Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1920-02-20
WAGES AND Rates
TOCONTINUE Under. .
NEW RAILROAD BILL

WASHINGTON. Feb. 1S.-Wages
established by the railroad admin
istration during the war would con-
tinue in effect until September l
under the railroad reorganization
bill, conference report on which was
PRESENTED today in the house and
senate.
Under the wage provision, the re
drafting of which created more sur
prise in congress than any other
change made in compromising the
Esch bill of the house and the Cum
Minis bill of the senate, pay of rail-
road workers would be stabilized ut
the present levels for six months
after the rail properties are return
ed to private control and operation
The bill as reported today also
seeks to stabilize rates for the same
time providing that prior to Sep
TENDER l no rates may be reduced
unless approval of the interstate
commerce commission is obtained.
The restriction on wage increases
was looked upon with especial lnte"-
est by members of congress, rail
road officials and union leaders in
view of the recent demands of the
more than 100000 railroad workers
for an advance in pay. PRESIDENT
Wilson in supporting the contention
that no increases could be granted
on the eve of return of the railroads
told the union leaders their demands
would be considered by a commits
sion to be created by law II such
provision was included in the rail-
road bill, or to be appointed on his
own initiative of no legal provision
were made.
The outstanding points of the
measure as finally agreed upon are.
Compulsory submission Of labor
disputes to permanent fedora.
board appointed by the president and
composed of nine members equally
divided between the employees EN-
rloyers and the public. No provision
Is made for enforcing the boards
decision. y
Adjustment of rates by the inter
state commerce commission so as
tc yield to carriers a return of IL
per cent upon the aggregate value OF
yheir property with another halt OF
one per cen. for improvements
Guarantee Against Deflott
Distribution of half the net rail
way operating income in excess Of
six per cent of the property value
equally between the carriers reserve
fund and the federal railroad con-
tlngent fund which will be admins
tered by the commission for the as
sistance Of weaker roads.
Government guarantee to rail
roads against a deficit. during the
first six months after the roads are
turned back.
Permissive consolidation of rail
roads in accordance with Il genera
consolidation plan to be prepared by
the interstate commerce commission,
Appropriation of $5OO.G00.O0O to oe
used as revolving funds from which
to make loans to carriers and pay
claims growing out Of, federal con
troll. UneXpended funds now in the
railroad Administrations hands are
also re-approp riated for that rur-
pose, and an appropriation of 5000"
for the federal labor board is pro-
vided.
AS finally agreed upon, the labcr
section provides that st shall be the
duty of all carriers and their officers,
employees and agents. TO exert every
EedSOIldDI0 etLOIL anu duOl)l every
available means to avoid any inter-
ruption to the operation of any car
rier growing out of any dispute be-
tween the carrier and the employees
or subordinate officials"
Such dispute, the bill provides.
should. if possible, be decided by
railway boards of labor adjustment
established by agreement between
the carriers concerned and the en-
ployes. No provision is provided
however, for their organization.
1-2 Per Cont Returns
The rate-making section of the
bill stipulates that the interstate
commerce commission in establish
ing rates which shall yield return
equal to IL per cent of the aggrc-
gate value of the carriers property
shall give due considera ton, among
Other things, to the transportation
needs Of the country and the nece3-
sity (upon honest, efficient and eco
nomical management of existing
transportation facilities) Of enlarg-
ing such facilities in order to pro-
vide the people of the United States
with adequate transportation"
Determination of the aggregate
The commissions increased powers
include the following:
Supervision over the issuance Of
railroad securities, the commission
approval being required before rail-
roads can issue stock or bonds:
Establishment of minimum rail
rates, the commission up to this time
having had only power to establish
maximum rate. This power will ell
able it to prevent a carrier from con-
Quoting "cut-throat" competition.
Authority to make such just and
reasonable direction with respect f
car service in times of emergency
rs will best promote the service ~
the publics interest
The authority to compel the joint
Or common use of terminals; to give
direction for preference or priority
in transportation, embargoes or
movement of traffic under permits.
Approval of new construction or
abandonment of railroads.
Complete control over railroad OPP
erations throughout the United
States in case of war or threatened
war;" the bill provides, would DC CEN
tered in the commission which would
have power similar Sto those now eS-
ercised by the railroad admnistra-
ton.
The Truth About Gall Stones
new booklet written by DIR. E. F.
Paddock, Box 201N. Kansas City.