New-York tribune., 1918-01-04
McAdoo to Reduce Passen-
ger Traffic; Urged by
Railway Men
To Take Up Wage
Demands To-day
Wilson Ready to Address
Congress on Legislation
for Railroads

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3.-Hundreds
Of passenger trains on railroads east
of the Mississippi will be withdrawn
from service under orders soon to be
issued by Director General McAdoo,
based upon specific recommendations
made to-day by a committee of eastern
passenger traffic officers. The COM
mittee was divided as to the advisable
ity of withdrawing most parlor and
sleeping cars, leaving only those con-
sidered most necessary for important
travel routes.
Hours of labor of railway employees
under government operation was dis
cussed by the Director General to day
with heads of the four railway broth
erhoods, and the question of wages
will be taken up at further confer
ences tomorrow.
Tomorrow President Wilson goes
before Congress with recommendations
for legislation providing q basis for
compensating railroads under govern
ment operation and for continued fin
ancing with government assistance.
Bills approved by the railroad admin
lstration will be introduced immedi-
ately, and indications are that they
viii be rushed to speedy passage, de-
spite difference of opinion among
congressman over the basis of COM
pensation and the termination of gov.
crnment control.
No Interference With Commuters
With regard to passenger train re-
ductlons, 1t Was made plain to-day
that there is no intention Of interfering
with commuter or interurban traffic,
or with any other trains necessary for
daily and regular travel. Some of the
Director Generals advisers have urged
that pract' cally all parlor and sleeping
cars be withdrawn from service. and
that people be required to travel large
ly in daytime in ordinary coaches.
1t Is considere probable, however,
that Mr. McAdoo will approve such a
drastic course at this time The pas
senger officers participating in to-day's
conference were A. B. Smith, of the
New Haven; James p. Anderson and
r. +. Wright, of the Pennsylvania; l..
f. Vossburgh, of the New York Cen
trail and w. c. Hope, of the Central
Of New Jersey.
Little Congestion in West
Except on the Baltimore & Ohio and
the Pennsylvania, no congestion is APP
parent west of Pittsburgh and Buffalo.
Mr.. McChord said In the East, how
ever, some roads are choked with traf
tic, while other connecting lines are
handling only normal loads and it is to
the latter that the government is now
ordering the overflow.
Mr.. McAdoo now is considering
whether express companies should be
taken over for government operation
and has received from his legal ad-
visers opinions on the proper procedure
in case he decides this is necessary to
maintain the highest efficiency.
In answer to numerous inquiries to-
day from state officials, it was ex-
planned that free passes will not be
granted for government business.
President Wilson too day finished the
address he will deliver to Congress to-
morrow. 1t is understood to be abou
1000 words long, and according tt
present plans it will not be confided tt
newspapers and press associations il
advance Of delivery.
The President will make specifi
recommendations for legislation t,
carry out government operation o4
railroads.