The Bridgeport times and evening farmer. (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1918-1924, 1918-01-19
SENATE QUIzzES
DIRECTOR M'ADOO
ABOUT RAILWAYS

Washington. Jan. 10 Director
General McAdoo was summoned be-
fore the Senate interstate commerce
committee today to explain the oper-
alton of government administration
of railroads.
Mr.. McAdoo said that certain So
called short line railroads would be
released from government operation
as soon as Investigations now under
way determined that it was not neces-
sary.
In explaining the purpose Of the
administration railroad legislation Mr..
McAdoo said he did not propose to
keep control of any unnecessary line
nor have the government compensate
those not taken over.
"As far as I can see after three
weeks preliminary investigation"
said Mr.. McAdoo, 'T don't contem-
plate taking over any roads not neces-
sary for the governments war pur-
poses and if some interests necessarily
get hurt by it, they will have to
stand it,
Director General McAdoo said that
If it should develop that operation
of canals was necessary, they might
be taken over. He added that opera
ton will also be extended to inland
waterways.
Director General McAdoo was told
by senators that small independent
short lines feared bankruptcy if the
government took control of the large
trunk lines and that the government
should take over all railroads, large
or small
II can't tell yet" McAdoo replied
what will he essential for the pur-
poses Of the war. The treasury, al
ready over burdened, can't be called
upon to reimburse for real, imaginary
or indirect injury. I don't think the
government should draft into it's ser
vice a needless railroad any more
than it should draft a cripple into the
military service. There is no inten-
ton to do any injustice to the short
lines. They will be helped as far as
possible consistent with the needs of
the nation"
Chairman Smith suggested that the
short lines are in a. difficult situation
because of the sudden transition Of
the transportation systems from a
competitive to controlled basis.
SIT seems to me-" Mr.. McAdoo re-
piled, that the short lines are holler-
ing before they're hit. The bill ought
to provide compensation for railroads
only that are really used and injured
do you consider these short lines
are part of the continental system?'
asked Senator Smith.
ST would consider them So" Mr..
McAdoo replied, "if they form a part
of the system utilized for war neces-
sites. I have assumed that the bill
will not deal specifically with ques-
lions as to what should OF should not
be taken over by the government I'M
der the presidents proclamation. That
has got to be determined after an in
vestigation. My own opinion is that 1t
is the duty Of the director general, as
quickly as possible, to determine what
railroads or parts of railroads ara
needed by the government and to no
tify the carriers That is now in pro
cess.
LAS to railroads taken over, COM
pensation is provided under the law
we are going to pass. AS to those
outside 1t seems to me that any in
iurv is a matter for the courts to de-
ternine. 1 don't believe the law
should require compensation to rail-
roads whether the government needs
them or not.
There is no disposition to rip any
body up the back. It's the govern
ment's desire to treat small as well
as big roads as equitably as is posi-
bic. as far as is compatible with pub
lie use and interest. All the lines ex-
Guided from government control ought
to be kept going, encouraged and
treated by the government with ut
most fairness and consideration"