Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-06-21
SENATOR WOULD TRY
FEDERAL OWNERSHIP
ON V|RG|N|AN ROAD.
Bill Offered by Lewis, of Hi
nois, to Gain Con-
troll Of Route.
ALSO SEEKING 125,OOO
ACRES OF COAL LANDS
Declares Fuel Will Then Be AS
sured for Navy and Mer-
chant Marine.
SUPPLY HAMPTON ROADS BASE
to Take Over Pet Project
OF II. II. Rogers.

WASHINGTON. June 2o.-The open
ing gun of actual government owner
ship Of railroads was sounded to-day
when Senator Lewis. of Illinois. in
troduced a bill In the Senate propos-
ing to purchase the Virginian Railway.
as we'll $4,000 acres OF coal lands.
for 3115. 100000.
Senator Lewis Is the Democratic whip
OF the Senate. consults often with Pres
ident Wilson and Is conceded to re-
neet administration views.
He said of his bill to-day: at will
not only insure transportation Of coal
for the navy and merchant marine. but
will provide a thorough test Of gov
ernmcnt ownership of railroads"
The VirEinian Railroad runs from
the West Virginia coal fields pract!-
caliy to the naval base on Hampton
Roads. and was the pet and pride Of
its builder. the late II. II. Rogers.
In statement Senator Lewis de-
clarcd the provisions and purposes of
his bill thus:
First, for the purchase and develop
ment by the government of approNi-
matcly $4,000 acres Of coal land in
Mercer. Raleigh and Fayette Counties.
in West Virginia. The coal in this
territory is navy specification coal.
and it lies nearer to the great Hampton
Roads naval base than amy other fuel
OF this standard. Ownership and op-
Grafton OF these coal hclds BY the gov
ernment would mean abundant and
never-fatling fuel supply for our great
Iy expanded navy and merchant ma
rine. and would he insurance against
such q situation as that OF last VIM
ter, when supply ships and troop
ships were held idle in American ports
until the cessation OF industry and the
moderation Of weather allowed fuel
to be transported TO them.
Second, for the purchase and opcr-
alton by the government Of the Eir-
Ein!an Railroad. a line stretching from
Central West Virginia through the
coal fields mentioned 10 Seweil's Point.
on Hampton Roads. This road would
not only assure transportation OF navy
specihca tion coal for the navy and
merchant marine. but. what must ap-
peal to every person interested IN
American affairs. 1t will provide. at
the time when X is most needed. a
thorough test of the efficiency and de-
STABILITY Of a permanent policy OF sov-
ernment ownership or operation OF rcil-
roads"
AIMS TO PREVENT ANOTHER
SERIOUS FUEL SHORTAGE
In discussing the bill later on. the
Senator said:
THE shortage OF coal for manufac-
turing and domestic use and for eN-
port even now is hamperinE many es-
sential lines of work at home ana
abroad. and is likely to cause. in addt-
tion to suffering and inconvenience
among the people OF America and the
allied countries. serious interruption
to our military and naval operations
unless an adequate supply is immedi-
ately assured.
Purchase, development and opera
tton of the coal mines contemplated
can he accomplished without great de-
lay, In time to meet next winters
strinEency, and the operation Will re-
suit in great saving to the nation IN
the cost of fuel, as we'll as providing
: sure fuel supply for government
:ktps and providing genuine standards
~ to fuel prices.
Coal Of a quality OF that In the
Pocahontas and New River veins is
found only within limited area. but
fortunately near our greatest naval
base. and, therefore. readily availab Bile
for shipment abroad. To buy these
coal lands now will place the govern
ment beyond the necessity OF consult
ing with private operators"
LINE EXTENDS FROM
DEEPwATER TO COAST
The Virginian Railroad Is AL miles
long, and runs from Deepwater, Va,
~.hcre it connects with the Chesapeake
ard Ohio. to Sewell's oPint. on Hamp-
.or Roads. and adjacent to the naval
.ase. In addition to it's main track
re. it owns and operates 24s miles
of second track and an interest In
the water terminal indicated. When
il was built, IL comparatively short
time ago. IL was regarded as the last
word in freight lines. It's grade is but
pcr cent, and three times as many
coal cars can be handled to the sea is
fon many other roads.
The President, through the director
general Of railroads, is given the au-
thority to make the purchase with the
assistance of tie Bureau Of Mines. the
present owners have evidently beer
consulted, for statement says that
"one form Of payment, known TO be
acceptable to tho present controllers.
Is twenty-year ~ per cent bonds an
interest rate lower than that on Lib
crty bonds
The bill was referred TO the Com
mittec on Interstate Commerce.
q