The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-12-07
PART PLAYED BY
RAILWAYS IN THE
WAR IS RELATED
In |. &C. REPORT
fRx Associated Press

Washington, Dec. THE part
Americas railroads have played in
preparing the nation for war was re-
lated to congress today in the an
nual report of the interstate COM
merce commission. While struggling
under unusual commercial demands,
the commission explained, the rail-
roads were forced suddenly to trans
port great numbers of troops and
quantities of cantonment materials.
The giant task was accomplished sue
cessfully, but only by cooperation OF
the roads among themselves and with
the commerce commission.
The commission gave no specific
words of praise for the railroada but
communication was implied.
Looking ahead, the commission sees
that it is necessary to develop to a
greater extent the principle of priori-
ty for transportation of commodities
essential to the conduct of the war,
and predicts broader action Of this
sort in the near future.
No hint is given of the commisstons
attitude toward the eastern and west
eTn railroads pending application for
increased freight rates to meet extra
ordinary expenses.
New Legislation.
recommendation for legislation
were submitted as follows:
THAT appropriate provision be
made for punishment OF any attempt,
by intimidation, threats, inducements,
or otherwise, to influence the testi-
mony of any witnessGbefore the COM
mission or to deter him from testify
ing; as also for punishment of mis-
behavior, disorderly conduct, or con-
tumacy, in or about any proceeding
before the commission.
THAT the congress fix a limit OF
three years within which q carrier
subject TO the act to regulate com
merce may bring action for recovery
OF any part of its charges, and amend
% ~ - sa1 20
that IL the carrier begins such action
after expiration of the two-year limit
now prescribed in that section, or
within ninety days before such expir-
alton, complaint against the carrier
fled with the commission within
ninety days after such action shall
have been begun by the carrier, and
not after.
federal authority to finally control
questions Affecting interstate and for
eign commerce, the commission pc
expressly authorized to cooperate
with state commissions in EFFORTS 20
reconcile upon a single record the con-
flicts between the state and the In.
terstate rates.
''That the portion OF section 20 of
the act which accords the commission
right of access to the accounts, rec
ords, and memoranda kept by carriers
be amended so as to also accord right
Of access to the carriers correspond
ence files.
THAT there should be appropriate
and adequate legislation upon the
subject of control over railway CAPT
THAT the use of steel cars in pas
senger train service be required, and
that the use in passenger trains OF
wooden cars between or in front OF
steel cars be prohibited.
''That under the Panama canal act
the commission be empowered to per-
NIT subject to further order OF the
commission, continued operation by q
railway or under railway control OF
in the interest OF the people and Of
convenience to the public, even though
such operation may reduce competi-
tfof on the route by water.
'That legislation requiring stand
ardization or railroad operating rules
be enacted.
THAT congress consider. the advis-
ability of prohibiting by statute, UNI
der appropriate penalty. trespasses on
the trains OF Interstate carriers ana
on the tracks of such carriers at plac-
es where there are two or more tracks,
or within the limits of incorporated
towns. or at places where the carrier
by appropriate sign or warning gives
notice that trespassing on its tracks
Is prohibited, providing that nothing
therein is to be considered as making
lawful any trespass which Woulo pc
unlawful under state laws and FUR
cher consider the advisability of con-
ferring concurrent jurisdiction upon
FEDERAL and state courts for the en-
forcement Of such statute"