The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-04-29

l1OitS dSh6o dl tue last SSSSlOI.
Hines Is an OpIimist.
Hines was optimistic, however, that
when business is resumed, the rail-
roads will be able to realize a revenue
increase that will wipe out the most
of the deficit now faced. or all of it.
He alluded to this deficit as purely
temporary. He repeated his asser-
ton made earlier in the day to the
State Journal as to rates, saying no
further adjustment is immediately
possible. He declared, however, that
when a peace basis is attained, a sur
vey will be made and a rate adjust
ment will be reached. Higher rates
are to be avoided. he declared, owing
to the fact that any increase would
raise the cost of living many times
the rate increase to the ultimate con-
sumner.
Reviewing the rate increases during
the war, Hines asserted, that in COM
parison with the corresponding adj
vance of other industrial services and
products, railroad rates have been in
creased so little that in reality they
! have dropped. He cited the average
war increase of rates at 25 per cent
while the general cost of business and
living has gone up from 100 to 200
per cent
Experience with government oper-
alton, he declared, shows that an al
teration must be made in the old sys-
tenn of control if the lines go back to
private ownership. He asserted that
these alterations must not be small but
radical. and asked the public to look
at the railroad problem in a new light.
General discomfort. he asserted, would
be the only result were the old sYs-
| tenn reverted to, and public despair
would rule.
The director general, in giving his
views on the solution of the tangle, de-
clared President Wilson to be open
minded on the situation, and that he
will handle the problem fairly when
the time comes.
Problems that confront railroads
! now will continue to confront Them
said Hines. 1.-The pre-war problems
are continuing to crop out. They will
not diminish as the business of the
| country revives but will remain and
must be met. There will be a greater
necessity to deal with labor. and a
greater necessity to deal with the pub
| lie
! In outlining his radical plan for So
luton of the, railroad problem and
! merging them into between twelve
and twenty large competitive lines, the
| director general pointed out that the
railroad management and control be-
fore the war was simply perpetual
| lawsuit. He declared that way
| must be found to avoid this litigation
and misunderstanding, and put the
| roads on basis where as nearly per-
| feet understanding as possible will re-
suit between capital, the government,
| the public and labor.
| Hines stated that in making the trip
| thru the WeSt-to the Pacific coast
and back-he is seeking to get in
touch with railroad arrangements and
4 the public viewpoints. Following his
speech today at the Chamber of Com
merce the party left for Kansas C;ty.
In City Until . O'Clock.
| Ii
until O'Clock this afternoon.
T. c. Fox, general manager of the
| Santa Fe; E. L. Copeland, federal
treasurer; E. Raymond, general super
intendent; j. r. Koontz general
freight agent, and J. NJ. Council, gen.
eral passenger agent, were on the
special when it came in to Topeka
The five officials met the train a con-
| siderable distance west of Topeka and
| accompanied the director general and
| his party on the remainder of their
trip to this city
| Included in the Hines party are the
following federal officials:
Brice Clagett, assistant to the direc-
f, tor sseneral.
| Henry B. Spencer, director division
| of purchases.
T. C. Powell. director division of
capital expenditures.
Edward Chambers, director division
of traffic, formerly vice president of
the Santa Fe in charge of traffic.
A. H. Scandrett, attorney for re-
gional director.
H. r. Stafford, assistant to regional
director.
Hale Holden, regional director, CEN
| trail western division
! B. B. Greer, assistant regional di-
rector. central western division
| W. B. Storey, federal manager of the
| Santa Fe.
At the Speakers Table.
At the speakers table during the
| luncheon for Mr.. Hines today were the
| following Topekans:
! +. W. Freeman &. G. Bowman
! f. l.. Copeland A. 7. McKown
| Charles Sessions q. f. Cutler
J. q. Bauer s. Il. Cobb
| c. B. Merriam C. s. Gleed
| Geo. L. McEntire A. T. Carruth, jr
| L. c. Fox T.. II. Crosby
! Chester Woodward 7. Il. Koontz
f. J. Kulp J. II. ConneIl
Howe Jones J. Il. Burrow