The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-11-21
RAILROAD BILL PASSES
DESPITE OPPOSITION

Washington, Novem Der 20.--(SpeciaD
Despite the opposition of 10 stalwart
Alabamians, the House of Representa-
tives put the Esch railroad control
bill over by a comfortable majority
The retention in the bill of the guar
antee section under which the gov
eminent, in the lean months" guar
antees to the railroads operating ex-
penss plus a reasonable return on
investments. was the cause of the OPP
position of several members OF the
delegation. Representative Oliver OF
the Sixth district, made the point that
If the government must care for the
railroads during lean" months-the
first six months of the year-some re-
turn to the government should be guar
anteed in the fiat" months of the year.
The bill, insofar as it's labor sections
are concerned, Is admittedly without
teeth. Provision is made for ADJUST
ments by arbitration but the provisions
imposing penalties for violation of
awards was stricken. AS the bill at
present stands the employers and en-
ployes are simply in honor bound not
to strike, but to accept the verdict
of the appeal board.
The Esch bill. regarding which such
a furore was raised. goes to the Sem
ate and to the Senate committee on
interstate commerce. There it will
be submerged never again to see the
light of day. For it the committee
will substitute the Cummins bill, gen
orally regarded as stronger and more
expertly drawn. 1t is believed that
the Senate will enact this bill con-
tanning section that strikes, after
arbitration by a non-partisan board,
shall be unlawful. In the adjustm emit
by Senate and House conferees of the
differences involved in the Esch and
Cummins bills, great difficulty will be
encountered, it is indicated.
1t is generally believed that the Sen
ate will not undertake the considera-
ton of the railroad bill prior to the
regular session of Congress beginning
in December. On account of the habit
of the Senate long to deliberate, it
may be impossible for bill to be
ready for the signature of the Presi-
dent prior to January 1. The Presi-
dent has stated that he will restore
the railroads to their owners January |,
with or without legislation. AS the
impression is general that restoration
of the properties without proper leg
islation would cause railroad BREAK
down" with resultant panic, it is be-
leved in official circles that if the
legislation is not prepared, the Presi-
dent will extend the period of govern
ment control.
If the period is extended, it is openly
affirmed in Washington that it will
become necessary on the part of the
government to increase rates. 1t is
| important in this connection that
Walker d. Hines, railroad administra-
! tor. is of the opinion that the in
| crease necessary will not be larger
than 10 per cent, and possibly no larger
| than per cent.
While very few members of Congress
are in favor of government control
| there are many. including Representa-.
| tive Oliver, who believe that it woul6
he move profitable to the government
to extend the period of control fol
! six months, or over the period of lean
months. than to guarantee the railroads
during these lean" months operating
expenses and reasonable returns on in
vestments
Senator Underwood. as a member OF
the Interstate commerce committee
| took leading part, on the floor OF
| the Senate, during the consideration by
| the Senate.