The Powder River County examiner and the Broadus independent. [volume] (Broadus, Mont.) 1919-1935, 1920-03-19
RAILROADS GIVEN
BACK TO OWNERS
y. s. RELEASES CONTROL. HELD
FOR IS MONTHS, OF $50
LINES
HINES STILL HAS HUGE TASK
viii Stay in Office Until May to Set.
tie Demands.-There Will Be Al.
most Immediate Resumption Of
Old Time Competition

Washington. Feb. 1.-Anerica : rail
transportation systems. operated as one
great public utility since Dec 2S. 1917.
again were divided among their $50 re-
spective owners when the government
released control at midnight. Direc-
tor General Hines. as the agent of the
president. handed over the properties
and equipment, valued at approximate
~ $4,000. 600. 100000, TO their old direc-
tors, free except for the jurisdiction re-
tanned by the government in the rail
road reorganization bill.
While all arrangements for formal
restoration of the carriers tn their
owners were completed Saturday ny
Mr.. Hines. instructions Went out yes
terday to operating representatives in
forming them that they would report
to the proper officials OF the corpora
ions, which resume control at 1901
u. M, March L.
OF the gigantic organization created
by former Director General McAdno
as wartime eNpedient only small
part will remain. Regional officials.
federal managers and treaSurer> and
many high officials comprising the di-
rector generals staff. ceased TO func.
ton as such at the designated hour.
Some of these have gone back to their
former places as officials of the cor
porationS, while others have entered
into new lines Of endeavor.
Mr.. Hines will continue in his pres.
ent capacity until about May l. Al
though without any railroads to direct
he still faces the settlement of literal
~ thousands of claims, contracts and
grievances. Only 147 of the go COM
pensation contracts with the corpora
lions actually were signed during the
government control, and the remain
der will continue to be the subject Of
negotiations. Damage claims have
arisen. many Of which are still pend.
ing. Labor has several thousand cases
before the government wage boards
and Mr.. Hines has assured the labor
spokesman these will be concluded.
Some will require the payment of re-
trOactive wages if decided in favor of
the workers. and others will mean the
establishment of Interpretation of
agreements which labor. of course. will
refuse to have altered by the corpora
lions. Many affect general labor poll
ces and represent vitality important
questions from the labor view.
The reply given by President VIII
son To abor'S objections 10 the re-
organization bill Will be considered
today by the railway union chiefs.
There WAS no Indication yesterday
as To sentiment among the leaders
who had read the presidents state
ment in answer To their request the
bill be vetoed. They said they had
stated that he would withhold his APP
prevail from their case and that. until
IL policy can be determined. they would
remain silent as to future action.
With the lines again under private
control there will be almost immedi-
arely Il resumption of their days of
competition. Corporation heads have
been preparing for this for several
months. The various roads will at
tempt to divide again the business
which has been handled Jointly during
federal control, reports indicated.
The roads go back to private control
under largely new conditions. The
railroad bill, signed last night by the
president. gives the systems certain
new privileges. but as an offset it en-
largeS the interstate commerce COM
mission. both in power and personnel.
The corporations no longer are mas.
tiers completely Of their bond issues
nor are they allowed TO stand solidly
against labor, for luhor'S demands. if
not met by arbitration and negotia-
tons between the parties concerned,
go to the high court provided in the
bill and on which sit. in addition to
labor and railroad representatives, pub
lis representatives rs well.
Development of water transpOtra-
ton. Instituted by the railroad admin
istration. is to be continued under d.
rection of the department. The whole
organization which has handled this
and part of the railroad admnistra-
tons duties will be transferred To the
jurisdiction of Secretary Baker. These
waterway systems are regarded by Mr..
Hines as representing Il ''mere begin
Ming" and in relinqushin@ control
of them he advocates n continuation
the citizens with whom he has talked
practicable test may be made of utiliz-
ing the nations inland waterways"