The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-01-08
DEMAND IMMEDIATE
RETURN TO OWNERS
Association of Railway Presi-
dents Criticize Plan to Con-
tinue Government Control Of
Lines for Five Years-Sug-
gest Legislation incorporating
Measures Adopted by Direc-
tor General.

Pn1IaQelpn!d, JAIL 0."OppOSllioh "
prolongation to five years of the
period of government control of rail
roads was reiterated today at a ses-
sion of the Association of Railway
Executives. Ninety-two per cent. OF
The mileage of the country was repre-
sented at the meeting and nearly ev-
cry railroad had its president here.
The session lasted nearly three hours
and at its conclusion a statement was
issued for publication outlining the
attitude Of the railroads.
An elaboratep resentation of con-
tention Of the railroads has been pre-
pared and this will be laid before the
tee at its hearing next Wednesday. a
committee of six will the nappear on
behalf of the companies. It consists
of T. Dewitt Cuyler, Pennsylvania
Railroad, chairman of the Association
Of Railway Executives; Alfred P.
Thorn, counsel for the association;
Howard Ellitt, president of the North
ern Pacific; julius .Kruttschnitt, pres
ident Southern Pacific; Samuel Rea.
president Pennsylvania Railroad, and
Daniel Willard. president Of the Bal
sinnore & Ohio.
The statement given out by Nj
Cuyler is as follows:
'.The Association of Railway Execu-
lives, representing 81 per cent. Of the
railroad mileage Of the country.
adopted set Of principles that it be-
lieves ought to form ne foundation
IF the national .egislation necessary
FOR the readju u5tment Of the railroads
to peace "c ditions. These principles
are the result, not only of almots con-
tinuous conferences among the execu-
lives since the conclusion Of the war.
but OF their earnest efforts over a
period of several years to work OFT
! permanent solution of the railroad
problem that would guarantee for t!lo
future the adequate development Of
our national transportation systems.
Throughout our conference we
have kept uppernost in mind the
fact, now universally recognized, that
transportation is essentially a public
service and that the public interest
must be paramount in any proposed
plan worthy of serious consideration.
The railroads will urge that legisla
ton be enacted as soon as compatible
with the public interest; they viii
urge against such q prolongation Of
the period of uncertainty as has been
proposed by the director general Of
general of railroads; and in their de6-
mite suggestions as to the form Of
legislation. they will favor the legisla-
ticn, under future private operation.
of large part Of the measures taken
by the government railroad admin
:stration during the war to coordinate
and unity railroad facilities.
"In response to the invitation Of
the senate committee on interstate
commerce which is now considerins
legislation. representatives Of
our association vii! appear before the
committee during the coming week.
publicly to present the views of the
railroads. 1t is our earnest hope ard
belief that out Of the present discus
SIGN, in which repres natives of al
interests VIII be heard by congress
the. e will soon come constructive leg
station in the public interest that viii
mark the dawn Of a new era IT
American transportation