Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-01-14
EY ". G. McADOO
WHO Eeoentty Resigned as Director
General OF the u. S. Railroad
Administration

General OF the u. s. Railroad
Administration
The railroad problem is today one
of the most, if not the most, i'm
portant and vital domestic question
facing the American people. Our
welfare and prosperity depend on
its proper solution. 80
Let me say immediately that at
the present time [ am neither an
advocate nor an opponent of gov
erLn1ent ownership. But while my
tendency is against government
ownership and In favor OF q wisely
regulated private ownership under
strcng federal control, ! am frank to
say that L am not afraid of govern
ment ownership should experience,
gained by an adequate test, prove
that it is the best solution OF the
problem.
We are living in new day in
old snackles; we must do what
seems best in view Of demonstrated
facts, regardless of preconceplions.
L favor five-year test period be-
cause L believe it's results will tell
US conyinc:ngIy which is better,
ownership, wisely and adequately
regulated under the superior au-
thority of the federal government.
81 Answers Opposition
The 'sug gestion most generally ad-
vauced by tire opposition is that the
roads be continued under govern
ment operation for the twenty-one
months period after the war, as
provided by the present federal con-
troll act, and that, during that time,
remedial legislation (there is IN ut
ter lack of agreement on the details
of such Iegislation) be enacted to
return the roads to their private
owners.
There are two reasons why such
a course seems to me impossible.
First, the roads cannot be opera
ed successfully, under the present
act for tWenty-one months with the
prospect of their return TO their
preaching nearer every day;
Second, no adequate and FAR
remedial legislation Can be obtain
ed within that time, in view, OF the
political situation and the lack OF
crystallizalon of the thought OF the
nation as to what is the pest -9ei-
manent solution.
The most serious obstacle to going
on with the present system of federal
control. under existing limitations
while congress tries to work out
remedial legislation is that OF NOR
ale, The railroad officials and emf
ployes of the United States are only
human. If they see the end of fed
eral control rapidly approaching, with
their positions and their future the
constant subject OF partisan political
controversy, and with an entirely dill
ferent system of control, which Will
vitality affect each individual en-
ploye, about 10 go in effect, they ma
turally cannot work with undivided
thought and at the highest point of
efficiency; they will be thinking in
evitably of the interests of the prl-
vate owners whose employees they
will soon become, and they will pay
less and less attention to the gov
eminent officials operating the
roads.
Where the interests OF the private
owners and OF the government clash,
as they unavoidahlv will in many
cases, employees will hesitate which
interest to serve.
Not Theory, Fact
This is not theory; this is a stub
born fact.
Already, signs of the difficulty are
beginning to appear.
Then, too, were the effort made to
continue the present control under
existing legislation. the railroads.
from nhysical standpoint. might
stand still or even deteriorate. dur
ing the fwenty-one months period
Without the cooperation of the rail-
road corporations. it is difficult und-
er the present law to carry forward