The sun., 1918-11-26
]. S. OWNERSHIP
ELIMINATED AS
M'AD0O MOTIVE
Washington Ridicules Idea
That Railway Policies
Influenced Action.
DOUBT ABOUT WILSON
Presidents Views on Ac-
quiring Roads Have Been
Kept Close Secret.
GREAT FIGHT PLANNED
Choice Of New Director-Gen-
eral Will Make Admins
tration's Aims Clear.
DOUBT ABOUT WILSON
GREAT FIGHT PLANNED
,spectl DespatcA TO THE Sen.

,epectsi Despdtch TO THE BrN.
WASHINGTON. Nov. 25.-with nothing
ssfnite yet disclosed at the White
House regarding Secretary McAdoo's
successor as Director-Generalo of Rail-
reads there was increased evidence
Today that the resignation OF Mr.. Nc
Adoo had focused attention on the
question OF Government ownership of
The railroads and had led to much
uncertainty.
For this uncertainty as to -he Ad-
Hninistration's probable attitude on this
question. however. there appears to
be little If any ground The resignation
ot Mr.. McAdoo. It can be stated fiatly
and positively, hod nothing to do with
Government ownership.
A story printed in the Providence
Joxrnal to-day attributing TO Mr.. Nc
Adoo a hostile attitude toward Gov
6rnment ownership and giving this as
the real reason for his resignation ex-
cited ridicule in every we'll informed
quarter in the capital.
buI Wnle ME. McAuOD LOE OpH lOuS
reasons has not committed himself pub
iicly on Government ownership of the
roads there is not the slightest CUES
ton In the minds of those who have
been In close touch with Mr.. McAdoo
and associated with bin in the Rail-
road Administrator that he favors
Government ownership as well as con-
troll and the same can be said OF many
members OF the Cabinet.
acAdoo DispIeased with Results.
Mr.. McAdoo. Il Is insisted by those
"a touch with the situation, now looks
;.pon the present system of control as
Icing insufficient to accomplish many
results he had hoped to attain and
feels that the individual ownership of
the roads has restricted his efforts and
the results obtained. Two things are
mentioned In this connection. One is
she difficulty in operation through hav-
ing different signal systems and oper-
Eting rules and all sorts OF varying
equipment. making a complete unifica-
ilon plan impossible in present condt-
lions. Second. lack OF full authority
20 compel the roads to increase their
equipment and to standardize II.
Owing to the determined stand taken
by the Railroad Security Holders Or
gRnization. a stand which has much
support in Cor gress, the greatest in
terest Is now being taken in Mr.. Nc
Adoo's successor and how far he will
20 toward Government ownership.
The opinion IN we'll informed circles
here where Mr.. McAdoo's views are
well known seeTs to be unanimous
that the new head of the railroads
will certainly yot be antagonistic TO
,he Government keeping the roads.
Not Only does a majority os the
Presidents Cabinet seem to be plainly
IN favor OF Government ownership
7ut some OF them have already ex-
pressed the view that II will be the
biggest Issue in the 1920 campaign
and pred ct the Den ocratic party will
70 on record IN support of 1t. with the
Republicans taking the opposite stand.
Presidenfs Views Not Known.
So far as known, however. President
wilson even by ind!rection never has
Flowed his views TO be known on this
'sle. From the fact that several
members OF his Cabinet are known 10
oe very friendly TO the idea It has
cen assumed by many that the Pres
dent Is at least not opposed to it..
How far this is warranted may be
.aown In the new appointment. re-
.arding which not the slightest hint
vas given to-day.
The opponents OF ownership are lay
'ns plans for the battle in Congress
end appear TO be confident that they
'an obtain the return OF the railroads
WITH the Republicans in control. But
hr. McAdoo's successor does not need
o be confirmed by the Senate. Also
: Is indicated that he will have tre-
menGous influence in shaping the pub
&c mind II he is SO disposed.
Among members Of Congress the
Nland taken by the security holders Is
Anding increasing favor. The security
Noioers they feel, in taking the fore
-Tont OF the fight for the return OF the
.oaas have established a sound posi-
uon and one that will carry popular
'ppeal In the announced determine
u'A TO continue under private control
me DEMENT'S OF common use of ter
"-hdls and certain facilities that in
-ieu under Government control.
Many members of Congress attached
hgnihcance to-day TO the fact that
t'!road employees operating out Of
ne 81. Louis terminal offered Direc-
.or-General McAdoo $4,000 a month
rom their wages toward a fund to
Eefp him on the job
mere are hundreds of thousands OF
airoad employees In the United
states. Their attitude with respect
20 Inc change in railroad directorate
VII be closely watched.
, hinK Albert Visits Paris Dec. d.