The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1923-02-27
Improving Railway Facilities.

The railroad companies are engaged IN the
expenditure of large sums in the purchase OF
new facilities. For example, President Win
burn, of the Central of Georgia, announces
that his system plans to expend S5,74l ,39Z.OO
during the current years., 910,38500 for
equipment and the balance for roadway inn
provement. Noting these expenditures critics
of railway management cite them as proof
that the companies are not in such desperate
financial condition as they have been trying
to make out. During the acute car shortage
of last fall when the roads were saying that
the shortage was due to the fact that they
were not permitted to earn enough money
to keep pace with equipment demands rail-
way management was again severely CRITICIZE
ed Thus the roads were criticized tor not
having necessary facilities to handle the
country's transportation and now they are
criticized when they undertake to supply
these facilities There would seem to be no
chance for railway management to escape
criticism and reproof
Notwithstanding, railway management is to
be credited with earnest effort to improve its
facilities, to the end that the country shall
not this year suffer another acute shortage.
The Central of Georgia is but one OF num-
Der of the larger systems that have given
large orders for new equipment. Some OF the
roads made some money last year, but the
purchases that are being made are more
manifestation of confidence in the future than
proof of a full treasury. "The items for ad-
dtions and improvements" says President
Winburn. amounting to $5,741, 1872, must for
the most part be secured by going into the
open market and borrowing money. The
Central of Georgia is earnestly endeavorlng to
place itself in position to serve its patrons ade-
quately. In turn we expect the public to man
fest such a sentiment toward railway regula-
tory policies that the railroads may earn tar
rate of returns upon just valuation OF their
investment The faith that the public will do
this just6es the management in these extern
sive expenditures"
The railroad managers are to be credited
with optimism and courage in proceeding
with their plans for enlargement of facilities,
involving huge expenditures of capital in the
face of demands that are being made Tor
further regulatory measures. Perhaps they
are encouraged by the prospects OF the
breathing spell that is promised by the ap-
preaching adjournment of congress on
March 4th If the country can escape an
extra session. which now is probable, and
with better business year in prospect than
last year there will be chance for the rail-
roads to make better showing on earnings
than for some years past.
To all this the farmer critic will say that
his problem still remains unsolved. Improv-
ed service will solve that problem in part
but not wholly. He still is firm in his con-
viction that transportation rates on the COM
modities he has to market are too high and
that before agricultural prosperity can be re-
stored there must be readjustment. rate
that will allow the farmer to market his
products at a reasonable profit is quite as
essential as the facilities to get that product
to market The fact that the railroads are
finding a way to solve the problem OF tacili-
ties lends hope that solution OF the prob
lem of transportation rates, fair to both the
shippers and the carriers may also be found