Evening journal., 1918-01-02
Co. .GRESS TO FIGHT
R. R. CONTROL BILLS
Republicans are Against Sc
lection of McAdoo as
Director General
GUARANTEE PLAN
TO BE OPPOSED

WASHINGTON. Jan. 2.-Unless he is
turned from his purpose by Congress
sional leaders President Wilson will
address Congress tomorrow on the
railroad situation. outlining the further
legislation desired TO round out the
authority under which the Government
is operating the roads during the war.
There is small possibility thar ar
rangements for a joint session Of the
Senate and House cannot be arranged
in time 30 receive the President on tn
day tentatively selected In that event
the message will be postponed until the
succeeding day. or until early next
week.
l Director-G General McAdoo and Repre-
sentative Sims Of Tennessee. chairman
Of the House Interstate Commerce Com
mittee, held a conference yesterday on
the legislation which will be asked by
the administration. The bill embody-
ing the additional authority sought by
the Administration in its operation Of
the railroads will be introduced In
Congress probably as soon as the
p. rs dent concludes his address.
The legislation sought by the Ad-
minstration is slated for hard shedding
before Congress. OF its eventual pas
sage there is little or no doubt but
a bitter fight from many angles is
confidently expected even by the most
sanguine supporters Of the Presidents
action in taking over the roads
Representative Gillett, Of Massachu-
sets, acting leader Of Republicans in
the House, has indicated one line OF
| action which Will be made when the
railroad legislation is reached. This
will be on the line that Mr.. McAdoO has
upon his shoulders as much ana more
than one man can be expected to do.
Some Republicans are avowing their
intention of making the declaration
that politics entered into the selection
OF Mr. McAdoo and that some other
member Of the administration should
have been chosen for the stupendous
task.
The selection Of some Of his aids by
Mr.. McAdoo cannot escape the fire of
opponents Of the plan which has been
put into effect. John Skelion Williams,
named as chief financial adviser, VIII
come Ia for a share of this, as he has
several political enemies.
The Government guarantee Of returns
on railroad investment in the form in
which Il will be submitted has some
opponents in both houses and the au-
thority sought to give the President
TO buy up from Government funds the
subsequent necessary issues Of securi-
ties will be under q heavy fire.
The main attack on this feature. Il
is understood. will be that it gives the
President and the Interstate Commerce
Commission complete control Of the
financing OF the rail Dads. II has been
expected that a lump sum appropri-
alton for this would be asked. but the
Administration bill as at present drawn
provides for the buying up OF all is
sues If the President in his disc elton
thinks it necessary. the amount Of the
ISSUE and The terms Of the securities
having frst been passed upon by the
Interstate Commerce Commission.
Tho whole railroad plan will receive
some condemnation as being the first
step toward Government ownership Of
the roads. After the storm passes Con-
z ess Will grant any authority to be
sought by The Administration. Most Of
the strongest opponents Of the expect
ed measure admit this fact.