South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-12-28
WILL REROUTE
TRAFFIC OVER
SHORTEST LINES
No Reorganization of Roads
Contemplated, All Officers
and Employees to be
Retained.

WASHINGTON. Dec. 2S.-Soon
after American railroads 20 under
gov ernmeat operation at noon to-
morrow Director Gen. McAdoo Will
issue his first official order wiping
out competitive conditions and pro-
,iding for complete pooling Of traf-
&c. equipment. terminals and track
age facilities. and for the retention
Of present officers and employees.
The immediate result Will be
rerouting Of traffic over the shortest
lines. regardless of the company
with which shipments originate. and
the common use OF terminals TO ef-
lect maximum efficiency. Without
anticipating wonders under the new
plan. officials look forward TO ma
terial Improvement i'm the present
traffic congestion within a few
weeks.
Freight First on Program.
Speedy movement of freight viii
be the first aim Of the director gem
eral. But problems whose solution
must press close on the heels of ac-
tual transportation questions are the
equita BILE reimbursement Of roads
for the use of their property on the
basis OF pre-war earnings, increased
wages for railroad employees, financ-
ing OF necessary improvements.
building Of additional lines or facil-
tiles and the tangled priority situa-
ton. Before most of these ques-
tlons can be settled, special legisla-
ton will he necessary and TO urge
this Pres't Wilson is preparing
message to be delivered TO congress
soon after il convenes after the hol-
idav recess next Thursday Legis-
Iation already has been drafted.
The legislation however. and
problems dependent upon il can wait
the deliberation of congress. while
Mr.. McAdoo must get into action
tomorrow with powers already con-
ferred on him by Pres't Wilson.
First he viii confer with the rail-
roads war board OF presidents.
whose services and advice. he said
today would be retained under the
new administration. Then he will
organize a corps OF assistants and
advisers. largely Of experts of the
interstate commerce commission, in
whose building Re will maintain
headquarters for railroad supervis-
ion.
MI McAdoo said today ne had
-iyen almost NO thought to the per
sonnet OF his staff, and was not pre-
pared TO outline the details OF his
administration He is determined.
however TO avoid disrupting any
railroad organization, or any agen-
cies already developed which can
lend efficiency to the new order.
Executives Well Pleased
Although the railroads war board.
after being in executive session all
DAY. issued no statement comment
ing ON government operation, rail-
way executives indicated privately
they were well pleased with the
promised situation, and optimism
was reflected in the unusual rise in
railroad securities on stock ex-
changes. Hundreds of kilograms of
congratulation poured in upon Mr..
McAdOo.
y DUBIOUS note came from the
capitol where several republican
members of congress expressed fear
that the task was too big for the
government 10 handle efficiently UNI
Ger war conditions and others criti-
cized the appointment OF Sec'y Nc
Adoo as director general
The labor question under govern
ment operation was discussed with
Pres't Wilson during the day by
heads or the four railway brother
hoods. who renewed their pledge of
loyalty 10 government administra-
ton. They spent about an hour and
a half with the president and il is
understood they received assurances
that most railway employees would
not be liable TO the next or even
the second draft call by being placed
in the second draft classification
No Reorganization says McAdoO.
Mr. McAdoo tonight made his first
public utterance since his appoint
ment last night I'm a statement say
ing that at least until he has time
60 mature his plans and policies.