Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-09-03

WASHINGTON, Sept 2-priva
ownership and operation OF railroads
IN a number OF regional systems under
stcict government control. with strikes
and l0ckouts OF railroad employees
pr2hibitcd, Is the plan for permanent
railroad legislation submitted to the
senate today by the Interstate Com
incrcc subcommittee.
\ tentative bill cmbodying tho sub
bear no resemblance to the Plumb
plan, had been introduced by Chair
man cummins and referred TO the full
Interstate Commerce Committee. The
bill is the result of many months Of
hearings and work by the subcon-
mit;ee. which, besides Mr. Cnmmins.
sofa. and Poindexter. Of Washington.
Republicans, and pomerenc. Of Ohio,
and Robinson, OF Arkansas, Demo
Gratis.
salient provisions of the Cummlns
bill include:
Termination Of government control
ownership on the last dag OF the
month Of enactment
Establishing the Interstate Commerce
Commission. with greatly increased
powers. as the supreme body over rail-
road affairs.
Supervision and control OF virtually
wages, operation and hna7cine, By the
government.
;ation board Of five members appoint ed
by the President 10 supervise railway
development and operations. subject to
final action Of the Interstate Commerce
Commission.
Creates Wage Committee.
Creation OF new" committee o,
wages and working conditions com
posed equally OF representatives Of
authority in settling labor questions,
subject 10 decision % the 'transporta-
lion board and Interstate Commerce
Prohibiting strikes and lockouts Of
railroad employees under fine and i'm
prisonment penalties.
tration in ownership and operation OF
railroads. with Federal Interpretation.
into not less than twenty nor more
than thirty-ivc regional systems
No guarantee ny the government Of
futur" railroad income. bu: limitations
made upon rcvcnu. to fair" dividends.
based on tho value OF properties. fixed
by the Interstate Commerce Commits
lon.
Call. for Payment Contracts.
Tho uill also provides that existin {,
railroad payment contracts. with the
government shall he continued not
longer than four months. ana that pres
ont rates shall continue until changed
hy the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion, with provisions looking TO im'nc-
d!atc action toward establishments
Tho keynote of tho subcommittee
bill. Chairman tumrlins stated In an
explanation 10 the Senate. is the plan
.!Vc regional rail systems.
The new method for settling labor
disputes is proposed committee on
wages and working conditions, Senator
cumwins said. adding:
IN creates committee Of wages
and working condition. which is 10 be.
composed OF eight members. four rep
rcssntinr labor and four representing
. tho railway companies. Each railroad
craft Is 20 nominpte candidates for this
committee, and the board is required
10 appoint from among such nominees
Each railroad corporation is TO norni
nate. = candidate for membership. and
. The board is 10 appoint four persons
from among such nominations
TINS committee is 20 consider al
complaints submitted by representa-
tiV"s OF the employees or OF the car.
ricrs, and is 10 decide By a majority
vote. and its decisions are to be Ger.
tined :" the Sportation board I:
the committee OF wages and WORKING
conditions * evenly divided upon any
dispute. the whole matter is 20 he Ger
'lhcd 20 the board. and the decision OF
the hoard is final ana constitutes =
governmental Judgment with respect
10 tnc matters III controversy"
Employees on Directorate.
Another provision of the bill re.
! CURES the railroad corporations must
nave among their directors Two rep-
rcscntltivcS OF their classified .n1 =
p.oEc"S and also TWO directors rcprc-
scHtlnE tn" government
Another clause would create. through
the new transportation board an EN- :