The New York herald., 1922-02-02
RAIL CHIEF OPPOSED
|. BY SUPPLY DEALERS.
Association Says Chamber of
Commerce Plan Would I'm
pair Independence.

The Railway Business Association.
composed of manufacturers OF and deal
ers in railway materials and equipment.
in annual session yesterday in the Wal
dorf. adopted resolutions opposing the
proposal Of the Chamber of Commerce
of the United States for the creation OF
the Federal Office of Commissioner Cen
eral Of Transportation. The associa-
tion fears "the possibility of pressure
tending to impair the independence of
those charged with railway regulation
or legislation" .
The association, which heretofore has
refrained from discussing railway labor
problems, decided upon policy of ac-
ton for the future. with the result that
1t will Join with agricultural and In
dustrial organizations in asking the
Labor Board to permit the associations
Intervention as parties in the wage
disputes now in preparation. The pur-
pose OF the requested Intervention will
be to urge upon the Labor Board that
Tabor cost on railways shall be placed
upon level no higher than the cost for
similar service in other industries for
the same region" The association will
ask also that shippers be allowed to in
tervene.
The association went on record as OPP
portation act Of 1920 regarding the rule
Of rate making until the act has had
a more reasonable trial. The associa-
ton approves of the aim of the act.
which Is ito conform rate regulation
systematically to level of net railway
income. which will attract capital for
adequate additions and betterments.
However, the association adds that the
restoration Of credit and confidence in
volved and the resultant betterment Of
service would be a wholesome antidote
for the entire scope of the country's
business ailments.
More important than all the read
justnents growing out of postwar con-
ditions. according to the annual report
of the general executive committee, is
rate aims Of the present transportation
act
Resolutions were adopted urging that
Congress reduce the income surtax rates
at the earliest possible moment.
Diversion Of investment into tax ex-
empt securities by the high income sur
tax rates has an unfavorable influence
upon the already unsatisfactory market
for railway securities" the executive
committees report explained. The COM
mittee expressed the opinion that, in
stead Of the so per cent. rate, the rate
should not be higher than S2 per cent.
The association opposed the proposed
state control Of car service and rates.
The convention closed last night with
q dinner at which Eugene Meyer, Jr.,
managing director Of the War Finance
Cooperation, spoke.
Alba B. Johnson Of Philadelphia, pres
ident of the association. and Frederick
p. Fish, chairman OF the National In
dustrial Conference Board, also spoke.
Mr.. Johnson was reelected to his
fourth term as president and also was
elected by the executive committee as
national councillor in the Chamber Of
Commerce Of the United. States. The
following vice-presidents were re-
elected: w. w. Salmon, Rochester; w.
w. Willis, Chicago; Knox Taylor, High
Bridge. N. j.; w. w. Woodin, New
York: s. G. Allen. New York; Stephen
G. Mason, Pittsburgh, and Charles J..
Symington, New York; f. Harry Mid
6leton. New York, was elected treasurer
and appointed assistant secretary.