Government Seizes Railroads in Nation War Move
President Wilson uses 1916 act to take control of nationwide rail lines. Secretary of War Baker directs under McAdoo, unifying management while private operators keep daily running. Railroads receive guaranteed earnings and protection for bondholders as Congress is asked to back by 1917.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Congress
War Baker
Railroads War Board
McAdoo
Gregory
Wilson
Secretary of War
William G. McAdoo
Woodrow Wilson
United States of America
Congress of
United States
Senate
House of Representatives
Congress of the
Newton D. Baker
Continental
President Wilson Seizes Rail Systems for War Needs
Wilson issues proclamation placing U S rail and related transportation systems under control of William G McAdoo as of December 28 1917 to move troops and materiel. Director General to coordinate among companies while preserving existing law and contracts.
Dilution of Labor Endangers Eastern Railroads
The General Operating Committee of Eastern railroads warns dilution of labor is the chief problem facing the industry. They note many workers have gone to the military draft and others to Europe to rebuild European lines, risking crippling transportation efficiency unless steps are taken to ensure full staffing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pittsburg
Penn
General Operating Committee of Eastern Railroads
Arthur W. Thompson
President Holden Sees Rail Fares Rise With War Demands
Hale Holden, president of the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad, says the public will likely see higher railroad rates. He notes England’s 50 percent rise in passenger schedules and mentions talk of a three cent US rate. He discusses government control measures and support for the President’s plan to guarantee fixed net earnings, framing rail workers as loyal supporters of wartime policy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Act of Congress
McAdoo
Congress
Europe
Railroads Face Talent Drain Amid War Time Labor Surge
The report notes 1,138,500 new hires by major railroads in the first nine months of 1917. It breaks down 93,900 locomotive firemen, 112,700 brakemen, 299,300 equipment and engine-house workers, 355,400 track repair staff, and 162,700 freight handlers plus 153,900 others. The turnover is about twice a normal year, leaving 262,800 positions filled by 948,600 men and implying a new hire every ten weeks, creating a constant influx of inexperience and broad dilution of forces across Eastern railroads.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Seaboard
General Operating Committee
Federal supervision of labor urged for national defense
A New York report from the mayor's committee on national defence calls for federal regulation of labor as essential to solve industrial problems. It urges nationwide labor registration, centralized placement, and a uniform administration to move workers and prevent cross state employment abuses.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York
Committee On Industry and
National Defence
New York City
America
Railroads War Board Struggles With War Transport Needs
Washington dispatch outlines how government control and the Railroads War Board directed by Fairfax Harrison and four other chiefs confront rail traffic surges after war start. The board coordinates cars and locomotives, plans pooling, and seeks to deny non essential freight while officials discuss safeguarding workers and pooling efficiencies to save hundreds of millions.
President Hustis Predicts Smooth Rail Takeover
President J J Hustis of the Boston and Maine says the government move to take over railroads will cause little disruption to current management. He notes Washington despatches forecast the act and expects no personnel changes, only changes in operating methods.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
J. J. Hustis
Boston & Maine
Washington
Rate Hearings Continue Under Wilson Proclamation
Washington December 26 The President’s proclamation directing government operation for railroads does not halt rate questions before the Interstate Commerce Commission The commission will keep its existing functions and an early decision is expected on the Eastern and Western railroads 15 per cent fare increase Other issues include a 10 per cent raise sought by express companies and Western Intermountain cases Doubt remains whether express firms fall under the proclamation though the phrase every system of transportation may cover them
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Congress
Interstate Commerce Commission
Interstate Commerce Commissioning
Washington
United States
Wilson
The
Railroads War Board
Fairfax Harrison
Southern Railway
Howard Elliott
New Haven
Samuel Rea
Pennsylvania
Hale Holden
Burlington
Julius Kruttschmitt
Southern Pacific
Commission
Eastern and Western Railroads
Real estate owners seek 10 amends to building law
Real estate owners will ask an amendment of the State building law at the coming session of the Legislature. The bill proposes giving building commissioners power to grant postponement of improvements required by the statute. At present commissioners must enforce the law strictly with no discretion.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Legisla
WORKING A HARDSHIP ON PUB LIC HOUSES IN MASSACHUSETTS
Real estate groups in Boston press relief from enforcement of a law affecting building alterations. Commissioner Patrick O'Hearn denied appeals to delay minor changes citing high material and labor costs and shortages. A joint committee plans a bill to seek legislative relief, with broader backing from real estate groups statewide.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Patrick O’hearn
O'Hearn
Boston Real Estate Exchange
O’hearn
Massachusetts Real Estate Exchange
Crawford House
George F. Washburn
Commissioner O'Hearn
Free Museum of Fine Arts Open Through New Year
The Museum of Fine Arts will be open free from today through New Year’s. The opening was announced yesterday by officers of the institution.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Museum of Fine Arts
Newspapers Carry Out Wider War Service Census
London papers pressed for broader military service among staff. A census by Daily Mail Evening News and Weekly Despatch shows 1096 of 1643 staff joined the colors, including 75 officers. The minister could not detail the total, calling the number very small.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
Hhouse of Commons
National Service
Daily Mail
Iivening News
Edison unveils invisible ship clip to elude submarines
The first Edison invisible ship reaches Baltimore harbor and drops anchor at Quarantine. A British registry freighter built with hinged masts and a deck level top line aims to blend with the sea. Neutral paint, low decks, and smokeless coal reduce visibility to enemies.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Baltimore
Thomas A. Edison
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Chie
U. S
England
Miuhiko
Newton Dpd. Baker
District of Columbia
Robert Lansing
Gude
Red Blood Builder
Si Hoo
Tadd
M. J. Breitenbach Company, Manufacturing Chemists
Breitenbace OY
U Buh
General
Chicago
Hale Hol
Den
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
U. S. Control
Committee On Employment
Tion
War Board
Eastern Rail Lines
Brotherhood
Treasury
Railroad Administration
Railroad War Board
Hustis
Nelleton
Franklin P. Winston Co
Boot Shop
Milk ST
Nettleton Company
Milk Street
Old South Church
Ture
Winger
Frank Nathan
Frank N. Nathan CO
Hura
Iron St
Boston
Diamond Merchants
Nichican
Mmittenns Markets
Washington St
Adams Square
Meueo
Weadowbrook Creamery
United A Food Gat
ELOR
York
Skookum
Haddock
Corned Beef Sale
Fancy
Aroun
Swirr
Frank
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