The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-01-03
VIII Take Precedence Over
Treaty in Congress Monday.
May Cancel Anti-Strike Clause
as Labor Concession.
DAY OF SMALL. LINES OVER
Cummins and Esch Would
Merge Santa Fe With Frisco.
Rock Island Parent Line in Mis-
souri, Pacific Plan.

washington. Jan. s.-Congress faces
one OF the most important sessions IN
history when It reconvenes Monday
after the holiday recess. of great I'M
portauee is the peace treaty. with its
turpGlsrt Companion. the league OF
nattpns- but the more vital matter is
the DISPOSITION Of the Cumnnins- Esch
railroad Bills. now in the hands of
Joint conference committee
Many persons believe that the anti
strike legislation included in tho
clauses OF the senate bill, viii be
stricken cut by the joint COMMITTEES.
That concession will be n1ade to organ
lied laboE, but the appeal Of the fed
GRAFTON to continue government OPERA
ton OF the roads for two more years
VIII probably be disregar'fed Due to
the firm stand of the federation. many
senator's and representatives. would re-
Joice II business took tfera elsewhere
on the day the measure comes up for
final vote.
The current belief, not only in con-
gress1onal circles. but among transpor-
raslon men, is that the day of the small
railroad is over. Within five years II
that portion of the Curnnafns bin i
adopted, the carriers must be divided
INTO twenty to thirty big systems
competition will not be eliminated.
IN fact It Will be stimulated, but the
small lines. which are constantly in
financial difficulties. will be operated
| oy the larger systems, which have
adequate facilities to make the little
/ ones profitable
| Senator's Chart Program
Senator Cummsns and Renrssa,ts-
i've Esch have become Interested i.
! tentative charts showing how the
I roads can be merged into systems
wnien VIII equalize competition and
1 9- % strengthen the railroads In
Kansas, Tor instance, the Atchison
topeka & Santa Fe railway will u1arre
with the ST. Louis & San Francisco
and some minor lines. Another r1er-
ger viii be the Rock Island. Missourj
racine FL Paso & Southwestern and
land as the parent line. In the chart
now BEFORE the joint conference com
mietee for consideration, these two
systems will be the chief com pettna
lines OF the southwest
i ran executives have pointed ON
that. sufficient Inducements must be
o1ered to- capital in order that suffi-
clent funds can be obtained for ex-
pansion- With conditions no bette,
snan they are at present. the railroads
ina II impossible to raise the capita
necessary to build extensions Sannus
Q. Dunn. editor OF Railway Age. de.
elares that the roads will need SO
oo0 100000 worth OF new equipment
Nllhln the next five years. and thi.
does not take into consideration ex,
etensions.
Relieved at Proclamation.
The presidents proclamation turn.
ing back the roads on March 1 caused
many to breathe signs OF relief. Rail
road administration officials and EN-.
ployeS did not care to make plans fol
a longer stay IN Washington, with tbs
chances that they would be thrown
out OF jobs at. a few days notice. Con
gresS having adjourned without dis
posing OF the railroad bills. the situa-
ton might almost be termed critical
until the president issued his procla.
nation.
After the conferences committee hai
come to a decision, It will report a bill
back to both houses. and If the join
bill Is passed. it will go TO the presi-
dent for his signature. Not until this
railroads are disposed OF will the sen
! ate again take up the treaty measure