Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-07-19
GOVERNMENT OPERATION OF RAIL.
ROADS.

IL lcucTdl IcBulhLlOu OIL I0llIO6OS anu
the absorption Of a host Of smaller roads
by their larger neighbors or connections
paved the way for actual operation Of this
branch Of the public service. what nro we
to say Of the ultimate effects Of tho de-
velopments Of this war upon Americas
great transportation interests?
A Vermont railroad man some time ago
told of the difficulties of meeting the gov
ernment's necessities in the way of pro-
viding cars and affording prompt transfer
Of the same regardless of the effect upon
local freight, which had to be sidc-tracked
or give way to the nations emergency
freight. Still later on we found the gov
eminent obliged to take up the matter Of
providing cars for the transportation Of
coal. Now we have a department under
the Interstate Commerce Commission
charged with this exclusive duty. and one
that is bound to result in a great improve
ment in the coal situation.
When we turn to the real military ne
cessities Of the federal government. we
shall see a still greater revolution in the
transportation situation. The progress
already made in this direction is we'll set
forth by that son of Vermont and master
of transportation combined. Daniel Will
lard. chairman Of the committee on trans
portation Of the national defense council.
1.-THE essence of the railroad situation"
said Chairman Willard, "is that the rail-
roads of the whole United States are ma
tionalized. The 6s3 railroad companies OPP
Grating in 4s States and controlling 2ss. 900
miles Of road are responding admirably
to central direction from the so-called war
board Of railway presidents"
Mr.. Willard shows that on May 1. when
the railroad war board was established
and the railroads set out to Cooperate
with it in an effort to get greater national
efficiency there was car shortage Of 49,
6N cars. At the end of June this shortage
had been decreased to 10000 cars, though
business was steadily increasing.
Beginning with April 6. he said. bust
ness activity has been greater than ever
before in America. It was stimulated in
many directions by the manufacture Of
uniforms. clothing. materials for the build
ing of environments. making Of ammuni-
ton. etc. Then trafiic was increased by
the withdrawal Of many Of the lake
boats, and the roads had to assume that
extra burden.
Boats were also withdrawn from coast
traffic. both on the Atlantic and Pacific,
and much Of the bulk that has been going
the Panama canal was turned
over to the railroads. He continued:
The war board pointed out to the roads
how various economies might be effected.
They urged that more attention be given
to the full loading of empty cars. Statis-
tics showed that previously only 43 per
cent. Of the capacity Of box cars had
been utilized.
1T was pointed out that careful econ.
omy. without the outlay of capital and
heavier loading would increase the num-
Der Of available car 10000. that quicker
repairs would increase that number "a. 900.
and that quicker movement would mean
that $4,000 more cars would be available,
In all a total Of $4,000 cars.
Twenty-Five per cent. moro bitunanous
coal was handled in April. 1917. than in the
same month Of 1916" Mr.. Willard said.
THE exact figures for IS Of tho principal
coal carrying roads showed that in 1917
there were s5s.ooo cars handled. as COM
pared to $4,000 in 1916. for an equal num-
Der of days.
There are literally hundreds of new
mines. On one road there have been more
than one hundred new mines opened dur
Ing the last six months. It IL important,
Of course. that these mines all be supplied
with cars. and since most OF them require
only car or two at time and are on sep
arate spurs a great deal Of extra switch
Ing is necessary. That. Of course. goes to
make equipment less effective. Reports
show that the coal car congestion has been
greatly relieved.
"The grain situation has also been very
greatly improved-there is no grain being
held at any point because Of shortage of
cars, and there is every indication that
the railroads will be able to handle the
entire crop Of deciduous fruits satisfactor-
lily. Efforts have been made to supply
cars where needed by transfer of empty
cars from one section to another regard.
less Of ownership. This makes It possible
to bring into play a reserve capacity
which has never been available BEFORE"
1t follows as a matter Of course that the
Increased efficiency In transportation gain.
cd by the American people as q result
Of this war experience will not be allowed
to lapse with the return Of peace. On the
with the tremendous business
sure to follow the ending of this great
struggle and the rebuilding of the DESC
lated and wasted places In belligerent
countries 1t will be necessary to increase
Dur transportation facilities; both by rail
and water. Whether government owner.
ship Is to succeed actual government op-