Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1917-12-11
Chief Executives Views Are
Not Known by Closest Ad-
visers and Opinions Differ
as to What Should Be Done,
MANY WANT COMPLETE
CONTROL BY UNCLE SAM
Railroad Heads Generally 0p-
pose Plans Suggested by In
terState Commerce Commits
sion, Is Statement,
tsy MORNING ,ovssAL SPECIAL LEASED w,rsi

Washington, Dec. 10. - President
Wilson will go to congress for special
legislation to bring about unification
of the railroads during the war.
The fact that the president has de-
eided definitely on such a move be-
came known tonight after he had gone
over the whole transportation situa
ton with Senator Newlands, chairman
of the senate interstate commerce
committee. He probably will ask for
the legislation in an address to be de-
livered before the Christmas holi-
days.
Indications tonight We're that the
president has contided to none of his
associates his full intention, and Of
ficials were doubtful as to Sust 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 be sus-
ipended 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 operation of
the roads.
Government Operation Preferred.
The presidents advisers are divided
lin their views as to what is necessary
to be done. Most of them, however.
have come out for government oper-
alton and some of the strongest sup
porters of this proposal declare the
executive already under the army
transportation act has power to take
over the roads for operation under
an administrator.
The position of the railroads them
selves was set forth Tuesday in let
ter to Senator Newlands from Fair
fax Harrison, chairman of the railroad
board
The railroads, Mr.. Harrison declar
ed, do not seek repeal of any legis-
lation, believing the cooperative use
of facilities recently put into operation
will bring about maximum efficiency,
Neither do they seek loan from
the government. he said, though gov
ernment aid is asked in obtaining for
them on their own individual credit
new capital needed
Fairfax Harrison's Plan.
Further measures to make the roads
more eIIlClentt MT. 1ldTFiSOn suggest
ed, would be an increase in rates pri-
ority for transportation of new ma
terial, appointment of a traffic man
ager for government freight and OK
emption from the draft for railroad
employees
The railroads opposition to govern
ment operation Is well understood
among officials who have followed
the situation, but some surprise was
expressed tonight at their objection to
suspension of provisions against pocl-
ing traffic and profits. In the opinion
of many officials a complete co-ordi-
nation of rail systems cannot be accom-
plished until the roads pool their trGf-
fic which of itself involves pool
ing of profits.
Advantages i'm Pooling.
The advantages In pooling have
been pointed to as the chief Argument
for government operation since tho
government directing the lines could
pool traffic without violating inhibi-
tions imposed now for the protection
of the public.
In its special report to congress
made public few days lgo the Inter
state Commerce commission held cut
two alternatives for relief Of the