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Show Later Than We Think The president of one of this country's major railroads recently made this clear, succinct and accurate statement: "The so-called 'railroad problem' has been the subject of more study, but probably less action, than perhaps any other aspect of national industrial life. Since the 1930's, a dozen or so investigating committees have gone deeply into the issues that affect national transportation, some of these concentrated within the last few years. Their almost unanimous findings were in agreement that government transportation policies are seriously out of balance, certainly un-coordinated and obviously unfair in their treatment of the various carriers. While some good was eagerly looked for by the sincere first steps coming from the Transportation Act of 1958, there was really little progress made. It is hoped that Congress in 1962 will face up to the need, in the national interest, once and for all time, of clarifying the muddle in which the transportation industry is enmeshed today." Studies of such problems are obviously essential if Congress is to have the information it needs for the writing of proper and intelligent legislation. But studies which are ignored, or are filed away with little or no attendant action, are worse than none at all. They represent a waste of time, money and expert analysis, and the result is indefinite postponement of decisions which are vital to the national welfare. This has happened to the railroads, and the other commercial commer-cial carriers, and with a vengeance. The consequence is that in a time of expanding business, the railroad industry, which is the keystone of our whole transportation complex, is about one step short of bankruptcy. Indeed, one big road has already gone into the hands of receivers. So far as the railroads are concerned, it is later than we think. oOo A sunny disposition is the very soul of success. Charles Matthews. j |