The Washington times., 1919-12-25
RATES WILL STAY
AS ROADS GO BACK
No Wage Reduction Likely When
U. S. Returns Railways
on March |.
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Continued from First Page)
previously made. Much of the new
appropriation will be short-term loans
to the railroads. --.
To the Government credit appears
now about $3.50. .OO0. 900 which the
roads owe for new equipment. other
improvements and loans to meet de-
mand obligations.
The work of getting the roads back
to private ownership is expected to be
an enormous task. Work along this
line will be started Immediately by
the Railroad Administration. The
roads have become so mixed up under
Federal control with respect to inter
change of facilities that the complete
''unscrambling" is not expected for
several months after March /. Di-
rector General Hines will continue in
office, the proclamation Of the Prest-
dent indicated. until this work 10
well under way.
Big Express FrsSlenaa.
Even bigger problems face the ex-
press companies, also to be returned
March 1. They were consolidated by
the Government under the Ameri ,an
Railway Express, and doubt prevails
as to whether this consolidation can
continue under antitrust laws.
Unless the coal situation is cleared
up by March i the belief prevails that
the President would have to reorgan-
ize the Fuel Administration, as tie
control OF the fuel supply Is now be-
ing exercised through the Railroad
Administration.
The definite decision to return the
roads March 1 was reached after sew
eral Cabinet meetings and final con-
ference yesterday of Director General
Hines, Attorney General Palmer, I'm
der Secretary of State Polk, and Sec
retary Tumulty. The decision was
communicated to the President, who
gave his approval and signed the
proclamations.
Return of the roads, in all proba-
bility, will bring little change in
railroad service from the public stand
point.
All railroad rates, twice increased
by the Government, will be continued
under private control, it is generally
agreed No reduction in wages is
probable. Many Of the advantages of
Federal control such as consolidated
| ticket Offices, joint use of terminals
and limited pooling of equipment
will be continued, as provisions for
, such public benefits are contained in
both bills before Congress.
Close Door TO Delay.
The Presidents proclama ton of
last night closed the door to further
delay on the part of Congress in
enacting the necessary legislation.
The roads now go back March l.
whether Congress acts or not, but
both Senator Cummins and Congress
| man Esch today were certain that
the railroad bill would be passed
from six weeks to two months before
| the date set by the Presidclf
MesxaEe From Hines.
In his message the director general
| said:
The, proclamation which the Presi.
dent has issued fxes March ] as the
date for transfer Of the railroads back
to the possession and control of the
railroad companies. I appeal to every
| officer and every employe to redoubie
his efforts to produce the best and
the most economical railroad service
possible during the remaining period
| OF Federal control.
During the unusually heavy busi-
| ness OF the past few months and tie
extraordinary difficulties created by
the coal strike, the officers and cnl-
pioyes have done especially fine work.
| so that with more confidence than
ever before I express the hope that
ali Of us will give the very best ac-
count of ourselves In this remaining
period in our common interest and in
the public interest. I extend 20 all
OF my comrades in the railroad serv-
! ice and their families sincere wishes
for 8 Merry Christmas and 4 Happy
New Year