Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1918-12-25

Will De especially true on account OF
the inevitable discussion as to what
ought to be done. Already this dis
cussion is in full swing and it's reac-
ton on officers and employees cannot
be consistent with the complete con-
centration upon their daily duties.
State Railroad Commissions, railroad
security holders, railroad executives,
shippers organizations and other inter-
ests are naturally and properly dis
cussing the subject and proposing var
iOus solutions. However desirable
the discussion is for the crystalliza-
ton of public sentiment, it cannot re-
suit otherwise than to produce a state
of uncertainty and ferment among
the vast army Of railroad officers and
employees who will inevitably feel
that they face a rapidly approaching
change in management
Disciplined Organization Needed.
No business in the United States so
imperatively requires disciplined or
ganiZation and composed conditions
of operation, for officials as we'll as
for employees, as the railroad bust
ness. Not only does the safety of the
lives of millions Of passengers depend
upon such disciplined and efficient or
ganizatiOn, but the commerce of the
country as we'll. To keep this vast
army of officers and employees in a
state of uncertainty and ferment for
a period of two years would be harm
full in the highest degree to the pub
lie interest. It would be impossible
to prevent a serious impairment of the
morale of the railroad organization.
From the standpoint of needed i'm
provements, the period of two years
is entirely too short time within
which to plan and carry out the COM
prehensive improvements which ought
to be made to meet the country's re-
quirements under peace conditions.
Many of the improvements could hard
ly be complete and put into oper-
alton inside of the two-year period.
and under such circumstances and
facing change to private manage
ment at the end of two years, it would
be unwise in the highest degree to
make the improvements and impossi-
BILE to secure the hearty cooperation of
the railroad corporations.
Difficulties Now Confronted.
Because of the inadequacy of the
present legislation, the authority of
| the States and the Federal Govern.
| ment was left in doubt by provisions
which opposed when the bill was I'm.
| der discussion. Conflict between
States and Federal jurisdictions will
grow more acute under this law. The
revolving fund appropriated by the
Congress will be insufficient to carry
the Federal operation for a two-year
period. More that that, it is of the
utmost importance to the commerce,
industry, and life of the American
people that a comprehensive program
of improvements to railroad proper
ties shall be carried forward over a
period of at least five years; such a
program will involve expenditures of
at least $500,O00;OO0 per annum or
$2,500, 100000 for the f1ve-year period.
The needed funds are not provided
by the present law. Moreover, it is
difficult under the present law, with
out. the consent Of the corporations,
to carry forward q comprehensive
plan of joint improvements, which, to
be of value to the public, must Of it.
self disregard the selfish and irrecon-
cilable competitive interests of the
various carriers. Many terminal i'm
provements, to be genuinely service.
able to the public, must be made with
out regard to the interest of any par
t1cular carrier. Therefore, agreements