New-York tribune., 1921-02-08
House. Refuses
$34O.OOO,OO0
To Pay Roads
Winslow Rail Bill Defeated
by Less Than i Vote When
Leaders Attempt TO Force
the Measure Through
Will Be Up Again To-day
Predict Passage Before Ad-
journment Tonight; Dem
ocrats Lead Opposition
From, The Trtbune,s wash.noton Bur,o,

FROM the TTtbune's Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, Feb. T. Resenting
an attempt of leaders to force through
the House to-day the Winslow bill, pro-
viding for the payment to the railroads
of about $340,00000O due them under
the guaranty provisions of the Esch-
Cummins law, the House defeated the
bill. 1t will be called up again to-mor-
row under special rule obtained to-
night and will undoubtedly pass before
adjournment tomorrow night.
The bill was defeated to-day by less
than one vote. The vote of 220 to i'll
fell short by about two thirds of a
vote of the two-thirds majority neces-
sary for the passage of the bill under
suspension of the rules. The opposi-
tion, which Unexpectedly frustrated the
attempt to pass the bill, was composed
of eighty-six Democrats, twenty-three
Republicans and two Independents. A
recapitulation failed to change the
result,
The fight against the bill was led by
Democratic members of the Committee
on Interstate and Foreign Commerce
who originally supported the measure.
They fought it vigorously when the
steering committee tried to jam it
through without debate or opportunity
for amendments. Insurgents among
the Republicans Joined the Democrats
in making the defeat possible.
Republicans Back Democrats
Representative John J. Esch, of Wis
consin, chairman of the Committee on
Interstate and Foreign Commerce,
which reported out the bill, declared
that unless the railroads were allowed
partial payments OF their money due
them under the agreement by which
they were restored to their owners
many supply companies would be un"
able to pay their employees, and some
would have to shut down. The de-
cision Of the Comptroller of the Treas
ury by which further payments to the
railroads were prohibited until they
had made complete accountings, would
delay complete settlements for years,
said Mr.. Esch.
"There are deferred items of debts
and credits arising out of personal in
jury cases, loss ana damage CLAIMS,
reparations and things. of that kind,
which. going through the channels Of
the courts, will take years for final
settlement" he said.
"The loss to the government under
the six months guaranty will lie about
$631, 900, of which 31,000,000 is due
the American Railway Express" he
said. "Qf this amount the Interstate
Commerce Commission has decided that
there is no doubt that $4,000, 900 will
be due the roads when the final settle
ment is agreed upon. 1t has ordered
this amount paid, but the Secretary IF
the Treasury has decided he did not
have the power to honor the vouchers.
1t was the intention of Congress that
this amount should be paid in partial
payments, and that is all there is in
this bill.
Added Burden to Roads
"The big loss to the government
was caused by the fact that the Rail-
road Labor Board added an additional
burden to the roads of 5000, 0,000,0 900 or
more for increased wages during this
period; that an illegal strike of switch
men was called and that many coal
miners were on strike, thus greatly de-
creasing railroad revenues. If the gov
ernment had not provided the guaranty
the transportation system of the coun-
try would have failed. If partial pay
ments are now allowed it will be years
before q final payment can he ma de -