The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-01-05
TEXT Of BILL DR,FTEO fO1
FEDERAL CONTROL Of RAILROADS
Carriers Shall Receive Just Compensation and An
nual Rate Approximately Equivalent to Average Net
Railway Operating Income for Last Three
Years Ending June 80 1917-Presi-
dent Has Supreme Power.

I NhAAA 0SS vi SNCJl tdCllLllGS create III
employ such agencies and enter int
such contracts and agreements as hi
shall deem in the public interest.
Section z. For the purpose of pro.
viding funds requisite for maturing
obligation for other legal and proper
expenditures, or. for recognizing rail-
roads In receivershIp, carriers may
during the period of federal control
issue such bonds, notes, equipment
trust certificates, stock and other
forms of securities. secured or unsc-
cured by mortgage, as the president
may approve as consistent with the
public interest. The president may
purchase for the United States or any
part OF such securities at prices not
exceeding par and may -seii-seeaF4-
ties whenever in his judgment II Is
desirable at prices not less than the
cost thereof. Amy sums available from
the revolving fund provided in section
6 may he used for such purchases.
Section s. The president may exc
cute any of the powers herein and
heretofore granted him with relation
to federal control through such agen-
cies as he may determine and may
fix the reasonable compensation for
the performance OF such In connection
Herewith; and may utilize the per
sonnet and facilities of the interstate
commerce commission and call upon
mem bers OF such commission or any
of employees or employees OF any
department of the government for
such service SIS he may deem expedi-
emit No such federal official or en-
ploye shall receive any additional
compensation for such services.
Section 3. The president Is hereby
authorized. while carriers are under
federal control. to direct that the fed
eral workmen's compensation act of
september. rsIs, shall be extended
so as TO apply to carrier employees on
such terms and conditions as will give
due consideration to remedies avail
able under state compensation laws.
or otherwise.
Section TO- Nothing herein con-
tained shall be construed as modify
IN, or restricting the powers hereto
fore conferred upon the president 20
take possession and assume control
of any or all systems OF transporta-
ton; and the president. in addition to
the powers conferred by this act, shall
have and is hereby given. such other
and further powers necessary or ap-
propriate TO give effect to the powers
herein and heretofore conferred.
Section Ii. Carriers while under
federal control shall. insofar MS is not
inconsistent Herewith. or with the
provisions of this act. or any other
act applicable TO sueh federal control
or with any order of the president. be
subject TO all laws and liabilities as
common carriers. and suits may be
brought by and against such carriers
ard Judgments rendered as now pro-
vtded by iaw-provided however. that
except with the written assent of the
president, no attachment shall be
levied by process or on execution, on
or against. any of the property used
by any such carrier in the perform
ance of its duties as a common carrier
Section IA Every person or corpo-
ration whether carrier or shipper or
any receiver. trustee. lessee, agent, or
person acting for or employed by
carrier or shipper OR other person, who
shall knowingly violate or fail to OBJ
serve any of the provisions OF this
act or shall knowingly interfere with
or impede the possession USE opera
tlon or control OF any railroad prop
erty. railroad or transportation system
hitherto or hereafter taken over by
the president. or shall violate any OF
the provisions OF any order }or regula.~
tion made in pursuance OF this act or
OF any other act consign such posses
sion. use. or operation or control. shall
be guilty OF misdemeanor. shall
upon conviction be punished by a nns
of not more than $500 or. IL a par
son. by imprisonment fer not more
than two years or both. Each tnds-
pendent transaction constituting a VIC
lation OF OF failure TO observe any
of the provisions of this act or any
order catered In pursuance thereof
shall constitute q separate ofyense. For
the taking or eonvsrsisu to his OWE
Use or the enbssslsmsnt Of money or
property derived frsM Or used Ia con-
nection with the posssssion. use or
operation OF said railroads or trans
portatton systems. the criminal statutes
of the United States - we'll as the
criminal statutes OF the various states
where applicable. shall apply to all
officers. agents and employees engaged
in said railroad and transportation SER
vice. while the same 10 under federal
control. TO the Same extent a. to per-
sons employed In the regular service
of the United States. Prosecutions for
OF this act or any order an
tered hereunder shall be In the district
courts OF the United States. under d.
rectton OF the attorney general In ac-
cordance with the procedure for the
collection ana imposing OF fines and
penalties now existing In said courts
Section Is. The federal control OF
transportation systems herein and
provided for shall continue
for and during the period OF the war
and until congress shall thereafter