The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1917-08-20
THE RESPONSIVE PUBLIC

The heads of the eastern railroads
have been quick to give expression Of
the helpfulness Of the public in secur-
ing greater service Of the roads to
meet the heavy war demands OF the
government. The record shows that
the public generally is not slow to
respond to practical appeals to patriot
ism, and that it is always willing to be
fair when it is treated fairly. The
Eastern Department Of the Railroads
War Board is considering the propciety
OF compiling a record that will show
just when, where and how much this
friendly treatment on the part Of the
public has helped their efforts.
This will be unique contribution to
war time business literature. 1t will
be history of helpfulness. written in
an effort to extend and perpetuatc the
new spirit which. the transportation
chiefs aver. bids fair to be a most
potent force In aiding them to fulfill
their pledge to the government to
produce a maximum OF national trans
portation efficiency" for the winning of
the war. The record will be made up
from day-to-day reports Of specific acts
of shippers, passengers, employees.
public officials AMI others which def
initely contribute to greatest service
with an accurate accounting for the
benefits of such helpful acts In mile.
age, cars, tonnage, fuel or dollars
saved. In an officffial request sent to
railroad executives by l.. F. Loree,
President. of the Delaware & Hudson
Company, and Chairman Of the Eastern
Department of the Railroads War
Board, he said:
Cooperation Of patrons and public.
in many quarters where there has been
Indifference or hostility. it must be ad-
mitted. Is largely responsible for the
splendid results thus far attained. 4
spirit Of helpfulness on the part OF per-
sons dealing with the railroads. prompted
hy PATRIOTISM In fact of actual war mas
permltted economy and efficiency Ill
operation previously not attninabte. FuilS
to meet on the part of the railroads. th's
friendly spirit. and to develop ana cStenh
such cooperation. as potent means
toward gaining maximum service TO WIN
the war. it is deemed desirable that
record BIO kept showing just how the
public attitude has helped.
The extension Of this helpful spirit
toward the railroads is bound to bring
incalculable results, which will be per-
manent in their effect on the business,
prosperity and progress Of the country.
Railroad operators constantly are en-
gagged In intensive studies for efli'
cheney, economy and general improve
ment which the public hears nothing
about. The theory that better pubic
relations would yield improved service
has been generally accepted, and they
have sought earnestly to bring them
about. In view OF the accomplish
ments Of the past hundred days, some
have asked why the railroads have not
reached such height OF service before
this. Recent experiences have fur
nished the answer in striking fashion.
The action Of the Committee on Coal
Production of the Council Of National
Defense id pooling their shipments
alone has permitted the railroads to
haul to Atlantic ports $4,000 tons
more bituminous coal than they did
last wear. with an estimated saving OF
$4,000 freight cars