New-York tribune., 1919-09-03

to lower or raise rates in conformity
The transportation board would carry
out the policy OF establishing twenty
to thirty-ive regional railway systems
nuder Federal Incorporation for dis
tinct operation under competitive con-
ditons. Street and interurban railways
principally used for passenger traffic
would be exempted from such consoli-
dations, which would have to be ap-
proved by the Interstate Commerce
Commission. The board S powers would
include general supervision of operat-
ing and financing of railroads, includ-
ing extensions, administration Of the
car service and safety appliance laws
diversion Of traffic, pooling of equip
ment, joint use Of terminals and other
matters.
For seven years. under the bill. vol
untary combinations Of the carriers. in
conformance with the boards plan
would be permitted II not voluntarily y
combined in seven years, the board
could require compulsory consolidation
under Federal charter. based upon
actual physical valuation.
To Regulate Stock Issue
The bill also provides for regulation
of railroad stock and bond issues bv
the Interstate Commerce Commiss ion
and for increased rate-making powers
Government approval Of new lines or
extensions would be required.
Division of companies traffic and
earnings also is authorized by the bill
under authority of the commission
which would be empowered to require
connections between water and rail
carriers.
Broader authority over rates is given
the commission, which is clothed with
full authority 10 .remove any unjust
discrimination against interstate and
foreign commerce. with power 70 N
qulre into intrastatc rates affecting
interstate commerce in coopera t on
with state comm issions.
In closing up relations Of the govern
ment and railroads under the govern
ment control act, the bill provides that
| advances of capital made by the xail-
roads shall be evidenced" by bonds,
payable IN five years, at per cent in.
terest and other indebte dness by de-
mand notes at per cent.
In explaining the bills provisions
affecting railroad employees Senator
Cummns said the prohibition of
strikes has his unqualified support.
81 have always regarded the strike, -
he added, cas- an invaluable weapon
the only weapon of the aboring man
vance to the point that the government
undertakes to fix his wages there is no
room longer for the interruption to
commerce OF strike or lockout.
believe the bill will result in justice
TO the employee
The provisions for two directors rep
resenting the employees and two repre-
senting the government Oil all railroad
corporation directorates, Senator Cum
Minis said, recognized "just demand
by the employees for participation in
the policies and affairs of the compa-
MES.
sit will not be long until all indus
tries are organized in that way he
added. ut is condition precedent to
peaceful, intelligent settlement of con
troversies between capital and labor.
Pomerene Praises Bill
Senator Pomerene, of Ohio, a Demo
cratic member of the drafting commit
tee, also praised the plan to prohibit
strikes. He criticised railroad en-
ployes for threatening nationwid e
strikes during and after the war, com
pairing thed wages with the $50 month
ly wage of the soldier.
Senator Pomerene said railroad en-
ployes we're in a different position from
other workers, as tie-up of trans
portation would cause food and coal
famines.
ut is too great a power to lodge in
any set of men," said the Senator. 81
know of no good reason in politics or
morals that will permit 100000 rail-
road men to refuse to adjust their diff
nit them to an impartial government
RI huDal