The evening world. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 1918-01-04
RUSSIANS DENAN ND KAISER WITHDoAW " FROM BALTIC PR

velops difficulties and makes II clear
what they are. have deemed II nv
duty 70 remove those difficulties wher-
ever have the legal power to do so.
ITO assume control OF the vast
railway systems Of the country is,
realize, very great RESPONSE
bllity, but 20 fail TO do 80 in the
existine circumstances would have
been much greater. assumed
che less responsibility rather than
the weiphtier.
MUST MOBILIZE THE WHOLE RE
SOURCES OF AMERICA.
T sm sure that ! am speaking the
mind OF all thoughtful Americans
when / say that II is our duty as
the representatives OF the nation 20
do everything that II Is necessary 20
do 10 secure the complete mobillza-
tlon OF tho whole resources OF
America by as rapid and effective a
means as can be found. Transporta-
aon supplies all the arteries OF
mobilization. Unless It be under
single and unified direction, the
whole process OF tho nations action
IL embarrassed.
at was in tho trus spirit OF
America. and Il was right, that we
should first try to effect the neces-
sary unlfication under the voluntary
action OF those who were in charge
Of the great railway properties. and
ne did try. Tho directors ~ tho rail-
WAYS responded to the need promptly
and generously.
"The group Of railway eSseu-
'tives who were charged with tho
task Of actual co. ordination and
toeneraI direction performed their
difficult duties with patriotic zeai
and marked ability. as was to
have been expected. and did. ]
believe, everything that Il was
moss bic for them TO do in the
circumstances.
t"If I have taken the task out o.
their hands, II has not been because
Of any derellction or failure on theli
part, but only because there were
some things which the Government
can do and private management can
not. We shall continue TO value mos
highly the advice and assistance o.
these gentlemen and | am sure W.
shall not fnd them Withholding II.
ONLY THE GOVERNMENT coULI
ACCOMPLISH THE TASK.
'It had become unmistakably plaiI
tnat only under Government admin
istratlon can the entire equipmen
Of the several systms OF transporta'
tion be fully and unreservedly thrown
into n common service without In
furious discrimination against par
ticular properties and only under Gov
crnment administration can absolute
ly unrestricted and uncmbarrasse!
common use be made OF all tracks
terminals, terminal facilities sh'
equipment OF every kind. Only un
der that authority can new terminal
be constructed and developed witnou
regard TO the requirements or limita
tlons OF particular roads. But undo
Government administration all thes
things will be possible - not IN
SANITY. but as fast as practical dlf
ALulties, which cannot be merel
conjured away give way before tn
new management
"The common administration
will be carried out with as little
disturbance OF the present oper-
atina organizations and person
nsl Of the railways az possible.
Nothing will be altered or dis.
turbed which IL is not necessary
TO disturb. We are serving the
public interest and safeguarding
J the public safety, but we are also
reaardful Of the interest Of those
by whom these great properties
arc owned and Glad TO avail our
selves Of the experiences and
trained ability Of those who have
been managing them.
sIt is necessary that the transpor
alton OF troops and OF war materia