South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-12-13

Republicans First to Oppose
M'AdOo'S Plan for Solution
of Problem Affecting
Entire Nation.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12.-Recom-
mendation Of Director Gen. McAdoo
that government control Of railroads
be continued to Jan. 1. 1924, gave
impetus today 10 congressional con-
sideration of legislation looking to
a solution of the railway problem
and also was the subject of brief
debate in the senate. 4
The senate interstate commerce
committee was called to meet next
Thursday TO discuss Mr.. McAdoo's
letter and other phases Of the gen
eral railroad subject, while the
house committee will meet tomor-
row with the expectation that the
director generals recommendation
will be taken up.
Aside from the opposition voiced
by Sen. Kellogg of Minnesota. re-
publican, on the floor Of the senate.
many mem bers were said to have ex-
pressed disapproval of Mr.. McAdoo's
proposal. but none of them spoke
for publication.
Proposes Five-Year Test.
Sen. Kellogg charged that Mr.. Nc
Adoo really proposes a fve-year
test looking to permanent govern
ment ownership of the carriers, and
added that if government control is
extended for FIVE years it would be
impossible to return the roads back
to private ownership.
Sen. Smith of South Carolina.
IL
committee, declared that Mr.. Nc
Adoo's proposal was merely per-
sonal opinion. probably of unusual
weight, but not conclusive upon
congress to which Pres't Wilson has
submitted the question.
Sen. Kellogg then asked how
Pres't Wilson's approval had been
secured when the president, in his
address to congress. had disclaimed |
having any judgment on handling |
the railroad question.
Big Conference is On.
While the senate was debating the |
subject, a number of industrial, |
commercial. financial and labor |
leaders and students OF transpofta /
ton problems discussed the formu
lation OF a policy toward the rail
roads at a conference called by the |
United states chamb Der of commerce. /
The conference will continue tomor-
row in an effort to arrive at a basis
OF common principles accepted by
all interes rs to be promulgated for
public discussion. The discussions
were secret, but it was said that
many views. some conflicting, were
presented today.
Walker d. Hines, assistant director
general of the railroads, explained
to the conference details Of Mr.. Nc
Adoo's ideas in determining 70 ask
congress TO extend government con-
troll to five years. He said that all /
interests urging immediate relin-
quishment of federal management /
specify that there should be rene
dial legislation to eliminate old /
wasteful competition and explained /
the difficulties of obtaining suitable
legislation representing mature /
views of the nation. at this time
Might Become Issue.
Director Gen. McAdoo explained |
today to callers his belief that it |
would be well TO take the railroad |
question out of politics at this time, |
even though it might become an is
sue in the 1920 campaign when n |
congress is to be elected. He en-
phasized that it might be i'm !
practicable to continue government /
operation OF railroads for q months |
after peace is declared. because of /
the threatened disturbance OF rail !
road employees morale, the interfer-
ence by state authorities. and the |
inability to prosecute a campaign Of |
extensive improvements.