The sun., 1919-01-06
RAILWAY HEADS
AGREE ON PLAN
OF OPERATION
Oppose 5 Year Control by
Government, but Favor
Supervision.
COORDINATION APPROVED
Otto II. Kahn Urges Speedy
Legislation and Operation
BY Private Interests.
COORDINATION APPROVED

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 5.-Opposition TO
, prolongation to five years OF the
oerioi of Government control OF rail-
.oads was reiterated to-day at a ses-
,on Of the Association of Railway
Executives. Ninety two per cent. OF
the mileage OF the country was repre-
sen,ed at the meeting, and practically
eyery 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 elaborate presentation of the
contention of the railroads has been
prepared and this will be laid before
ne Senate Interstate Commerce Com
nittee at its hearing next Wednesday.
4 Acommittee Of six then will appear on
behalf of the companies. 1t consists
Of T. De Witt Cuyler, Pennsylvania
Railroad. chairman of the Association
Of Railway Executives; ALFRED II
Th0m. counsel for the association;
Howard Elliott, president Northern
nacihc: julius Kruttschnitt. president
southern Pacific Samuel Rea- presi-
dent Pennsylvania. and Daniel Will
ard. president Baltimore and Ohio.
statement of Executives.
Tie statement given out by Mr.. Guy
Ter is as follows
The Association OF Railway Execu-
tyes representing 90 per cent. of the
railroad mileage of the country. adopted
set II principles that it believes ought
to form the foundation of the national
sgsla,ion necessary for the readjust-
nert Of the railroads to peace condi-
tons These principles are the result
not only OF almost continuous confer
eGces among the executives since the
onr.usion of the war. but of their
asrrest efforts over a period OF several
ysars 10 work out permanent solution
II the railroad problem that would
guarantee for the future the adequate
Development of our national transporta-
ion system.
Throughout our conference We have
t'HA ANltl 1AlpSl III t4At AoNNr NV
universally recognized, that transporta-
'"n i essentially a public service, and
hat tie public interest must be para
.elr, N any proposed plan worthy OF
serious consideration. The railroads
vii. urge that legislation be enacted, as
-oon as compatible with the public in
te!est, agars; such a prolangation OF
hs Deriod Of uncertainty as has been
proposed by the DIRECTOR General of
G7ilroads. ard in their definite sugges-
tons as 10 the form of legislation they
7lIl favor the legislation. under future
private operation, of large part of the
measures taken by the Government
3ailroad Administration during the war
10 coordinate and unity railroad facili-
.es
Constructive legislation C-ged.
IN response to the invitation Of the
Senate Committee oo interstate Con!-
rtrlc. which is now considering rail
road legislation, representatives OF our
association will appear before the COM
ni,.ee during the coming week publicly
% present the views OF the railroads
t is our earnest hope and belief tha;
OFT q; the present discussion. in which
reprt sentatives of all interests will be
card BY Congress. there will soon come
obstructive legislation in the public in
's-eS' mat will mark the dawn or a new
ora IN American transportation
Mr. Cuyler also made public a letter
rom otto II. Kahn of New York, ii
which Mr Kahn states his objections L
policy If permanent Government own
.r,hi, and operation of the railroads arC
Z. Director General McAdoo's propose
% '1r'npe the present Government con
20. rpr FIVE years.
Mr. Iiahns letter" commented Mr.
CIyer, clearly and concisely sum
mar'z-s the views held by the Associa
'1H o.! Railway Executives"
Tie letter in part follows:
From the point OF view of the none
'a.y interests OF the investor in railroad
lritcS the prospect of Governmen
ownership and operation. which woulC
'"i,,'' aim of risk and make his income
''a.., aud secure, may be attractive.
Would Decrease Efficiency.
.3pD The national point Of view
1T-yt, consider Government owner
-