The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-09-02

governmental judgment with respect
 10 the matters in controversy.
 Tt provides that the committee and transportation board shall take into consideration the scale of wages paid for similar kinds of work in other in dlstries; the relation between wages and the cost of living; the hazards of the employment; the training and skill required; the degree of respou- sihility and the character and regu- larity of the employment"
 Another provision of the bill re- quires that railroad corporations must have among their directors two rep resentatives of their classified em- ployes' and also two directors repre- senting the government.
 Another clause would crea te through tho new transportation board. an employees advisory council com posed of representative of each or Eanized craft of railroad employees to Use onc-half of excess earnings of companies. above their fair divi- deHds. for the benefit of employees. in Tescah"h to lessen hazards Of crnuIoy- mcnt. extension of hospital relief. in surance and pension; technical etirlca- liun of employees and to profit shar- ing system for employees. The other halI or the excess earnings would be
 used by the transportation board to ouE equipment for lease to the com panics or for loans.
 Upon passage of the ac-. the bi,
 provides that the Interstate Com
 merce Committee shall divide rbe
 country into rate making districts
 hold regional hearings and fix now,
 rates with regard to public and
 shippers interests, wages of labor
 cost of living and operation and .'a
 fair return upon the value of the property 10 be fixeN by physical
 valuation Of the commission and tC
 lower or raise rates in conformity.
 The transportation board would provide the policy of estab1isbine- 9C
 to 35 regional railway systems under federal incorporation. for distinct | operation under competitive cono1- tlons. Street and intorurbau raiIy-ay-e principally used for passenger +r3f- fic would be exempted from such ! consultations which would have t0 be approved by the interstate com merCe commission. The boards noyy-- CTS would include general suDervf- l sion over operating and financing ot railroads. including extensions. ad- mtnistratiOn of the car. service and safety appliance laws. diversion of ! U etILlC' pbollnS or equipment. joint use of terminals and other matters. For seven years. under the bill tho voluntary commissions of the carriers in cOnfOrmanCe with tho boards pIar would be permitted. If not voI11n- ! tariy combined in seven years. tbf board could require compulsory con- ] Iiscauon under federal charter and based upon actual physical valuation The bill also provides for rerula. tion of railroad stock and bond ise,,a, l by the Interstate Commerce Cornrnfs. | sion and for increased rate rual,fnq | powers. Government approval ol new lines or extensions would be re. | quired.
 | Division of companies traffic and 1 earnings also is authorized by the biI , under authority of the commission , which would be empowered to require l connections between rail and water ] carriers.
 i Broader authority over rates is giv ! en te commission. which is clothed
 with full authority to remove any un just discrimination against interstat, ! and foreign commerce with power t,
 inquire into intrastate rates affectius interstate commerce, in cooperation
 with state commissions
 Tn closing up relations with thu government and railroads under tn l government control act, the bill pro ! vides that advances of capital mad by the railroads shall be evinced' by bonds payable in five years at fiv per cent interest and other indemni ] ties by demand notes at six per cent