The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-12-15
THE RAILROAD PROBLEM.
PRESIDENT WILL GO BEFORE,
CONGRESS WITH REQUEST
FOR ACTION.
Chief Executive Has COntidcd His III
tentiOns TO None of His Advisers
and Divided Opinions Exist as to
Just What He May Ask.

Washington, Dec. 10.--President
Wilson will go to congress for special
legislation to bring about unhcation
of the railroads during the war.
The fact that the president has de-
cided definitely on such move be-
came known tonight after he had
situation with Senator Newlands,
chairman OF the senate interstate
commerce committee. He probably
will ask for the legislation in an ad-
dress to be delivered before the Christ
mas holidays.
Indications tonight were that tho
president has connded to none of his
associates his full intention and OFF,
cials were doubtful as to just what
he may ask. Some were of the opin-
ion that he might request action IN
line with the suggestion of the inter-
state commerce commission that anti
trust and anti-pooling laws might be
suspended during the war. Others
pointed out that the commerce COM
missions report also carried the sug-
gestion that additional legislation
might be needed were the government
to decide to take over the operation
of the railroads.
The presidents advisers are divided
in their views as to what is neces-
sary to be done. Most of them, how
ever, have come out for government
operation and some OF the strongest
supporters Of their proposal declare
the executive already, under the army
appropriation act, has power to take
administrators.
The position of the railroads was
set forth today in a letter to Senator
Newlands from Fairfax Harrison.
chairman Of the railroad board. The
railroads, Mr.. Harrison declared, do
not seek q repeal Of any legislation,
believing the cooperative use Of facili-
ties recently put into operation. will
bring about maximum efficiency.
Neither do they seek q loan from the
government, he said, though govern
ment aid is asked in obtaining for
them on their own individual credit
new capital needed
Further measures to make the
roads more efficient. Mr.. Harrison
suggested, would be an increase in
rates. priority for transportation for
new material, appointment of a traffic
manager for government freight. and
exemption from the draft for railroad
employees. !,
The railroads opposition to govern
ment operation is we'll understood
among officials, but some surprise was
expected tonight at their objection to
suspension Of provisions against
pooling traffic and profits. In the
opinion Of many officials, a complete
coordination Of rail systems can not
be accomplished until the roads pool
their traffic, which Of itself involves a
pooling Of profits.
The advantages in pooling have
been pointed to as the chief argument
for government operation, since the
government directing the lines could
pool traffic without violating inhibi-
tlons imposed now for the protection
Of the public.
In it's special report to congress,
made public a few days ago. the in
terstate commerce commission held
out two alternatives for relief of the
transportation situation. One was the
suspension Of antitrust laws and the
other government operation. Com
missioner McChord. in n supplement
tary opinion, which it has been said
since is approved by other members
emphatically urged government oper-
alton as the only remedy.
Those within the government who
Delieve the railroads themselves can
handle the situation if given free rein
DO not oppose legislation to make a
luii pooiing compulsory. II such a
course were pursued, they admit, il
might be advisable to name govern
ment railroad administrator, who
would see that the wishes Of the gov
eminent were carried out.