Bisbee daily review., 1917-12-11
WILSON MAY
ASKLAWSFOR
Of RAIL LINES
Need of Complete Efficiency
In Transportation During
War to Be Subject of Spec
ial A d dress to Congress
Soon.
(By Review Leased Wire)


IWAsHINGToN. Dec. 1O.-Presi-
wv dent Wilosn will go TO congress
" for special legislation 10 bring
about unifieation OF the rail-
roads during the war.
The fact that the president has de-
cided definitely On such 4 move be-
came known tonight after he hai
gone over the whole transportation
situation with Senator Newslands.
chairman OF the sena.e interstate COM
merce committee. He probably VIII
ask for legislation in an address 70 be
delivered before the Christmas hOl
days.
Full intentions Unknown
Indications tonight were that IN.
president has cOnfided TO none Of HIS
associates his full intention and OF
ficials were doubtful as to Just what
he may ask. Some we're OF the Opin-
ion that he might request action in
line with the suggestion of the inter
state comemrce commission tn2- anti
trust and anti-pooling laws be sus-
pended during the period OF the war
Others pointed out that the commerce
commissions report also carried he
suggestion that additional legis.aG.On
might be needed were the government
to decide to take over opera ron of the
RAIDS
The presidents advisers are divided
in their views as to what is necessary
to be done. Nest of them, however.
have come out for government opera
tion and some Of the strongest sup
por.ers OF this proposal declare the
executive already under the army ap
preparation act has power 10 take
over the railroads Tor operation under
an administrator.
hTe position of the railroads theiu-
selves was set forth today in q letter
10 Senator Newlands from Fairfax
Harrison, chairman of the railroad
board.
Position of Railroads
The railroads, Mr. Harrison de-
clared. do not seek a repeal of any
legislation, believeing the cooperative
use OF facilities recently put into Ope-
ration viii bring about maximum er-
ficiency. Neither do they seek
loan from the government. he said.
though government aid is asked in OBJ
tanning for them ON their own individ-
ual cTsdi- new capital needed
Further measures TO make the reads
more efficient. Mr.. Harrison 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 eN-
emption from the draft ror railroad en-
ployes.
Oppose Federal Operation
The railroads opposition 10 govern
ment operation is well understood
among officials who have followed the
situation. but some surprise was ex-
pressed tonight at their objection 10
suspension of provisions against pool
ing traffic and profits. In the opinion
Of many officials a complete cO-Ordi-
nation of rail systems cannO- be ac-
complished unless the roads pool their
traffic which of itself involves a pool
ing OF profits.
Pooling Advantageous
The advantages in pooling have
been pointed to as the chief argu-
ment for government operation. since
The government directing the lines
could pool traffic without violating in
llDlllOuS luiDOSCO loN tOi Aut pAottN-
tion OF the public.
in its special report TO congress.
made public a few days ago. the inter
state commerce commission held out
two alternatives for renef OF the
transportation situation. One was the
suspension OF antitrust laws ana the
other government operation. Com
missioner McChord in q supplementary
opinion. which II has been SAID since
is approved by other members. en-
phatically urged government operation
as the only measure.
Administration Possible
Those within the government who
believe the railroads themselves can
handle the situation. if given free rein.
do no. oppose legislation to make full
pooling Compulsory II such a course
were pursued. they admit, il might be
advisable TO name a government rail-
road Administrator who would see that
the wishes of the government were
carried out
Before seeing the president today.
Senator Newlands held conference
with members of the railroad war
board, a. which Mr.. HarriSon's letter
was delivered TO him. Later Senator
Newlands gave out q statement IN
which he said:
Newlands' Statement
The interstate commerce comris-
-