New-York tribune., 1919-12-16
Senator Norris Proposes
All Lines Be Operated
by Government Under
a Federal Corporation
Stock for Employees
Congress Told by Cummins
That Properties Are III
Danger Of Bankruptcy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15.-A bill
propo ing public ownership and gov
crnmcnt operation Of the railroads
was introduced tonight by Senator
Norris. Republican, of Nebraska, and
referred to the Intcstate Commerce
Committee. 1t would create a Federal
railroad corporation, managed by five
directors appointed by the President
and have 100000 900 cf stock, with
additional "employees' stock subject
to subscription only by railroad EN-
r.oyees, equal to one-foulth Of ta,
book value of the railroad property.
The public would be permitted to
subscribe to the general STOCK OF the
company, which would be authorized
to take over existing railroad proc
critics by condemnatl.n proceedings
and also build new lines.
The Norris bill also provides for
issuance of government bonds for
financing the corporation and woul
limit it's stock dividends to 6 per
cent, with excess earnings revetrng to
the government.
Roads Nearly Broke, Says Cummins
Debate on the Cummins bill to re-
turn the railroads to private owner.
ship continued to-day. Senator Cum
Minis declared the Senate could not
afford to set aside the pending rail
road bill or delay cons Grafton n
view of the apparent determination of
President Wilson to end government
control the first day Of the new yea.
Breaking into the debate while Sen
ators were pleading for postponement
for action on all railroad legislation
until after the recess, Senator Cum
Minis told the Senate
effective legislation they could exist
for a month and then fall into hope
less confusion. with two thirds of
them quickly ending in receivership."
The senator INSISTED that Congress
should turn back the roads if satisfied
that the people believed in that policy.
Would Accept Amendment
"They can go back on January l in
perfect safety" he said, 'if the coun-
try is assured OF the bills enactment
in one months time"
Senator Cummins denied reports
that he had told officials OF the train
mems hrotherhoods that he would with
draw the anti-strike csause Of the bill
when it comes to vote in the Sen
ate.
An attack by Senator Lenroot on the
transportat ton board, created under
the bill. drew from Senator Cummins
the statement that he would not op-
pose it's elimination as final arbiter
in labor disputes and the substitution
therefor of the Interstate Commerce
Commission.
In hope of expediting the measure
the Senate remained in session to-
night, but as new fields Of argument
were opened there developed little in
dication of final action this week.
Leaders insisted, however, that the bill
would be passed by a narrow margin
before Saturday, when the holiday
recess is expected to begin.
Smith Starts Discussion
Senator Smith, Democrat, of Georgia,
rising to inquire if it would not be
best to defer consideration of all rail
road legislation until January, pro-
vokcd storm Of discussion and drew
from Republican Senators statement
that there was no indication of any
change of mind on the Presidents part.
Reminding the Senate OF the Presi-
dents statement to Congress last May