Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-01-12
What Congress IS Doing.
National Lawmakers Begin to See Hope for
Solution of Railroad Problem Satisfactory
to the Roads and Beneficial to the Public.
Antagonism Disappearing.
,onisn Disappearing.

I rector General McAdoo and many lead
| ers in Congress. Some OF the recon-
| mendations probably will not find their
way into law, but where there is such
general acquiescence it Is reasonable to
| think that the bulk of them will.
The railway executives have put for
! ward these general duties and privileges
OF the proposed secretary of transporta-
ton:
When traffic is congested. to distrib-
ute it over other lines on terms reason
able and just to all the lines concerned.
To require the general use of terrni-
mails, when advisable or necessary in the
public interest. Director General Nc
Adoo called attention of Congress to the
need of such authorization, pointing out
that the coal famine last winter in New
Ell gland was relieved only by the power
under government control to require the
railroad owning the Hudson and East
river tubes to allow their use
In cases of national emergency. to
have power to direct the coordination
of facilities and operations and to oper-
ate the properties as a unified national
system.
To require railroads to distribute their
cars to other lines on terms to be fixed
by him. subject to review
To require line to distribute cars
among its patrons in accordance with
their needs and the public intarnst- as
the Interstate Commerce Commission is
now authorized to do
To require railroads to show cause
and take out a government license be-
fore undertaking building of additional
lines or expensive terminals
To approve or disapprove within
by the carriers
The railways further suggest that
regional commissions under the In
terstate Com
Strong Federal Rule merce Com
Favored by Roads. be- created snd to
deal with questions largely local, SUBJ
ject to review by the commission
proper. They would give the federal
government exclusive power over the
issuance of securities by railroad car
riers. They would have a federal
incorporation for all interstate rail-
way companies which would provide
for means of consolidation or merger.
They would have board to settle
employees and prevent strikes during
arbitration.
: In paint OF fact, the broad outIines.
or the plan OF the railway executives,
when carried to logical analysis, pro-
.vides fpr almost complete federal con-
troll Of Interstate railways. while pre-
serving their ownership in the hands
OF private owners. Il would achieve
an object long sought by the rail-
roads-to get relief from the burden
some. often captious and conflicting,
state regulations and bring them un-
der uniform system of combined
restriction and liberty under one re-
sponsfb1e head and one reviewing au-
thority.
The general belief in Congress is
that tho time is more propitious now
for the realization OF practical and
far-reaching railroad reforms. econo-
mics and improved efficiency than
ever before; that there is more gem
erous spirit among Legislators as well
as a better understanding Of the needs
Of the railroads and of the country.
The man would be a pessimist of the
deepest dye who could not foresee
brighter future for the railroads
and the travelling and shipping public
in present conditions.