The Keota news., 1918-01-18

and present management cannot. We
shall continue IN value most highly
the advice and assistance OF these gen.
find them Withholding II.
1t had become unmistakably
plain that only under government
administration can the entire equip
ment OF the several systems Of trans
portation be fully and unreservedly
thrown into common service without
injurious discrimination against par
ticular properties and unembarrased
common use be made OF all tracks.
terminals. terminal facilities and
equipment Of every kind.
No oIe ohaksup.
Only under that authority can new
terminals be constructed and devel-
oped without regard to the require
ments or limitations OF particular
roads. But under government ad-
ministration all these things will be
possible-not instantly. but ~ fast
az practical difficulties. which cannot
be merely conjured away. give way
before the new management.
The common administration will
be carried out with as little disturb
ance Of the present operating organ
izations and personnel OF the rail.
ways as possible.
Nothing will be altered or dis
turbed which II IL not necessary to
disturb. We are serving the public
interest and safeguarding tho public
safety. but we are also regardful OF
the interest OF those by whom these
great properties are owned and glad
to avail ourselves of the experience
and trained ability of those who have
been managing them.
shIpp.r safssuasded.
1t is necessary that the transporta.
tion OF troops and OF war material. OF
food and of fuel. and Of everything
that is necessary for the full mobiliza-
tion OF the energies and resources OF
the country should be first considered.
but II Is clearly in the public interest
also that the ordinary activities and
the normal individual and commercial
life OF tho country should be inter
fered with and dislocated ~ little ~
possible. and the public may rest a.
sured that the interest and conven-
ience Of the private shipper will be as
carefully served and safeguarded as
~ 10 pOoolUic " octSc Auu 0oASeoSA~
it in the present extraordinary circum-
stances.
While the present authority Of the
executive suffices for all purposes OF
administration. and while. OF course.
all private interests must for the pres
ent give way to the public necessity.
1t IS. I am sure you will agree with
me. right and necessary that tho own
ers and creditors of the railways. the
holders Of their stocks and bonds.
should receive from the government
an unqualified guarantee that their
properties will be maintained through
out the period Of federal control in as
good repair and as complete equip.
ment as at present. and that the sew
eral roads will receive under federal
management such compensation as 10
equitable and just alike to their own
ers and to the general public.
Three.Year Average Payment Basis.
would suggest the average net rail-
way operating income OF the three
years ending June 30. 1917. earnest
ly recommend that these Guarantees
be given by appropriate legislation
and given as promptly as circum-
stances permit.
need not point out the essential
justice Of such guarantees and their
great influence and Significance as
elements in the present financial and
industrial situation Of the country.
Indeed. one of the strong arguments
for assuming control Of the railroads
n th{o tlu,o 10 tho n{o1