The Washington times., 1921-07-05
.C|TY-OWNEO
CARS SURE
Of SUCCESS
Cong. Keller, Who Ended Trac-
ton Troubles in St. Paul, Says
D. c. Can't Lose in Venture.
By Major OLIVER p. NEWMAN,
Formeriy President, Board of Com
nnissioners, District of Columb mbia-

nnissioners, District of Columbia
Meet Mr.. Oscar E. Keller. of St.
Paul, MINI.
Mr.. Keller is spending about
eighteen hours out Of every twenty
four these days working for US
folks here in Washington, and we
ought to get acquaintd with him.
He has. tackled the modest job of
solving the street car problem in
the District, and he offers what
lot Of people think is the only COM
plete, final, and logical answer.
WOULD SLASH CAR FARES.
Here's what he wants to accom-
plish:
Lower street car fares and better
service.
Here's how he proposes 10 accom-
plish that much desired result:
.Condem nation of the lines by the
Government and their operation un-
der public ownership.
Now stand hitched a minute until
you ind. out something about this
fellow and see whether there's any.
thing about him that justifes you in
listening to him, or that would Justify
mittees and the members OF Cngress
in looking favorably on his proposal.
First and foremost II is we'll to
bear in mind that Keller IS not a
visionary. He's been TO the mill and
got his grist. Hard knocks in the
school of practical experience have
taught him a lot, not only about street
car systems. but all phases Of mu-
nicipal government.
Before he came down 10 washing
ton as a Congressman. Keller was an
official in the city government OF st.
Paul II was Keller and a few other
people like him in ST. Paul who saw
the value OF the commission form OF
government several years ago and led
the movement which resulted in the
establishment Of that reform there.
BRINGS THEORY TO SUCCESS.
But he didn't stop then. His neigh
bors liked his action so we'll that they
elected him member Of the commits
sion. and he was a leader in getting
the thing working. He served long
enough TO see his theory n derion-
strated success, and TO see a huge ma
Jority Of the people of his home town
recognize that fact.
st. Paul Is tickled 70 death with It's
CItN lO". II = eldu II
made the change, and it gives due
thanks and appreciation to Keller for
the part he played in bringing the
change shout.
So you see the man who proposes
public ownership of street car lines
in Washington must be conceded TO
know something about how town
should be run. He must also be con-
ceded TO know something about
street car systems, for city official
can't escape learning a lot about
street cars. even II he doesn't make
a special study OF the question, which,
however, Keller has done.
HAS THREE ARGUMENTS.
Il have three arguments for pub
lie ownership of street car Inns in
Washington which believe are in
controvertible." said Keller today.
They are:
"First, The soundness of the eco-
nomic principle that the duty md
responsibility OF providing the people
Of q given communit, with car service
heIongs TO the peoples government.
and should not he fnrmcd out to pri-
vatc intercrts for exploitation and
pront.
''secondi The fact that all kinds OF
public ownership Of IocnI utilities
everywhere have been almost uni
formly succcssfuI-and by successful
mean that n better service hns been
rendered nt lower rntes thnu has been
the rule undr private ownershtp.
"Third, Under the control OF Com
Rress, In the District Of Columbia,
without the Influences of local poll
ttcs. puthic ownership would he even
surer Of being successful than In my
Other spot under the sun"
rs SURE THING WITH HIM.
Keller looks like the kind Of man
who comes out OF those hustling.
progressive towns OF the Middle West.
(Continued on par. Co,vr,n .,