The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-12-25
Rail Control
Ends March I
RETURN OF RAILROADS
TO PRIVATE OWNERSHIP
President, by Proclamation,
Fixes Date for Transfer,
March /. 1920.

Washington. Dec. 25.--The decision of
the president with regard to the rail-
roads was est forth In the following
proclamation:
"By the president OF the United
States Of America: r
IA proclamation: 6
"Relinquishment OF federal control
of railroads and systems OF transporta-
ton.
whereas, in the exercise Of authority
committed to me by law / have here
tofore, through the secretary OF war;
taken possession of and have through
the director-general OF railroads exer-
cised control over certain railroads. sys-
TENS Of transportation and property APP
purtenant thereto Or connected there
with, including systems of coastwise
and inland transportation. engaged In
general transportation and owned or
Controlled by said railroads or systems
of transportation. including also. termi-
nails, terminal companies and terminal
associations, sleeping parlor cars, pri-
vate cars and private car lines. eleva-
tors, warehouses, telegraph and tele.
phone lines, and all other equipment and
appurtenances commonly used upon or
operated as a part of such railroads and
systems of transportation; and.
whereas, ! now deem 1t needful ana
desirable that all railroads, systems
der such federal control. be reiinquished
therefrom; now, therefore, under au-
thority of Section IA of the federal
control act. approved March 81, 1913,
and Of all other powers and provisions
of law thereto me enabling, !, Wood.
States, do hereby relinduish from fed
eraI control. effective the first day of
March, 1920, at 1901 o'clock am, all
railroads, systems of transportation and
property, of whatever kind taken or
held under such federal control and not
heretofore relinquished, and restore the
same to the possession and control OF
their respective owners.
walker d. Hines. director general of
railroads, or his successor In Office
is hereby authorized and directed
through such agent and agencies az he
may determine, in any manner not
inconsistent with the provisions Of said
act of March 81, 1918. to adjust, settle
and close all matters. including the
making of agreements. for compensa-
ton and all questions and disputes OF
whatsoever nature arising out Of or in-
cident to federal control. until other
wise provided by proclamation OF the
generally to do and perform az fully
in all respects as the president - aus
thorized to do. all and singuIar, the
acts and things necessary OF proper
in order to carry into effect this procla-
nation and the relinquishment Of said
railroads, systems of transportation and
property.
For the purposes of accounting and
for all other purposes. this proclamation
shall become effective on the first day
of March, 1920, at 1901 am.
I'm witness whereof, | have hereunto
set my hand an5 caused the seal of the
United States to be affixed.
Done by the presi,ant, through New
ton d. Baker. secretary of war, in the
Of the Independence OF the United
year of our Lord. one thousand nine
hundred and nineteen. and of the In
dependence of the United States of
America. the one hundred and forty
fourth.
(Signed) WOODROW WILSON.
BY the President:
ROBERT LANSING. Secretary of
state.
NEWTON d. BAKER, Secretary Of
War;