Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-01-05
COOLIDGE ASKED
To CLARITY VIEWS
ON RAIL PROBLEM
Lawmakers Growing Nefv-
GUS as Country CIamors
for Revision Esch-Cunl-
Minis Act Under Fire
BY DAVID LAWRENCE
(Leased Wire Service to The Journal.)
downright. 1921

Copyright, 1924
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3. - Chair.
man Winslow, Of the house commit-
tee on interstate commerce, asked
President Coolidge today to Clarity
his views on possible legislation af-
fecting the railroads and Transports
Mr.. Coolidge, in his message, set
forth some definite ideas on the rail-
road problem, but Mr.. Winslow want
ed to make sure just how far the
president is willing to go in seeing
his views carried out on capitol hill.
Although taxation is undoubtedly
the paramount issue before congress
today, there is considerable pressure
from the agricultural and business
interests of the country on the SUBJ
ject Of railroad legislation. 1t all
arises from the demand Of the farm
er for cheaper freight rates. Tho
farm bloc owes it's popularity in the
west to the boast that it champions
the interests of the farmers. The
congressional campaign Of 1922 saw
many member lose his seat because
of farmer dissatisfaction with his at
titude on the transportation law
known as the Esch- Cummins act.
Presidents appeal Fails
For several years there has been
a steady demand upon the railroads
that they reduce freight rates. Some
reductions have been voluntarily
made. Others have been refused.
even though the president of the
United States in a personal appeal to
various railroad executives sought
the reduction.
What power then can be exerted
over the railroads to get lower
freight rates? The farmer and his
Representatives in congress have
seized upon precious clause in tha
transportation act which they insist
amounts to a guarantee of profits
to the railroads and prevents the in
terstate commerce commission from
ordering lower freight Ia tes.
Mr.. Coolidge pleased the railroad
interests by saying in his last adj
dress to congress that it has been
erroneouly assumed that the act
(Esch- Cunmins law) undertakes to
guarantee railroad earnings The
president argued that the law mere
ly requires that rates should be
just and reasonable"
But what are just and reasonable
IdCCs> Il IfOSS tlldC yiGlu IGilrs I6-t
turn on the money invested. Here,
however, the dispute only begins for
the opponents of the present law in
sist that fair return could be made 4
with a lower freight rate on various
commodities, and that the facts and
figures furnished by the railroads are
not conclusive. And so the argu-
ment goes.
Tt is somewhat similar to the sol
der bonus controversy. One side
insists upon one set of figures and
the other offers another group of
figures. The outstanding fact is
that the farmer looks upon his
power in congress as a club over
the heads of the railroads. So long
as that club is dangled from above,
the railroads will be kept in a state
of anxiety. So far as the railroads
are concerned they, wouldn't be dis
appointed If congress never found
time to tackle the railroad problem
at all at this session.
Long Delay Likely
Judging by the speed congress is
making and the capacity for debate
and prolonged fighting inn the tax
question, it would not be surprising
If the railroad problem was not
taken up for several months. If
congress does not take positive ac-
ton, there will be good deal heard
in the presidential and congressional
campaign about amendments to the
transportation law. The so-called
progressives consider it vital plank
in their platform and the question
affords plenty Of opportunity for
stump speaking.
Mr.. Winslow's call at the white
House today was prompted by a de-
sire for guidance. The president Ill.
dicated in his message txat he
would prefer to let well enough
alone and wait for decision OF the
supreme court Of the United States
on the constitutioaality of certain
features Of the present law before
trying to amend the act. Whether
congress will agree with him Is
doubtful.
OF far more Importance is the
question of Mr.. Coolidge's attitude
should the farm bloc take the initia-
tive, amend the act aud present Mr..
Coolidge wit ha bill that contradicts
the views he expires 5ed in his mes
sage. The best inforna ton at the
moment is that Mr.. Coolidge will
cross that bridge when he comes to
it and that he has not assumed a 20
sition of direct hostility to railroad
legislation.