The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-03-04
LIKES RAILROADS, TOO
Bismarck, North Dakota,
March /, 1882.

Editor, Tribune:
It Is largely because Of the interest
aroused In my mind through the med
ium Of recent article written In the
Peoples Forum by Mr.. g. ]. Mohr on
the defense Of our railroads and par
TALLY in vindication Of my own optn-
ions that I take the liberty Of align
ing myself solidly behind and In i'd
herence to the principles Of support
and defense as suggested By Mr..
Mohr with regard to truly great dis
tressed American industry.
That the American railroad indus
try Is in deplorable condition and
in state Of distress is not q myth.
Since the advent Of the cycle Of mo-
for transportation, railroad business
has steadily declined, profits have ma
terially decreased-not infrequently
to the point where the operating ex-
pense exceeds the income-while, In
truth the clamor of the public for
better transportation efficiency has
put the railroad industry to an addt-
tional cost Of many millions, due to
various modern installations for SAFE
ty, comfort and service, and the ire
mendous expense needed to offset un-
fair competition. The balance Is too
uneven! We have evidences Of such
fact at every hand. Although the
railroad industry does feel the dis
tress throughout this entire country.
1t is essentially more noticeable at
present throughout the midwestern
belt Of the nation inasmuch as the
branch lines of any superior industry
are surely to be affected more greatly
and more quickly than the trunk cen
tiers. The independence Of the small
settlement depends entirely upon the
railroad by which 1t is served. In sew
eral instances it Is q well known fact
that certain railroad corporations
have applied to the Railway Commits
sion for permission to discontinue
lines which, during past months, they
have operated at distinct loss. When
that permission isn't granted, what
then?
No industry can long endure run
ming at loss. Why should we, then.
expect our pioneering railroad indus
try to suffer like consequences?
Correct legislation and the enact
ment Of measures relating to the es-
tablishment Of an equal basis for the
taxation and regulation for our rail-
roads must necessarily be proposed
through the channels of congress
state legislatures, and proper commits
sions. How, then, can we, as indi-
viduals. be of aid? Easily-by oul
wholehearted patronage of an indus
try which built up the nation Of which
we are so rightfully proud! There are
those who will advance the argument
that rail rates are too high. We can.
not escape the truth of that state.
ment. but what underlying principle
causes the increase? Isn't it due tt
that same lack Of patronage? Stable
business creates q low-price level. I'm.
stable business must, then. create
high price level to stabilize itself
That Is exactly the demoralizing con
dition which is affecting our railroad
industry Of today! Every clear think
Ing, logical and patriotic American i
called upon to give his support to al
: industry which needs our individual
and collective aid.
Let not the mere saving Of few
paltry dollars dwarf our vision an,
subject future generations to the evil
which might arise subsequently from