New-York tribune., 1919-01-06
Rail Chiefs
Will Oppose
McAdoo Plan
Committee Will Urge OH the
Senate Return of Roads
With Legislative Guards

PHILADELPHIA Jan. 5.--Oppostion
to prolongation TO the five years OF
, the period of government control of
railroads was reiterated to- day al
session of the Association of Railway
Executives Ninety-two per cent OF
the mileage OF the country was repre-
sented at the meeting and practically
every railroad had its president here
The session lasted nearly three hours
and at its conclusion statement was
issued outlining the attitude Of the
railroads.
An elaborate presentation Of the con
tention Of the railroads has been pre-
pared to be laid before the Senate In
terstate Commerce Committee Wednes-
day.
A committe of six will then appear
on behalf of the companies Ii CON
sjsts OF De Witt Cuyler. Of the
Pennsylvania .Railoaa. chairman of the
Association of Railway Executives;
Alfred H. Thorn counsel for the asso-
citation; Howard Elliott, president Of
the Northern Pacific; Julius Krutt-
schnitt president of the Southern Pa
cfc Samuel Rea. president Of the
Pennsylvania, and Daniel Willard
president of the Baltimore & Ohio
Cuyler Explains Plans
The statement given out by Mr..
Cuyler is as follows:
The Association OF Railway Execu-
tives. representing 90 per cent of the
railroad mileage Of the country,
/ adopted set of principles that it be
lieves ought to form the foundation
of the natinal legislation necessary
for the readjustment Of the railroads
10 peace conditions.
"These principles ae the esrult. not
only of almost continuous conferences
among the executives since the CON
clusion OF the war, but Of heir earnest
efforts over period of several years
to work out a permanent solution Of
the railroad problem that would guar
antee for the future the adequate de
vlopment Of our transportation system.
Admits Rights of Public
Throughout the conference we have
Kept uppermoSt in mind the Fact, now
universally recognized thai - sporta-
tion is essentially public service ANA
that the public interest must be para
mount in any proposed plan worthy Of
serious consideration. The railroads
vii urge that necessary legislation be
enacted As soon as compatible with the
public interest, and they win urge
against such prolongation of the
period Of uncertainty as has been pro
posed by the Director General of Rail
roads.
"In their definite suggestions as TO
The form Of legislation, they Will favor
the legislation, under future private
operation, Of large part Of the meas
urcS taken b. the government railroad
admlnstratlon during the war to Co
ordinate and unity rairoaG facilities
in response TO the invitation Of the
Senate Committee on Interstate Com
mercc, winch IS now considering fail-
road legislation. representatives Of our
association VIII appear before the com
mlttee during the coming week, pub
uciy to present tho views Of the rail
roads. II is our earnest hope and be.
licf that out Oft he present discussion.
IN which representatives, Of all inter
ests VIII be heard by Congress. there
WIN soon come constructive legislation
~ the public interest that Will mari:
INC me dawn Of new era in American
'ransportatior."
Mr. Culver also made public n jstfcr
rom Otto II. Kahn, of Ncw York ia
wh'ch Ny. Kahn states his objections
20 policy Of permanent rovcrnmrn.
o"hcrshlp and operation Of tho rail.
,oaus ara 10 Director General McAdoo' Z
p'oposa' 10 continue he present GOV
e'nmcnt control for five years.
Kahn Oppose System
Jr. Kahn's letter folloua.
FROM the point Of view of the mono.
mry interest Of the investor in rail.
foad sec9ritles tho prospect Of govern
mem ownership and operation, which
"o"'h fe'ievc pw u risk and make hS
income stable and secure, may be at
,raetlve IN fact, I know that several
! lafFe holders Of railroad stocks and
ponds are in favor Of that course be-
ennse they believe it to be advantage
ous 10 tho maintenance Of the value Of
! their investments.
Prom the national point Of view
| however, I consider government own,
! ershIp and operation ms grayeiy and
-reaehinply detrimental socially.
/ (outfpund an MUIR f0uy