South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-08-13
AUGUST I3, 1919.
THAT RAILROAD OWNERSHIP PLAN.

While all the old antpathies to government own
ership OF the railroads come up in perfect order
with reference the federalizing plan presented
h, the railroad brotherhoods still there some
aspects Of it which distinctly appealing or
rather would be- if human nature were not so con-
founded human. The trouble with the Sims BILL as
the measure before congress is termed-and the
Plumb plan outside of congress,-that instead OF
nationalizing it poucazes possibly about the best
that can ever be done with under democracy
with opposing autocracies-the autocracy of wealth
and the autocracy of Iabor,-0idding for control
Foremost among the good things provided for
in the bin, and there several Of them, Is the
principle Of regional operation of the railroads as
a uni6ed system This harmonizes with the modern
conception railroad transportation as one great
industry, which might gain much from genuine
Capitalization and coordination. Whatever benefits
have resulted from federal control during wartime
and there have been some-have resulted chiefly
from efforts in this direction.
some brand-new principles are involved one OF
Them is the building OF extensions at the expense
of the communities benefited, in proportion TO the
beneht Under public ownership, where no contribu-
ton could go undegervedy into private hands such
a plan might be wise and acceptable.
There is much be said. too, for a rate-adjust-
nnent plan which only raise rates 10 cover
hxed charges and operating costs, but would lower
rates automatically with the growth of surplus
beyond a definite amount
1t might be admitted also that the proposal 70
let employees share in the division of surplus and
in the shaping OF policies and administrative meth
DDS deserves at least respectful consideration sueh
ideas do not seem radical today as they did be-
fore the war. Many private employers are granting
these privileges voluntarily. but
Against these obvious or possible merits must
be set some serious objections:
l That the financing of a federal ownership
plan would require the pledging Of the gov
ernment's credit for many billions of dollars
at a time when other large financing must be
done, this would interfere with the ma
tons business revival;
? That under government ownership the
progressive development of railroad facilities
would depend Congr essional appropriations
and experience does not suggest that such APP
preparations would he made wisely and
promptly, in anticipation of the nations
needs;
g. That government operation is seldom
efficient as private operation can be made be
cause individual initiative is lacking and
bureaucratic methods prevail;
a That political methods would almost GER
tainIy have weight in the selection of for
leading official positions; and thus the service
would deteriorate;
&. That fares and freight rates might be
higher than under private operation:
That the addition OF 100000 men TO the
public service would make a total body of p
SOC. 600 government employees. who might easily
exercise a controlling influence on national
politics.
And the last above promises more Of menace
than ali the others. Every congressional and every
presidential campaign would witness a night be
tween the railroad brotherhoods and the railroad
owners for control OF the government members OF
the operating board It would be politics" and
politics all the time, thing that need to be
getting away from. rather than accommodating more
Of
Indeed There should be such partner
ships entered into by Uncle sam II we are 10 have
government ownership, let have IL. the same
as with the post Office the parcel post and other
government activities. Recent experience with the
railroad men after The favors that have been
shown them years past, turning against the gov
eminent they have refusing to operate under
ats mandates and proceeding TO strike contrary TO
directions of their organization officers, proves
them 20 Indispensable fer partnership purposes
Uncle sam wants partnership arrangements
with any gang OF who. when they cannot have
everything their way. in the recent wage in
vestigations. proceed Try force their
way by walking ont" and tying the business up.
The brotherhood men have ruined lot of public
faith in them hy their conduct.
"