Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-01-22
SHIPPERS FEARFUL
OF "HUN" WEATHER
Freight Movement Almost
Normal Despite Snow, and
Railroad Men Are Hopeful

whether or not the concerted efforts
of Government officials. railroad man
ayers and shippers and consignees Of
freight TO clear up the congestion at
terminals that has hampcred the move
mcnt OF trains and obstructed tn" war
plans of the United States will be given
such a setback that the results Of
"freight-mOviug week. will be wiped out
now depends entirely iron the weather.
So far there has been no serious inter-
rupton Of traffic. The snow that bega
to fall early this morning was of light
and fluffy texture; there was no wind
to blow it into drifts and there was no
extreme cold TO cause the disabling Of
engines and the putting out of commits
sion OF rolling stock and equipment.
Freight IS moving into Philadelphia in
an almost normal stream.
But at any moment the situation is
likely TO change. This is not American
weather. II was made TO order for tn,
Kaiser Motortrucks do not get around
with the same speed and facility over
slippery, cluttcrcd streets as when the
weather is more nearly normal.
Consignocs, no matter how patriotic o.
however much moved by selfish motives
70 get freight into the warehouses,
tan not accomplish the impossible, And
it Is impossible TO move freight with
satisfactory rapidity over streets packed
with soft snow.
Railroad officials are hopeful that
things win not get any worse before they
get better, Also. they are bending
every energy TO meet the CmcrEcnC'
that win come if things don't get bet
ter before they get worse. Crews are
being held in readiness to man snow
plows and TO do anything else that may
be necessary to keep the tracks clear
for freight trains, and all equipment is
in shape to be rushed into service at a
moments notice. If the worst happens
II VIII be the fault Of the weather and
not of the railroad men.
The weatherman says It will snow all
day today and part of tonight and then
will turn colder. How much colder il
will turn and how much the wind vii
blow the Snow into drifts Is the big,
vital question that affects the trans
portation question in the eastern States
at this time.
The one-day embargo on outgoing
freight in order TO clear the rails for
coal shipments 10 north Atlantic sea-
boards had satisfactory results. 1t was
imposed none too soon. All day yes
terday and last night continuous line
OF loaded coal trains moved in n steady
stream from the mines of Pennsylvania
TO the seaboard. Today ships are being
bunkered, homes supplied with the fuel
necessary for creature comfort and es-
sential industrial plants furnished with
the coal that they must have to enable
them TO turn out the munitions and
supplies demanded for war purposes.
More than 10000 cars of loaded
freight are tied up on tracks in Phila-
delphia, and aside from the need OF this
freight in the ordinary channels Of
commerce ana the necessity Of moving
large portion Of it to the armies across
the sea, taking SO many cars out Of
service when the transportation needs
Of the country are so great adds ma
terially to the gravity Of the situation.
Pooling Of railroad facilities so that
racks and equipment NAV be used by
all in common is believed 10 be in con-
temptation. Such an arrangement, it Is
urged would release thousands of cars
now held here for lack OF ability 10 get
them out Of tho yards.
The situation at Hog Island Is said Nv
those In position to know TO be due
primarily TO the fact that large guam
titles Of freight were taken TO the ship
Yards before facilities were provided for
unloading cars. The committee to be
sent here by Director General McAdoo,
u Is believed, will find a solution Of this
problem.
Increased activity on the part of con-
| signees in moving freight from the yards
is still urged by railroads and govern
ment officials. The increase of demur
rage rates. which is now In effect. It T.
believed viii furnish a strong induce
ment 70 quick freight handling by penal
izing the consignee who leaves hiF
freight in the yards.
Summed up, the freight situation
while somewhat improved Is still bad
enough and the utmost * 'rtion is still
necessary to relieve the congestion that
menaces the prosperity OF the country
aud successful prosecution OF the war.