Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1917-12-28

Washington, Dec. 27.--Soon after
American railroads so under govern
ment operation at noon tomorrow. Di-
rector General McAdoo will issue his
first official order wiping out compel g.
hive conditions and providing for
complete poollre OF otrGffig, eqaips
ment, terminals and trackage facili-
ties and for the retention of present
officers and employees.
The immediate result will be a re-
routing of traffic over shortest lines.
regardless of the company with
which shipments originate. and the
common use of terminals to effect
maximum efficiency. Without antci-
pating wonders under the new plan.
officials look forward to material inn
proVement in the present traffic con-
gestion within a few weeks.
Many Problems Ahead
Speedy movement of freight will be
the first aim of the director general.
But problems whose solution must
press close on the heels of actual
transportation questions are the euuit-
able reimbursement of roads for the
use of their property on the basis Of
pre-war earnings, increased wages for
railroad employees, financing of neces-
sary improvement, building of addi-
tlonal lines or facilities and the tan
Siod priority situation. Before most
of these questions can be Settled, spe-
cial legislation will be necessary and
to urge this, President Wilson is pre-
pairing message to be delivered to
congress soon after it reconvenes af-
ter the holidays recess next Thursday.
Legislation already has been drafted.
viii Retain Organization.
The legislation, however, and prob.
lens dependent on it can await the
deliberation Of congress, while Direc-
tor General McAdoo must get into ac-
ton tomorrow with powers already
conferred on him by President. Wilson.
FIRST he will confer with the railroads
board of presidents, whose services
and advice, he said today, would be
retained under the new administra-
ton. Then he will organize a corps
of assistants and advisers, largely of
commission. in whose building he will
maintain headquarters for railroad
supervision.
Mr.. McAdoo SAID today he had CIV
en- almost no thought to the person.
rel of his staff, and was not prepared
to outline the details of his admins
tration, He is determined, however,
to avoid disrupting any railroad Or
ganization, or any agencies already
developed which can lend efficiency to
the new order.
Mctdoo Congratulated.
Although the railroads war board,
after being in executive session all
day made no statement commenting
on government control but the Off.
cials indicated they were well pleased
with the promised situation and op.
timism was reflected in the universal
rise in railroad securities on the stock
exchange. Hundreds of kilograms OF
congratulations poured in upon Mr.,
McAdoo.
dubious note came from the cap.
ftol where several republican mem
bers of congress expressed fear that
the task was too big for the govern
ment to handle efficiently under war
conditions, and others criticised the
appointment of Secretary McAdoo as
director general.
The labor condition under govern
.nent operation was discussed with
President Wilson during the day with
nf ha
hoods. who renewed their pledge of
loyalty to government administration
They spent about an hour and a half
with the president. and it is under
stood they received assurances that
most railway employees will not be liza.