Evening journal., 1918-06-26

raes OF local public utilities. The
vev IS expressed that increased
wages and the high cost OF essential
naterisls and supplies have Affect
ed them as they have affected
everybody else, and that united ef-
ffort will be necessary in order TO
meet alike the public require
ments upon which that service dc
pends.
AS Secretary Of the Treasury, l
must take official notice OF these
matters. 10 is obvious that every
part OF our industrial and economic
life should be maintained at It's
maximum strength order that
each may contribute in the fullest
measure to the vigorous prosecu-
tiOn Of the war. our local public
utilities must not be permitted TO
become weakened. Transportation
OF workers to and from our vital in
dustries and the health and comfort
OF our citizens in their homes are
dependent upon them, and the nee
essary power TO drive maSy Of our
war industries and many other in
dustrles essential TO the war is pro-
duced by them IL may be- hat
here and there, because OF the
prominence given TO less important
interests Immediately at hand. state
and local authorities do not al
ways appreciate the close connec-
tion between the soundness and ef-
fclency Of the local utilities and
the national strength and vigor
and do not resort with sufficient
prOmptness 10 the call for remedial
measures. In such cases. | am
confident that all such State and
local authorities will respond
promptly to the national needs
when the matter is fairly and
properly brought before them.
our public service utilities are
closely connected with and are an
essential part OF our preparations
for and successful prosecution OF
the war, and the unfayOrable Ten
denotes which the accompanying
papers reveal may most effectively
be checked. wherever they may be
found TO exist, and the needed re-
lief obtained, only by prompt ac-
ton on the part Of the respective
local authorities.
81 earnestly hope that YOU may
feel justified in expressing the con-
victiOn that ihe vital part which
the public utilities companies rep
resent in the life and war-makins
energy Of the nation ought to re
ceive fair and just recognition DY
state and local authorities.
Cordially yours,
fsicned) W. G. NlcADOO,
The President,
The White House
February 10, 1918.
"Nfy Dear Mr.. Secretary:
Il have examined with care the
memoranda and letters which you
transmitted to me with your let
ter OF the fifteenth. ] fully share
the views you express regarding
the Importance Of the public SER
vice utilities as part OF our ma
tlOnal equipment, especially IN War
time. II IS essential that these util-
tiles should be maintained at their
maximum efficiency and that every
thing reasonably possible should
be done with that end in view.
hone that state and local author
ities. where they have not already
done so, will. when the facts are
properly laid before them' respond
promptly TO the necessities OF the
situation.
Il shall be glad TO nave you
communicate with the local author
tiles whenever the information in
vour possession suggests that such
a course is desirable and in the ma
tional interests.
Cordially yours,
(Slgned) WOODROW NlLSON.
Hon. William G.. McAdoo,
Secretary Of the Treasury.
The Federal Reserve Board and u
,oard OF Directors Of the War Flnanc
have each taken simlla
.osition. The underlying thought
hat the pre-war financial status qu
Z these companies must be preserve
,tact during the period Of the war
rder that they may efficiently NEE
he burdens cast upon them by III
var. -,
.. II is a matter OF common know
dge that the electric railways OF IN
ountry, none too prosperous DeiOr
ne war. have been placed in a condl
ION Of dire necessity by the increase
osts OF operation arising out OF IN
var and already existing. This condl
ion M affairs and the resultant neces
lty for increased revenues TO ines
ompanies was clearly recognized j
he Administrations documents aboV
oferred 10. These companies are nov
erv generally making strenuous ei
oris for increased rates to meet eA
sting conditions.
r Recognizing the higher costs o
wing. most OF the companies oil IN
ountry have already put into eneC
NO or more wage raises 10 their tram
1en In my Judgment, many OF IN
omnanles have already fully met IN
1st demands OF the times. and the'
ave All gone the limit based on thei
resent revenues. Dissatisfaction NOW
ver. among the trainmen seems 10 d
riite widespread, strikes have pee
threatened, and many appeals nay
'eon made TO this board. In order U
reserve their efficiency as war factors
no companies are readily submittln