New-York tribune., 1919-08-14
congress Is Called On by
Manufacturers to Enun-
ciate a Definoc Policy
for Handling Railroads
Board to Adjust Wage
Law Demanded to Prohibit
Strikes on Lines While
Differences Are Pending

WASHINGTON, Aug. IS The Plumb
,.n for reorganization of the rail
,o.ds was characterized "as the first
s.eo through the gateway OF state So
,alism to the operation Of transporta-
,;on and industry under : soviet con-
,;ol" in a statement submitted to-day
70 the House Interstate Commerce
Committee by Stephen c. Mason, pres
dent of the National Assoc ation of
Manufacturers.
The association. with membership
a; 5oOO contended it was not only the
rirht. but the duty, Of Congress 10 en-
srcise its authority "and define the
limits within which business men or
workingmen. capital or labor. employer
or employe may so IN threatening the
TRANSPORTATION Of the nation as a
means of compelling acceptance OF
economic demands or political poll
ciss.'
Congress" it added. "must either
row assure the protection of the para
mount interest of the public in the
continued operation of the railroads or
sSdcate It's regulatory authority to
selfish and irresponsible ordinations
Of private persons"
Mr. Masor suggests the following
measures:
Immediate enunciation of con-
s.ructive governmental transportation
policy.
Creation of Federal transportation
board to administer a strong, definite
policy of railroad expansion.
An enactment providing for appoint
ment by the President. when he deems
it necessary. of q commission to decide
the merits of demands as to wages and
hours by railroad employees. and
penalizing strikes or lockouts during
the progress Of this commissions de-
liberations.
Approved By Manufacturers
Mr.. Mason says these measures
we're discussed and approved by the
convention Of the Manufacturers AS
sociation here in May. He asserts an
unmistakable enunciation by the gov
ernment OF its railroad policy is es-
sential to remove fear OF ultimate in
terruption OF service and to make it
clear that threats of coercion by the
railroad brotherhoods will not be toll
Grated
Mr. Mason further states that the
association strongly favors the return
Of the railroad properties to private
ownership. His points are set forth as
follows:
The association believes
"l. That the railroads should be pri-
Tately owned and operated. the return
to the owners TO be made not later
than the reriod fixed BY the present
statute, Or sooner if remedial legisla-
ton essential to their successful oper-
alton IS enacted
~. That as soon as possible and
throughout the period Of government
administration Congress should pro-
vide amply for the execution of a Wig
orous programme for the adequate up
keep ard betterment of the railway
propertes.
Policy of Expansion Advised
"5. Inat Congress should clearly de-
clare that the promotion and eXpan-
sion OF transportation facilities is an
essential public policy OF ~ United
states. That such policy shcliH en-
crace systematic railway development, t,
that of inland waterways and hard
surfaced roads. and the articulation of
tnese forms Of essential communion
ton The plan and execution Of such
. policy should be thn duty Of high
y qualified transportation board Gre
ated for that purpose. relieving tn. In
erstate Commerce Commission of the
administrative dutias essential - 50
grea-' policy, and recom!n ing 10
tne commission the elemer o al
aaequate rate structure TO srScain ii.
u Thai the rule o. ratc making
should be clearly defined by statute,
including as elements Of an adequate
rate an amount sufficient TO insure ,he
maintenance of efficient service, make
'alr return upon the existing invest
ment and assure the obtainment and
protection OF essential credit.
o. That the railroads privately
oWned and operated, but subject to
federal regulation and incorporation
SHOULD be authorized to consolidate and
cooperate among them selves for the
coordination of lines, facilities, organi-
sstons and terminals and the elimina.
.on OF waste. 70 the same extent and
"a "a the same manner as such coopera-
"oh and consolidation has been per