Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-08-16
MOTIVE POWER
ON RAILROADS
SAID LOWERED:
President Writes That
Safety First Thing to
Get Consideration.
Commerce Commission
Head Reports Steady
Efficiency Sinking.

Washington. Aug. 15.-Motive pow
er upon certain of the important car
riers of the country because of the
present strike is progressively deteri
Grating" Chairman McChord of the in
Iterstate commerce commission inform.
ed President Harding Tuesday night
and in letter of reply, was told by
the president ito insist upon the full
enforcement of the law
Inspection forces of the government
should exert themselves to the utmost.
the president said. because it is better
20 have service diminished rather than
attempt any movement of trains on
which safety is not assured.
The commissioner informed the pres
ldent that he was enforcing the safety
provisions of the federal law. we
are taking steps and will be compelled
to continue to proceed in manner
which must bring about serious with
draWals of motive power from serv-
ice"
Harding Says Enforce Law
Tie president responded that "the
growing menace to maintained trans
portation had been called to his atten-
ton and nothing could be done ex-
cept to insist upon full enforcement
Of the law The correspondence as
given out by Chairman McChord. fol-
ows:
Dear Mr. President:
I'm the administration and enforce
nent of the locomotive inspection and
related safety appliances acts of con
gress. the commission has observed
With concern the progressive deteriora-
ION of motive power upon certain of
he important carriers Of the country
since July 1, 1922. and during the
present strike. The effect of delayed
'epairs is cumulative and becomes in
'reaslngly felt as the strike goes on.
Says Must Withdraw Service
The acts which We are called upon
o administer leave little discretion
With the commission as to enforcement
when violations come to light. In the
continuance of Our enforcement Of the
aw we are taking steps and will be
compelled to continue to proceed in a
manner which must bring about serious
of motive power from
ervlce. Certain violations of the acts
We report to the attorney general for
appropriate legal action. With a CON |
lnuance Of existing conditions these |
VII be increasingly frequent.
Knowing your interest in the Yat- !
er, We felt you should be advised of |
be facts.
Faithfully yours.
g. G. MCHORD. Chairman.
Reply From President
My Dear Chairman McChord:
nave yours of even date. in which !
on call to my attention the progressive |
eterlofation of motive power on some !,
L the important railroad lines of the |
ountry as an outgrowth of the pre-
ahlng strike. This growing menace
D maintained transportation has been
aiied to my attention unofficiaIIv in
arlous ways. Under all the circum-
tances- | know of nothing TO be done
&cept TO insist on full observance of
Nv 1t Is very natural thing under
Irc'imstances which exist at the pres
at 10 waive the exactions in behalf of
afety IN seeking to maintain trans
ortation. In my judgment it is better
nave the service diminished rather
ian attempt the movement of trains
u Whlch safety is not assured so far
compliance with the law NAV pro
DE 1t. ! trust that your inspection
'rces Will exert themselves to the
tmost IN order TO be able to pass
pom sale equipment. because the Off
al sanction Of the government will re-
owe all questions of dispute.
Very truly yours,
WARREN G. HARDING"