Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-02-20
CONSOLIDATION
OF. RAILROADS
IS PROPOSED
Willard Offers Plan to Make
Is Big Systems Out Of
Small Ones.

Washington, Feb. 20.-Daniel Will
lard, president Of the Baltimore and
Ohio. continuing testimony yesterday
before the senate interstate commerce
committee. proposed ultimate con-
soitdatton of all the country's rail-
roads to about twenty-five great sys-
terns along present lines. as al alter
regional systems on a geographical
Mr.. Willard submitted a map to
show how competition would be pre-
served under his plan with the big
roads absorbing tho weaker ones. I'm
der the proposed regional system, he
said, competition would be eliminated
IN such region and service would SUI
fer. =
Funds for purchasing the small
roads should be provided. the commit
tee was told, from excess earnings
OF the prosperous mes which other
wise would go to the government.
In this way. Mr.. Willard said, the
big roads would be induced t. pro-
mote The plan, and he predicted that
within five years there would remain
not more than forty systems. At
present. he pointed out. there r 162
100000 a a
In reply to questions Of Senator
Pomerene Of. Ohio; Mr.. willard said:
Il would not bring about this con
solidation violently but simply would
permit the roads to carry it out by
removing present restrictions"
II congress accepts extension OF
federal control until 1894: said Mr.
Willard. ut is accepting government
ownership under a different name"
The only two questions which
shnIsld ho settlad kaFor> tina roaA. or<
relinquished, Mr.. Willard said. are
those OF sufficient rates and the
settlement Of loans received from the
government. :
Senator Cummins said he proposed
to offer an amendment to the pending
bill appropriating $750,000, 900 fol
tho railroad administration to prevent
REIMBURSEMENT Of the roads unit,
after congress has enacted new legis.
latfon, which he said would not b
before next December.
In q prepared statement, Howard
Elliott, president Of tho Northern Pa.
CHIC: asserted that reforms proposed
by former Director General McAdoe
could be obtained under private, man.
Agement "a suggested by representa-.
| tive railroad executives.
Regulated competition should bl
continued, he Eatd, between tho great
systems which should absorb thu
small ones.
Nj. Elliott referring to his 8,
years experience a q railroad man
and explaining that he had endeavor'
ed In considering the subject to givl
due weight to the rights Of all inter.
ests. summarized his views a. FOL
,Nt.t Government, ownership
management and operation OF ths
American railroads II not for the bes
interest OF the nation.
1esond-Private ownership. with
wise. energetic and honest manage
ment and operation under suitable
Thorough and; protective regulation
will produce tho best results for the
country.
Third-Regulation should be 50 ar
ranged and directed as to preserve
and encourage the initiative Of thu
American citizen, to be prompt and
responsive to changing conditions but
At the same time. provide checks t.
prevent any unfair and Idishones
practices by owners and managers
and also to prevent represstve, un'
reasonable and conflicting Action b!
Regulatory bodies,
-. J.44A $500 grgSt -.