Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-07-03
Tuesday, July 8, 1923.
NEW ENGLAND RAILROADS

conclusions of the report in respect OF
the choice between proposed plans OF
road consolidation if some form
OF consolidation be required. we
feel bound to state; however, that IN
our Judgment the interests OF Maine
would be adversely affected by the
adoption Of any form OF consolidation
considered by the Committee.
This attitude of the Maine MEM
bers of the Joint New England Rail-
road Committee that Maine railroads
be left as they are and not be made
part of any consolidation is one
which has been arrived at after long
elaboration. OF course the public
cannot possess comprehension of all
the inducements of the railroad situ-
alton, but it does see our roads meet
ing the difficulties of the present sit
uation with fair success. They are
neither barnacles on the trunk lines
nor capable it would seem Of con-
tributing materially as subsidiaries.
Why not permit the present condition
in Maine to continue so long as it does
not interfere with others.
There are, of course, those who ad-
vocate union with some trunk line
having long haul from the West, in
the belief that the management OF
these trunk lines. more secure in OBJ
tanning the freight, would divide lib
orally with the eastern roads and
terminals, that from broader view
point they would make it possible for
the interests in Maine, for example,
to obtain rates lower than those
which now obtain and which are very
burdensome in many instances.
The New England committee con-
cluded trunk line ownership would
substantially eliminate competition
among the trunk lines for New Eng
lands westbound business and with
it one of the greak,st incentives to
good service. 1t stresses the impor-
lance of the northern gateways and
the differential routes enjoyed by
New England shippers via Canadian
lines and believes the lower rates
through these northern gateways
would be imperilled by trunk line
control of New England roads.
It also says cooperation with water
TRANSFORMATION to the Pacific; coast via
the Panama Canal and to mldwestern
points via Baltimore, Savannah ana
other southern ports might De al
yersJy affected by the desire OF trunk
lires to get the long haul which the
all-rail route would give them.
These are facts difficult to elimin-
ate from consideration Of this sub
jcct. Some will say that the present
s'corpetition is destructive in its ma
ture. that if we are to secure hVaole
rates it must be by means OF for
ward looking management on a CO.
operative basis. Such views are based
on a confidence in the foresightedness
of trunk line management, whlcn
many do not share. Its natural treno
would be toward the improvement OF
it's main property and terminals. In
the distribution Of cars and In some
other ways it would promise more
than a regional management might
but it is significant that the commit
tee was unanimous in approving New
England or local management, that II
did 40 after a consideration Of mon
,,n,ental mass of data collected with
great thoroughness, a compilation
which it will be difficult to controvert
It is not supposable that local pride Il
wholly responsible for this finding by
competent business men. On the con.
trary, Mr.. Storrow, at great expense
and effort on his part insisted on OBJ
tanning an exhaustive review OF the
situation, determined to go to the
bottom of the matter.
Wa think the public in this STATE
will approve the action Of the Maine
members of the committee favorine
freedom for the Maine roads IRON
combination with the other New
England roads unless 1t can bt
shown, which hasn't been done a.
vet. that such consolidation would 81
of particular value either to th'
Maine or to the other New England
roads. Nevertheless an earnest spiri
of cooperation, q feeling OF pride II
New England achievement. sens'
that in q way we are in the SAM
boat to quite degree should aid II
the endeavor which will be required
IL the New England or local manage
ment Of its own railroad facilities Ii
to be worked out successfully.
General Gouraud, the ~lion of tn