The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1919-01-24
by w. q. M'Apoo.

tant and vital domestic questions facing
the American people. Our welfare
and prosperity depend on It's proper
solution. Therefore II is peculiarly
necessary that the facts regarding Il
be understood Clearly; that II be set
tied not along partisan political lines
nor In Difference 10 the prejudices Of
amy class; that the American people
face the issue boldly and dispose OF II
as courageousiy as they have always
done with every basic problem they
have had TO meet.
Let me say Immediately that ! have
no pet theory 10 advance In discussing
the settlement OF the railroad ques-
ton. A. the present time / am neither
an advocate nor an opponent OF gov
ernment ownership. But while my
tendency Is against government own
ershlp and in favor of wisely regu-
lated private ownership under strong
federal control, am frank TO say that
! ain not afraid Of government owner
ship should experience, gained by an
adequate test, prove that II IS the best
solution OF tho problem. We are liv-
ing In q new day in America; the
world III throwing off old shaekles; we
must do what seems best In view of
ascertained facts regardless OF pre-
conceptions. favor a five-year test
period because believe its results will
tell us convincingly which Is better
government ownership or private own
ership wisely and adequately regulated
under the superior authority Of the
federal government.
Calls Attention to Problem.
The recent suggestion made to the
congress for such test under pence
conditions has ut least served to con-
centrate attention on the problem.
Many OF the attacks on the plan plain
ly have been dictated by selfish In
terests; others Just as plainly are due
10 misunderstanding.
The suggestion most generally adj
vanced by the opposition Is that the
roads be continued under government
operation for the twenty-one months
period after the war, as provided by
the present federal control act, and
that during that time remedial legis-
latlon (there is an utter lack of agree
ment on the details OF such leglsla-
toni be enacted TO return the roads
20 their private owners.
There are two reasons why such
course seems to me impossible; first,
the roads cannot be operated success
fully under the present act for twenty
one months with the prospect OF their
return to their owners at the end of
that time approaching nearer every
day; and second, no adequate and fair
remedial legislation can be obtained
within that time In view Of the pollt.
icai situation, and the lack OF crystal
lization Of the thought Of the nation
as 70 what Is the best permanent so
tuition, In discussing these two points
| must be frank, for the American peo-
pie are entitled to frankness. This Is
their problem, and they are going to
settle Il sooner or later whether GER
tain interests want them TO or not.
The most serious obstacle to going
on with the present system OF federal
control under existing limitations
while the congress tries 10 work out
remedial legislation Is that of morale.
Some purposely blind people appear
70 think this an idle argument, put for
ward to bolster up a plan. They do
not know the situation. "No man can
serve two masters"
Face stubborn Fact.
The railroad officials and employees
Of the United States are only human.
II they see the end OF federal control
rapidly approaching, with their posi-
tions and their future the constant
subject of partisan political contro-
yersy, and with an entirely different
system OF control. which win vitality |
affect each individual employee, About |
90 go In effect they naturally cannot |
work with undivided thought and at |
the highest point Of efficiency; they |
viii be thinking inevitably OF the in
forests Of the private owners whose
employees they win soon become, and /
they will pay less and less attention /
to the government officials operating |
the roads. Whore the interests OF the 4
private owners and OF the government |
clash, as they unavoldahly win In /
many cases, employees viii hesitate /
which interest 20 serve. Confusion and /
lack Of efficiency are bound to result. |
This Is not theory; this IL stubborn |
fact that must be faced Already 4
signs OF the difficulty are beginning to
appear With other forms OF industry !
this might not be so serious. but the |
prosperity and even the lives of mill 1
lions &C Americans depend upon the /
discipline and efficiency OF the Ameri-
can railroad machine. II would be /
dangerous experiment truly TO play /
with such an organism merely for fear
OF bugaboo or for partisan political
purpose or advantage.
Then, too, were the effort made to
continue the present control under ex-
listing legislation, the railroads, from
a physical standpoint, might stand sim
or even deteriorate during the twenty
one months period. Without the Coz