Jerome County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1919-1920, 1920-01-08
SERVICE BELONGS TO PEOPLE

1t was the late Governor W1thy
combe, of Oregon, who said that "the
railroads belong to the stockholders.
but the service belongs to the peo-
pie"
This is q very important aspect OF
the situation in relation to proposed
legislation by congress respecting
future railroad control.
What the people want most of al
and more than all else, is efficient
service.
Shippers generally in Pacific coast
territory are opposed to compulsory
consolidation because they easily
conceive that this would eliminate
competition between rival carriers
which is the very foundation of good
service
For the very same reason there is
practically no sentiment among shir
pers or in business circles in favoi
Of limited return other than that
resulting from reasonable rates.
Observing minds in all industries
and business circles realize that ade
quate transportation is q determining
essential to present prosperity an(
future progress, that the railroads
are now barely capable of handling
the present volume OF traffic, and
that if we are to grow and escape
harmful congestion much capita
must soon be devoted to additiona
facilities.
1t is just as easy to discern that Ii
congress shall enact a law requiring
the REIMBURSEMENT of portion OF
the earnings above a certain fiXeC
percentage TO the government, or foi
apportionment to less prosperous
lines, both the incentive to inves
e and efficiently operate will have beer
nullifed. and not only would needeC
capital for enlargement of fl cilitiei
not be forthcoming but the service
would inevitably deteriorate.
The government should and doe
exercise authority over rates end th'
law requires. and justly so. tina
rates shall be reasonable. If rate
be reasonable, end it is clearly tn
S duty of the government to make then
I so. by what method OF sane reason
] ing can the earnings of any railroa
, be adjudged unreasonable?
. Is it consistent with sound busines
e principles. or is it likely to achiev
e the desired purpose respecting th
e attraction of investors, so that fund
q may be obtained for much needle
additional facilities. to penalize
road which by judicious improve
ments and efficient management ha
effected economies of operation Will
'- out impairment of service? Man
@ fcstly. this would not only be unwis
T but potentially disastrous.
7. Furthermore. since both the Hous
n and Senate bills so increase publ
'i authority over affairs OF the carrier
NJ as to embrace every aspect of the
lt public relations what excuse remain
~ for placing representatives of Il
public and of the employees on Il
railroad directories and cOmmi
tees invested with almost equal a
thority but with no responsibility.
Of Is there a publisher, banker, bu:
- nessman. farmer or lumberman vi
a. would want to assume all the respo
sibilities for the payment OF hi
and successful conduct of his bu'
ness under like conditions? 1t is ju
such short-sighted meddling as II
a that intimidates investors and d
courages development.
nd The public's interests are amr
ng safeguarded without this represent
tion. while it is very evident ii
in giving the employees representati
er would simply increase their opp'
,k tunity and incentive to burden
public with additional wage deman
-, or shorter hours or both.
~ If in the contemplated legislati
on congress shall keep clear of all VI
:, aries and adhere to sound busin'
od principles it will have rightly Il
=, and conserved every public reQui
49,, ment. keeping uppermost the thout
that the service belongs to the p
ple" and is the most important
'' pect of all