideration of
the practical results as to efficiency
and economy where actually practiced:
whether it is compatible with our sys-
tenn of government: what It's effect
will be on our institutions. and wheth-
er such a system would suit local
needs. A practical method of acquiring
the properties and securities of the
railroads also will have to be devised,
he says.
The principal questions. that will
confront the sub committee are:
Whether there shall be absolute gov
ernment ownership of the railroads as
we'll as of other public utilities, such
as telegraph, wireless, cable, telephone
and express companies; or
Whether there shall be continued
federal regulation. including require
ment OF federal incorporation or con-
troll of incorporation of railroads. with
increased powers given to the inter-
state commerce commission.
FEAR OF POLITICS.
One of the principal arguments
against government ownership will be
the claim that it will bring into politics
the 100000 employees, and that the
efficiency of the roads when handled
by the government will be less than by
private hands. In answer to this the
advocates of government ownership
will point to the postoffice system as
an instance where government control
is best.
While the resolution creating the
committee calls for report to con-
gress on or before the second Monday
in January, it Is assumed that an ex-
tension of time will be granted. and
plans have been made for an inquiry
that may require nearly two years for
its completion.
While no definite decision has been
reached, 1t is expected to hold hearings
in the principal cities of the country,
as we'll as in Washington. and the ten
tative itinerary includes New York.
Chicago, Omaha, Kansas City. St.
Louis. San Francisco. New Orleans and
Atlanta. 1t is not expected, however.
that any hearings will be held outside
of Washington before the first Of the
year.
The committee will ask leading
economists, publicists, railroad COM
missions, railroad executives. employees,
investors, farmers. shippers. bankers,
and representatives of business and in
dustriaI organizations to attend these
hearings and present their opinions on
the important subjects involved in the
investigation