Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-11-26
RAILWAY STATUS
GIVEN PROMINENCE
BY NJ AD0O ACTION
Such a Man as GOethaIS
Wanted as DireCtOr-Rep-
reSentative Glass Mention
ed as Treasury Secretary

WASHINGTON, Now 2S.-Wil-
liam G.. McAdoos resignation as
head Of the treasury and railroad
administration precipitated discus
sion today of the future status Of
railroads, an issue which had been
somewhat dormant UP 70 the pres
ent. Indications were that result
of hts retirement would be to throw
into congress and into public dis
cUSsion much sooner than otherwise
the issue OF whether government op-
Grafton is to continue indefinitely,
whether this will be extended ito
government ownership or whether
the roads will be restored to pri-
o. federal revision to permit their
continued pooling and unified oper-
atiCn.
Speculation as to Mr.. McAdoo's
successors, however, took equal rank
with the discussion OF the future
policy toward the railroads.
For secretary of treasury, Repre-
sentative Carter Glass, OF Virginia,
chairman OF the house banking anu
currency COMMITTEES, IS known 20 be
under serious consideration by sew
eral OF President Wilson closest
advisers. FRIENDS of Mr.. Glass say
he has a reputation for being
GlOS6 SLuuEAN anu NOlAoAA uNAAhO AAAAAAh-
er of financial subjects, and Tor eX-
ecutIve ability in a number of pri-
vaIe enterprises.
For director general OF railroads
there appears to be much more doubt
of the presidents selection. Such a
man as Major General George w.
GOethals is wanted. IT was stated to-
day-a man with executive ability
not closely connected heretofore
with railroad management, who could
view problems from the public
standpoint and at the same time di-
rect the staff and organization al
ready built up by Mr.. McAdoo.
On the new director general of
railroads, whoever he may be, will
devolve the task of guiding the
roads through the readjustment pc
riod. This TASK will apply to many
rate practices. traffic reforms, termi-
nal consultations, distribution OF
newly-purchased cars and locomo-
tives, policies of government financ-
ing Of additions, betterments, extern
sions and equipment purchases, con-
tinuation of re-routlng and short
hauling, Standardization of operating
methods. and measures to increase
the traffic capacity of the rail syS-
TEN to handle the big volume of
freight expected by students of in
dustrial development during the next
few years.
Upon the policies Of the new rail-
director will depend largely wheth.
er the government shall continue
combining the railroads into a hon.
ogeneous unit or begin the breaking
up process in preparation for re-
sumption OF private control. From
the presidents selection observers
believe may be determined to a large
degree the attitude OF the admins
tration on the railroads future. This
is one reason why the picking of a
new director general is regarded as
traught with such unusual signifi-
canoe.
Although Mr.. McAdoo will retire
to private life his friends say he
has no thought of refraining from
expressing his ideas on government
tai policies from time to time. Par
ticularly will he remain interested
in the railroad question and those
in close touch with Mr.. McAdoo
would not be surprised TO see him
come forward I'm few months with
specific recommendations for the
nations consideration OF the railroad
issue.
Mr.. McAdoo Is said by his friends
TO look with disfavor on restoration
of individual railroad competition.
and there have been many reports
that eventually he would advocate
complete government ownership, to
be eftected by exchange Of govern
rent bonds for railroad securities.
Formally and officially. however.
Mr.. MCAdoo never has indicated this
attitude