Norwich bulletin., 1918-02-14

Washington, Feb. 1s.-Debate on the administration railroad bill in the sen- bate today was confined largely to pre- kpared speeches by Senators Kellogg band Mclean, republicans, both of whom announced they would vote for fthe measure, though they opposed the bprinciple involved and supported gov- bernmenf operation of the carriers only Aas a war measure to terminate at a kfixed time.
 The present plan of government kpossession under private management is a half slave, half free policy that kcan be justified only at a time when the life Of the nation itself is at kstate." said Senator Mclean.
 Tt has all the defects of govern kment ownership and none of the benu- ffits of private management under pro- Pyate ownership" - Senator Kellogg expressed the kopinion that the presidents action in ttaking over the railroads was unnec- kessary and as great results would Ehave been accomplished had the gov kemment given adequate cooperation Ito the railroads in meeting the situa- btion- In view of the fact that the frailroads now are under government lcontrol- both he and Senator Mclean tpledged their support of the presi- dent
 Senator Mclean. in explaining tine lopposition to government control in operation of railroads said:
 Senator McLean's Views
 Afr. President- The issue raised by the minority report offered by the sen- rator from Washington, Mir Poindexter is one of over-shadowing importance and it is an issue that win be para- mount at the ballot box in the neal future. As a member of the Com mittee on Interstate Commerce fee it to be my duty to let my constituent know precisely where I stand upcI the question of government operation of the railroads of the country.
 Only Possible Justification.
 The only possible Justification fn The bill reported by the committee il the fact that 1t is war measure. w are tacing the probable necessity C sending millions of men to France there 10 contend against the larges and most brutal and best equipped army in history. We know that unless The fighting strength of our army an, the armies of our allies is sustaine, 10 the highest possible point of ef:i NltuCy Iuc may O6 QlSdSI6T, T which the history of self-governmeL will be written in failure and dis grace
 The Prime Necessity.
 Regular and, sufficient transporta ton is the great prime necessity ii fhe business of waging war, necessi ty -hich cannot be met without unit. of action and perfect cooperation, an, this. in turn. cannot be had unless tn power to secure it is placed beyond 'n reference by private interests. As war measure. therefore, I am williE to confer upon the president all tn power and latitude of action neces sary to enable him to make fair an reasonable agreements with the car riers for the use of their propertie during the war emergency, and for period thereafter long enough to per init the carriers to readjust them selves to peace conditions.
 Means Permanent Ownership.
 To extend the operation of this as until congress shall otherwise orie would be to give this law all the per nancy and length of life that 1t is pos sible for congress to give. to any lav and considering the case with whic attempts to repeal this law could | delayed and ultimately defeated. cannot escape the conclusion tn. those who vote against fixing a tin within which this act shall cease operate, vote for the permanent go' ernment ownership of the railway sy' tems of the country. .
 Cites New England Roads.
 IL is possible that the New York ar New Haven Road, and other roads New England, will prefer permaneI government guarantee of their fix, charges and maintenance to retul to the old system of regulation congress and the Interstate Con snerce Commission, but as far as Il stockholders and the public are col cerned, they will be the loosers in u long run. in my opinion. New Eni land must import her raw materia from great distances and the cost transportation is a serious burde Private initiative and ingenuity W reduce this cost. if it is given
 breathing chfnce, much faster tn: win be possible if the roads are mal aged by government employees Selec ed becauss of their value to par managers on elect.sn day.
 No Economic Distinction.
 There is no economic distinction the public services rendered by COT mon carrier and the public servi rendered by the producer of eth things which are necessary to me public needs
 Y The producers of transportati render a great public service, but n as great as tine producers of food clothing. Justihcation for governma Interference with the seller of tran \ portation arises only when he secu es a nsonn15oly of his product. and is \ a poEfttou to exact extorticuate pzzc' T and precaseiy that same situation v axiso wherever the producers of fo md clDthiris and shelter find it poss Ible~to ene1tes a monopoly in their pr 6uctH. The fact that the railro