The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-02-01
WHEN DoCroRs DISAGREE.

WHEN DOCTORS DISAGREE.
Mr.. McAdoo in suggesting the five
year extension of railroad control said
that the government cannot operate
the roads under the present control
act. and particularly it cannot carry
thru a program of additions and bet
terments. Mr.. McAdoo's successor,
Walker D. Hines, announces that he
will this year spend 100000 in
additions and betterments.
One difficulty about additions and
betterments under government control
is the question of requiring corpora
tons to pay for goods which they did
not choose and at prices which they
did not negotiate
Advocates of the extension of gov
'ernment control of the railroads for
considerable period will find little
comfort in the reports of the interstate
commerce commission of 1916 roads
those having annual operating ex-
penses of more than $1,000, 000-for
eleven months and unofficial calcula-
ton of last DEFENDERS earnings.
AS compared with 1917 there was a
drop of $3.50, 100000 in earnings, and
deficit estimated at s196,OOO,OOO de-
veloped. The operating expenses of
all roads were $4,000, 000.0 900. or ST.
600. 900, 900 more than in 1917.
In face of these figures, who would
urge that government control be eX-
tended for five years. as Mr.. McAdoo
recommended? Control has continued
long enough to convince the people
that it is an expensive venture war
ranted only by war necessity.
Congress ought to put from its mind
further consideration of that idea and
turn its attention to the framing of a
railroad policy that will stand, pol
icy that will safeguard investments
and will assure adequate service. That
done, the roads ought to be returned
to their owners.
The Association of Railroad execu-
tives has suggested to the senate in
terstate commerce committee the Gre
alton of a department of transporta-
ton, whose head would have a seat in
the cabinet. He would relieve the in
terstate commerce commission of its
executive duties; would regulate rates,
subject to revision by the commission;
would use the power of the admins
tration to maintain proper service;
would create the necessary credit for
the carriers. and would maintain har-
monious relations between employers
and employees.
The association also urges the adop-
ton of a fixed policy as to the reve
nues of the carriers by requiring that
the influence of the president, thru the
secretary of transportation, shall be
put behind movements for increased
rates which are found proper and the
establishment of a statutory rule for
rate-ma king. Also it would provide
for federal incorporation and elimina-
ton of the conflict of regulating power
| between the states and the federal
government.
! This is perhaps too broad a pro-
gram, says the Buffalo News; it may
! incline too much to the interests of
! the railroads. But it is no more than
suggestion and in the main it points
! in the right direction. 1t offers a
/ working basis, and that is what con-
gress appears to be sadly in want of.
| The president, to whom the Democrat
ic leaders looked for guidance, con-
| fessed that the problem was beyond
him. All they have on which to work
is the recommendation of Mr.. McAdoo
to provide legislation to hold the roads
for five years, a recommendation that
/ the public will not countenance in the
face of the s1s6,O0O.OOO deficit last
year.