Evening journal., 1921-10-27

Nearly a quarter OF century ago
Senator A. p. German, of Maryland,
in a speech in the United States Sem
ate. said that the big question before
this country was not one of produc-
tion but one OF distribution. Every
day since then has emphasized the
farseeing wisdom OF this statement,
for outside OF the financial mis-man-
agement Of the country the great
trouble which faces us is one OF dis
tribution.
When the Interstate Commerce
Commission some years ago was
seeking to secure the rate-making
privilege, following the inevitable
course OF all commissions, which
once in power. constantly seek to en-
large their powers, the Manufactur-
ers Record persistently fought their
efforts and stated on a number OF
occasions that II the right to fix rates
should be granted to the Interstate
Commerce Commission II would
cause this country eventually far
greater loss than all the good which
the Commission could ever accom-
plish.
That prediction has been more
than fulfilled.
The chaotic condition OF the rail-
road business, and thus OF the coun-
try's business, is largely an outcome
of the autocratic power given to the
commission to make rates. From
the day when the Interstate Com
merce Commission thus became an
autocratic body. absolutely controli-
ing the entire railroad system of the
country. the doom OF railroad iniJia-
tive, which had created our vast rail-
road system, became certainty. For
many years now railroad officials
have been able to spend compara-
cively little time in the actual man
agement OF their roads. Most OF
their time has been given to prepar-
ing reports for the Interstate Com
merce Commission, or appearing oe-
fore that organization. or before
State railroad commissions.
The creative power, the initiative
the force OF character, the inspirinl
work of building up our vast railroad
systems, has for twenty years beer
chained to the slavery of legisl alton
held a prisoner, with all it's deaden.
ing effects and the outcome. whicl
should have been forseen from th'
beginning, now finds the countr!
with broken down transportation
system, the railroads almost bank
rupt, physically and financially alike
and every industry OF the natioI
halted by these conditions.
Commenting on these facts, Gen
eral w w. Atterbury. vice-presiden
OF the Pennsylvania Railroad system
in an address in Chicago last week
pointed to the continuous rise in tn
cost of freights to the public sine
the beginning of the regulation sys
TENS adopted by Congress. The rat
on export grain, for instance, from
Chicago to New York, during thi
period, has increased 13.5c to 31.5
per 100 pounds. and practically
Everything else given in his list show
about the same percentage OF in
crease. General Atterbury, referrin
to the beginning OF railroad regula
ton by law, starting with the In
terstate Commerce Act OF 1887, con
| tinually amended and every amend
t ment leaving to railroad manage
, ment less and less initiative, said;
r There came veritable avalanch
Of regulatory legislation: Safety An
pliance Acts. Hours OF Service Ac
, Employers Liability Act. Ashpa
Act, Clayton Antitrust Act, Head
lights. Fire Doors, transportation {
Explosives, Adamson Act, RaIlw 4
Mail Service. Full Crew Laws, Bill
OF Lading, Boiler Inspection-and S
on-some good, the majority ba'
but all working to take away froI