Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-03-15
surrcndering the Railroads

HE most ardent advocate OF government
ownership Of the American system Of
railroads must agree that the experience OF
the country during the past year in govern
ment operation has been disappointing. 1t
has not strengthened the cause OF Federal
ownership. 1t has not demonstrated the
superior efficiency Of government manage
ment 1t has not vindicated the conviction
that central control, absence of competition
and a pooling Of traffic would increase earn
ings while at the same time reducing costs
the ideal condition in any business.
1t is, OF course, unfortunate for the gov
eminent ownership propaganda that the ex-
pertinent which is now under way had to
be made during the stress Of war This has
made it impossible for fair comparisons to
be made. The conditions under which the
railroads were operated during the past
twelve months were so radically different
from the conditions existing during any
other period OF railway history, that the re-
suits Of government management prove very
little. But at that some enlightening aspects
Of the matter have developed.
For example, it has been clearly demon
strated that money cannot be saved through
Federal operation of the interior transporta-
ton lines. Those sums which might be
saved through the joint use of rolling stock
lines and terminals and through the abolish
ment of competition. have been eaten up, and
ment pays its men than private owners pay
Railroad labor is costing more than was
dreamed of five years ago, and this is largely
due to the fact that the government, in the
very nature Of things, is more liberal in that
direction than the old management would
have been.
These heavier expenditures, with no cor
responding economies, have made railroad
service more expensive. The first important
o6Y, rScfro
its creation was to lay rs per cent increase
upon all freight shipments and heavy, in
crease upon passenger traffic. Some of the
additional money expected from this tax was
TO go to improvements and extensions but
the bulk Of it went into the pockets Of the
men who make the wheels 60 around
Whether or not this increase in operating
expense was justifable is not the point in
this discussion. The fact to be noted is
that the increase took place
Granting, therefore. that government ope-
ration OF the railroads costs more, the only
thing that could possibly commend that ope-
ration was improved service and greater eff
fciency. The shipping and travelling public
might be expected to stand the additional
expense involved, if it could be shown beyond
all doubt that it Is getting more for its
money than before If freights are being
delivered with more expedition, with less loss
in transit and greater facility In delivery the
shippers could scarcely object to the higher
rates now in effect If the passenger service
OF the railroads is vastly improved IL better
schedules are maintained, more conveniences
provided, then the traveller will be willing
to pay more for his ticket
And those people who are leading the fight
for government ownership, following govern
ment wartime control Of the railroads. Must
be prepared to show better operating results
The fact that the cost Of government man
agement is higher cannot be disputed. It
has been established beyond all argument
There is only one ground left therefore, upon
which government ownership might he de-
Tended, and it is debatable ground