New-York tribune., 1919-06-11
Indorses Committee Slash
From $1,000, 900, 900 to
$50, 900; Demo-
cratic Economy Assailed
Administration Criticised
New York Member Says
That Policy of Drift
Has Developed Deficit
Ne,r York Tribune
WASHINGTON Rrreau

Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, June 1O.-The House
to-day approved the action of its Ap-
nrcpriations Committee in cutting the
.ppropristion for the railroad admin
;stration from $1,000, 100000 to $780,
100000, when it passed the railroad
deficiency bill, appropriating the
smaller sum, by vote Of 9o5 to 4. One
Democrat, Representative Thomas, Of
Kentucky, and three Republicans, Rep
rssentatives Ramsayer, Iowa; Anthony,
Kansas, and Woodyard. West Virginia,
voted against the measure
Representative Byrns, of Tennessee,
ranking Democrat of the Appropria-
tons Committee, protested vigorously
against the cut in the appropriations,
asserting that it would hamper the
railroad administration in practising
economies and in efficient operation of
the roads, but he offered no amend
ment increasing the amount, nor did
he vote against the bill on the final
rcllcalL
Republican leaders pointed to the
huge operating deficits that have re-
suited from government control as
strong argument against government
operation OF any public utility.
II think when the shippers of the
country realize that if they paid the
full cost of carrying freight during the
last four months they would have paid
Is per cent additional they will not
favor government ownership" Chair
man Good of the Appropriation Com
mittee said.
Common Sense Plan
$50 far as I am personally con-
cerned, if l had my way, and if we
were to continue government operation
for another year, instead of only about
six months, I would have adopted as
an amendment to this bill a provision
that railroad revenues should be
brought up to a point sufficient to pay
operating expenses"
isn't it a plain, commonsense propo-
sition that either rates must be raised
or expenses reduced?" asked Mr.. Fess.
II believe third of the roads could
not exist to-day without governmental
cid on the basis of the present high
costs and wages" replied Mr.. Good.
when the roads are turned back
there will have to be an increase in
rates in order to pay operating ex-
penses. 1t is undoubtedly true that
more will be obtained for the money
under private ownership. Men will not
work as we'll for the government as
for private corporations or individuals.
lnetticiency, due to government opera
tlon, is one of the reasons for the big
deficit"
Scored by McGee
Representative McGee, Republican,
OF New York, said the hearings before
the Appropriations Committee and the
testimony of railroad administration
otfcials disclosed the whole spirit of
the party in power
You will not find in any of those
hearings single suggestion of econ
omy,' said Mr.. McGee to the Demo
Gratis. You have not suggestion to
W arc dosoIutely at the point
OF drifting, and that is the only policy
you have. was surprised to learn in
reading these hearings that the salary
o. the director general is fixed at
s20'ooo, while they have five regional
directors with a salary fixed at $4,000
each, and two more regional directors
WIN salary Of $4,000 each. This is
q specimen and an illustration of
Democratic economy.
me Administration had the courag.
increase wages to such an extent as
20 turn handsome surplus into
iarge deficit. Now what I cannot un-
oerstand is why the railroad admins
.fasion has not the moral courage at
,nis tune to increase rates to meet th,,
deficit"