Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-01-22
PASSAGE OF
RAILROADS MEASURE
IS URGED BY NJ ADOO
Director General Explains OPP
GRAFTON of Government Con-
troll Saying 1t May Be Ex-
tended to. Canals Next

WASHINGTON. Jan. 19.-Director
General McAdoo today explained to the
senate interstate commerce committee
the operation of government control OF
railroads. and urged speedy passage or
the administration railroad bill by con-
gress in order to clarity the financial
situation so as to permit the floating
of $4,000. 900. 900 in bonds by the gov
eminent before the end of the present
fiscal year He also asserted that gov
eminent operation would be extended 10
canals and inland waterways II IL was
considered necessary.
Mr.. McAdoo spent more than two
hours before the committee, DURING
which he was freely questioned regard
ing the necessity for government con-
troll of the carriers and the eompensa-
ton of short lire railroads. he VIII
appear again Monday, and probably VIII
go before a house committee later
investigations are being made, the
director general said. to determine what
short line railroads are to be retained
over. he declared will not be compensat-
ed and If they suffer damages TedrcGS
will have TO be obtained in the courts
He said il was not proposed TO keep
control of any unnecessary lines.
Mr.. McAdoo said the present railroad
rganfzatfons would continue to be en-
ployed as long as they are satisfac-
tory.
Il don't feel that the government
ought to employ anybody who isn't nee
essary,' he declared. but l feel that
we should not disintegrate the railroad
organizations until congress has decided
the future of the railroads"
Director General McAdoo said some
good has been accomplished in the three
weeks of government control through
re-routing. distributions and co-ordina-
ton.
Questioned regarding the necessity
for government control, Mr.. McAdoo
said il was made necessary by the rail-
roads lack of facilities to handle in
creased war traffic and their failure &c
properly coordinate. Disclaiming an.
intention TO censure the carriers, he
said blame for not meeting the trans
narration situation rested upon them
because of their failure to increase their
facilities in 1916 and 1917. In those
years he said, they spent less Tor I'M
provements than in previous years, de-
spite increased traffic.
Mr.. McAdoo urged that the appropria-
ton of $500, O00. 900 in the bill be re-
tsfped "a. enable the government to in
crease facilities or to make good oell-
ciencies. although he hoped it would
not be necessary to use the money for
this purpose.
With the approval of Mr.. McAdoo.
an amendment to the railroad bill au-
thorizins the president to make separate
ARRANGEMENTS for. compensation with
carriers which had to deal with abnor-
NAL financial conditions during the three
year period ending June 80. 1917, was
presented today to the house interstate
commerce commission. The amendment
is designed to meet the requirements
of the short lines.
John Barton Payne, represeting the
director general, testified TO-DAY before
the house committee that Mr.. McAdoo
claims the right to fix railroad rates
under the proclamation of the president
taking over the railroads.