Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-11-25
KnilrOnd Regulations Reform

| HERE is much force in the contention Of
Alfred J. Thorn, general counsel for the
railroad executives advisory committee, that
the present system of railroad regulation i'll
the United States requires substantial and
ever sweeping amendment. Mr.. Thorn,
speaking before the Ncwlauds committee. de
clar.d for the abolition OF State railroad
agencies so far At least as they control Qucs-
tons OF rates and service. and the Discharge
OF all such functions by the Interstate Com
mercc Commission
The thought is not new The protest
against Joint control OF interstate commerce
by the State and national governments was
first voiced several years ago and has gained
new supporters and new inSiScncc with the
pasSaS, OF time, 1t is obvious that state
reputation OF ntrastate rates on railroads
engaged IN interstate commerce vitality af-
ioctS me larger problem, and in practice
many inequalities and injusices have been
committed. The railroads are harassed. i'll
Han! cases, by onerous and conflicting rcgu-
cations Wha, is lawful iii one State is un-
.aw;G. II another; the State line not only
separates one set OF regulations from another
hal one s.; OF rates from another. although
conditions may he and probably are, exactly
the same III both Jurisdictions.
What the country requires is adequate
efficient and economical transportation ser
vice. There should be no purpose to punish
the -ailroads for old miSdccds or to restrict
their expansion. or TO cripple their energies
The ann OF regulation should be helpful and
constructive. not punitive or repressive
Rates should be fixed a basis which per.
nits the railroads to meet their Just obliga-
tons and to extend their tracks into new
territory.
OF course. the railroads ought to be held
To the strictest measure Of public account
ability. Proposed issues OF new securities
should be Scrutiniacd jealousy. and il seems
obvious. ut least in the case OF the great
systems traversing many States that this
duty can best be performed by the Interstate
Commerce Commission. National incorpora-
uon. therefore. would appear TO be a logical
step in the process of reform.
Reform does not involve the relief Of rail
roads from the consequences of managerial
folly or crime While they ought not to he
repressel and il-trcatcd in the present for
what mas been done in the past. they ought
10 expect TO bear the burdens which are the
product Of their own shortcomings
1t is TO be doubted ii the States are vet
ready 10 surrender TO the nation that norton
Of railroad regulation they now exercise. but
the question is "a live one. deserving carne1t
consideration. Moreover. the question. in the
mann IS in the control of Congress rather
than Of state Legislatures The interstate
commerce clause OF the Federal Constitution
can De- used 10 cover many details of rcgula-
ION which the Interstate Commerce Commits
on rs now constituted, leaves to State au-
,lariiy
" hat the country wants. let II he repeated
Us @thrercy and economy. and OF the two
efficiency is moro IMPORTANT Il seems to be
manifest that railroad regulation in its exist
Ing form, leaves much 10 be desired. and its
faults should he remcdicd Real statesman
fhip can address itself to no more vital
problem.