Evening star., 1918-12-03
CONGRESS TO TAKE
UP RAIL PROBLEM
---- ------ -.-.'
Joint Committee Advocated
to Consider Future Own
ership Of, Lines.
WOULD QUIZ INTERESTED

What to do with the railroads
viewed as a great public service sys-
tenn for the benefit Of the public-is
going to be promptly and thoroughly
considered by Congress,
3 Creation Of a joint com
Mefrh srena 4 hethse Aeysasl seems
likely. This was advueate0 within.
shEFHDas after; PrsSf M
told congress xests tsfttaS fhAs y sdA,. ssdsaA.s
cisioh regarding the tlturs 81 the
railroads was OF pressing necessity.
But members Of ,Coperess had been
considering this subject for months
and have been taking counsel.
= Plan to Cali Interested. .
when the joint committee is named
It will probably be authorized ,toyca1l
railway executives. labor !. leaders,
financial representatives. phnctals Of,
the railroad administration and :mem-
bers OF the Interstate Commefce Conc
mission, to give their views as TO
the best policies for future manage
tee then would attempt to formulate
a plan for some sort Of unified con-
troll and common management, which
most. students of railroad matters are
said to advocate, regardless OF
whether the government retains or
relinquishes its present control.
The need for haste in this program
was explained yesterday by the Presi-
dent and emphasized later by railroad
administration officials. who admitted
they anticipate dificulty in carrying
ment, distributing 1t among roads and
making extensive improvements con-
templated for next year without
stretching the governments war pow
ers beyond the point where railroad
companies are willing to cooperate.
Would Take Up Committees Work.
Any congressional committee which
might be created would virtually take
up the work Of the old committee,
headed by the late Senator Newlands.
which conducted an inquiry into: the
condition of railroads BEFORE they
were taken over by the government.
The Interstate Commerce Commission
has gathered considerable informa-
ton on railroad matters during the
months of federal management, which
would be available -
Congressional leaders, including chair
men Of the Senate and House interstate
commerce committees, said last night
that the line of action yet Is undeter-
mined. Several, however, believed
that joint congressional inquiry,
either by joint committees or 6y the
existing body, will begin, soon. Demo-
cratic leaders expressed hope that
legislation win be possible during
the present session, but some repub-
lican members said 1t was doubtful IT
SO important and debatable q question
could be decisiyely settled curing tne
congestion Of the short session.
! Statements by Congressman.
Prominence Of the railroad question
in the minds of congressman was
evfnced by many statements on the
subject issued after the. Presidents
address. Chairman Smith of the Sem
ate interstate commerce committee
predicting that "a modified ana per.
yate control would result" He gave
no details Of his views:
senator Kellogg Of Minnesota re-
publican, urged immediate congress
sional study Of the question ana
"strong government control regulat,
over service" He opposed releasing
Of the roads and return to old condt-
tions without further legislation.
senator Watson Of Indiana. repub-
lfcan. said he believed the railroads
should be '.nationaiized" under gov
ship, but operated by spoollnE as
unit under a@.common equipment zone
Immediate Action Urged.
Immediate action by. Congress- in
urged by Senator Cumming. Of Iowa,
republican. who agreed with the Pres
-ident that The railroads should not be
returned under the old system.