Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-30

Acceptance by the country of the
Interstats Commerce Commissions de-
cision on the railroad application for
is per cent increase in rates Is accom-
panied by some predictions that further
measures will be provided for the as
sistance of the roads. The increases pro-
vided en- certain commodities and the
pooling of these revenues, with result
ing assistance to the weaker lines, are
expected to produce an Improvement
in the condition of the industry. The
rail executives proposal that help be
given in the form of loans also meets
with much approval.
1.-THE decision" as summarized by the
Louisville Courier Journal, may be
considered to preSage a change of adj
m1n1stratlve policy on the part of the
commission, whereby the members may
be more liberal in future times of pros
perity, when higher rates are not likely
TO cause so great a protest. Out of adj
versity, then, may emerge a great vic
tory" The Rutland Herald feels that
the proposal may result in stabilizing
railroad securities and thus permit the
employment Of capital in railroad re-
placements, extensions or necessary
Liz OhldItOAtid SAJy
assumes that half loaf is better than
none" and sees "a long stride toward
that unification of transportation sys-
TENS which should make for greater
efficiency and improved service
"All in all, except in the suggested
possibility of a later temporary increase
in the rate on lumber, the decision is
highly intelligent" in the opinion of
the Portland (Oregon) Journal, and
tho OAKLAND Ttf-ih1fTa haf I1a
proposal seems to be one designed to
encourage the pooling Of problems and
possibly facilitate that consolidation in
certain areas which has long been
urged"
The Sioux Falls Argus-Leader finds 1t
pleasant to note that the commission
gave some thought to the farmers posi-
tion," but adds that The was entitled
to even more consideration than he re-
ceived." The Omaha World-Herald
testifies that agriculture is relieved
from any considerable share in the
COST" and concludes that ut Is per-
haps as good plan, in fairness to all
parties concerned and to many in dis
tress, as could be improvised."
The st. Louis Times observes that
"the commission seems to have met the
request of the roads with reasonable
margin to spare, without accedlng 70
the Is per cent originally asked" and
the worcester Telegram advises that
ito cooperate in the pool would cost
the PROSPEROUS roads nothing, and they
would stand to share in what was left
after the credit requirements OF the IN
digent roads were taken care OF. me
Lexington Leader is convinced that II
these measures are worked out. the
roads will find themselves in much
better shape" ;. =
out of the way," thinks the Fort Worth
Star-Telegram. pointing out that the
roads know what is ahead and they can
Legin to take such steps as may be ad-
visable to solve their difficulties. The
Fort WAYNE News-Sentinel estimates
that "the proposed changes would not
make more than a per cent increase
in the revenue of the roads, taken as a
whole" and that there Is some good
ground for the belief that the decision
constituted compromise more Iavor-
able to shippers generally than to the
railroads" The New York Times states
that, summed up, the commission mas
recognized the nature OF the situation
and has proposed a plan OF at least
partial relief"
The New York sun: Even a patch
viii help until the return of prosperity
makes it possible to give the roads what
they really should have. II good times
come back soon, the question OF wage
readjustments may be avoided On the
latter phase. the Chicago Daily News
comments: Talk of wage reductions by
the railroads, though natural. Is only
speculative. Such a step should be re-
garded by all concerned as only the last
resort, to be avoided If humanity pos
Siole" -
CommendiIk the modification Of the
plan proposed hE the xatlroad exeei-