The sun., 1917-12-28
CONGRESS SURE
TO BACK WILSON
IN RAILPLANS
Radicals Will Complain,
but President Will Get
All He Asks.
G.. O. P. WILL ACQUIESCE
McAdoO's Appointment Criti-
cised Chiefly Because He
Now Holds 4 Big Posts.
G.. O. P. WILL ACQUIESCE

hpettuf bsSputCN ~ ihb CNNs
WASHINGTON. Dec. 27.-Congress will
accept the Presidents dictation with
regard to the policy OF the Federal
Government in its relation TO the rail-
roads without serious resistance, IL not
with any particular Joy.
Considerable adverse comment was
levelled to-day by some at the capital
against the arbitrary establishment OF
basic rate per cent. of compensation
TO the lines based on the years 1915,
1915 and 1917. or based upon anything
else than the actual invested capital.
This came from certain radical Senators
and Representatives.
There was also a measurable dissat-
isfaction expressed at the choice Of Sec
Of the temporarily Federalized system.
But there is insufficient dissatisfaction
to justify the prediction that the Presi-
dent will not receive from Congress all
that he seeks in the way OF LEGISLATION.
Republicans of neither house will
make any formal fight against the Presi-
dents plan This is not the determina-
ton of any caucus or other formal
gathering. but the consensus CLEANED
from direct contact with Republicans
in Washington.
Think McAdOO busy Enough Now.
The opposition 10 the selection of MI
McAdoo was not based on any question
as to his ability to deal with the prob
lens which his new responsibility con-
reys. hut ii is felt among the Rcpub-
licans that the multiplicity Of duties al
ready delegated to the Secretary are
sufficient 10 keep him busy or to war
rant his REIMBURSEMENT Of the Cabinet
office II he is to assume the additional
burden. one Republican view. that OF
acting HOUSE Leader Frederick II. Gil
lett (MaHsachusetts) sets this opinion
forth as follows:
Il deeply regret the appointment of
Mr.. McAdoo as controller OF the rail-
roads Of the country. Hs isnow secre-
'tary OF the Treasury. Chairman q. the
Federal Reserve Bank system. chairma n
Of the Federal Farm Loan Board and
chairman of III" International High
Commission. think these places give
he IL recognized as the great dispenser
of patronage and the political adviser
of the President. He is already the
Pooh Bah of this Administration.
IF IL were necessary that the ap-
ro!n'ment should he a political one there
are other members OF the cabinet who
would have excited less d!strust. but
think the appointment to this position
OF transcendent power should have been
business one and not political or
personal one. II should have recipro-
Gated tho general non-partisan support
that has been extended this .tdmnis,ra-
ton.
Since the loss of the Lusitania have
carefully repressed all criticism o. the
Administration. 1t has required at times
much selt-res;raint. I nave Loyalty sup
ported the President in the House. and
az some critical times wien many of
his own party deserted him. J intend To
continue that support. but think it
proper 20 express my regret that this
great appointment, has not been less
partisan one and has not been given to
one whose experience and impartiality
would inspire more confidence"
Earnings Guarantee Questioned.
In the opinion of legislators the
phraseology Of the law OF August 80.
1915. apparently is broad enough TO give
the President power to operate all the
traffic on the railways, and that while
the movement Of troops ana supplies Is
specifically mentioned the conclud ng
phrase, "or for such purposes connected
with the emergency as may be need,ul
or desirable" is sufficiently embracing
70 include the whole war situation.
Where clash of opinion comes. how
ever. is the point made by the President
that he shall guarantee the earnings of
the lines and the return to owners Of
railway securities OF their dividends and