The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-01-11
SHIPPERS TAKE HAND
IN RAILROAD ISSUE
Urge Restoration Of Powers to
/. c. c. as Temporary
Solution of Problem.
CLARK BEFORE SENATOR'S
The Chairman of Commission
Blamcs L. S. Control for
Delaying Valuations.

Special Despatch to THE SrN.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10--The fifth plan
for the solution OF the railroad problem
was presented to-day when Clifford
Thorne, representing various organiza-
lions OF shippers throughout the coun-
try. urged Congress to amend at the
earliest possible moment the existing
: railway control law SO as to restore the
authority OF the Interstate Commerce
Commission by striking out the provI-
sion giving orders by the President
precedent over state and Federal laws
ana the common law in SO far as they
AFFECT the railroads.
Mr.. Thorne suggested that the fore
going amendment be adopted during the
present session in view OF the fact that
the whole solution OF the problem Of
railroad regulation on permanent basis
could not possibly be effected until the
next Congress. In addition he urged:
An amendment providing for the
insertion of Il sentence requiring the
United States Railway Administration
to pay final judgments rendered against
common carriers
An amendment restoring the suspen-
sion power OF the Interstate Com
merce Commission.
In support OF his position Mr. Thornc
said TO the committee:
Prompt Action Is Urged.
THE permanent disposition Of the
railroads presents such farreachins Is
sues that Congress will not be able to
act during this session. That seems 10
be foregone conclusion. But there are
certain matters that can and should be
cared for at this session. If the discus
sons of the committee become wholly
devoted to the many reforms which
have been recommended by Mr.. Cuyler,
representing the railroads, and Mr..
Clark Of the Interstate Commerce Com
mission, March will be here before any
thing can be accomplished.
During the early days OF your SEES
sion earnestly request that you shall
give consideration to the immediate
restoration Of the full power OF the COM
mission and the courts. The great war
emergency has passed. Many sweeping
revolutionary charges in rates. rules
and practices are being proposed by the
Railroad Administration.
I'VE are entitled as n matter of Jus
tice to have these passed on by a dis
interested tribunal before they shall be-
come effective. And yet the railroad
control law attempts to empower the
Railroad Administration 10 repeal State
ana Federal laws and reverse the COM
men law.
Confusion for Shippers.
we question the constitutionality OF
such provision. But it will take months
ana perhaps year or more before the
supreme Court will finally pass upon
this issue. In the meantime hundreds of
orders will be issued creating great con-
FUSION and uncertainty among the ship
pers OF the country"
While the foregoing suggestions are
for immediate changes in the rela tons
existing between the railways. the pub
TIC and the Government, IL is presumed
that sthe shippers organizations will in
terpose later their views with regard
TO the more general scheme OF reor-
Ranization. Meanwhile the Interstate
Commerce Committee is entertaining four
other full Pledged suggestions for the
rcadjustment OF the relationships of the
Government and the railways.
1t has from the Interstate Commerce
Commission its suggestion OF broaden
ing the authority OF that body. advanced
by Commissioner Clark as the views OF
the commission as a whole. with the en-
ception OF Commissioner Woolley. 1t has
the suggestions OF the State railway
commissions. which follow similar lines
to those set down by the Interstate
Commerce Commission. 1t has the sug-
gestion OF railway executives for the
creation of system Of privately owned
and operated railways under the direC-
ton OF Cabinet official to be known 10
the Secretary of Transportation, and 4
has Mr.. McAdoo's proposal for a five
year extension OF the existing control
under broader Governmental power.
Committee of 1. &. c. Views.
The committee has its own ideas. Il
also may be said. although It was evl-
dent from the questions proTogndel by
various members throughout the hear
ings that their views were somewhat
like those advanced by the Interstate
Commerce Commission. 1t is regarded
as likely that amplifcation Of the pow
ers of the Interstate Commerce Com
mission, the broadening of the authority
OF the Government over the lines, per-
haps on the basis of n development OF
the national transportation system on
the regional basis, with private owner
ship and management under some de-
gree OF Federal direction, possibly un-
der Federal charters for all lines will
be the outgrowth.
The control OF the issuance Of securi-
ties by the transportation companies
and supervision OF all their financing
II is expected. will be vested in the In
II also is possible the powers OF the
commission over the making OF rate.
for freight and passenger transporta
tion may also be extended TO cove
minimum rates and schedule OF wages,
Commissioner Clark was again
witness before the committee to-day
He resumed discussion of condition.
surrounding the operations OF the In
terstate Commerce Commission. IL
was asked by Chairman Smith ISoutl
Caroina) II he did not think Their
had been many needless delays in tn
consideration OF important cases by III
Interstate Commerce Commission. T
this Mr.. Clark would not agree II
said. however, there had been an an
parent delay in the rendering OF Tn
decision in the per cent. rate cas-,
L. =. Control Upset Plans.
The commission had subdyided itself
with view to facilitating Consdera
,tion Of many cases, but this sUbdivis