This experiment in government control was discussed and explained by the Director General after six months' experience in the following statement issued by him on June 15, 1918: "The policy of the United States Railroad Administration has been informed and shaped by a desire to accomplish the following purposes, which are named in what I conceive to be the order of their importance: "_First_, the winning of the war, which includes the prompt movement of the men and the material that the Government requires. To this everything else must be subordinated. "_Second_, the service of the public, which is the purpose for which the railways were built and given the privileges accorded them. This implies the maintenance and improvement of the railroad properties so that adequate transportation facilities will be provided at the lowest cost, the object of the Government being to furnish service rather than to make money. "_Third_, the promotion of a spirit of sympathy and a better understanding between the administration of the railways and their two million employees, as well as their one hundred million patrons, which latter class includes every individual in the nation, since transportation has become a prime and universal necessity of civilized existence. "_Fourth_, the application of sound economies, including: (_a_) The elimination of superfluous expenditures. (_b_) The payment of a fair and living wage for services rendered and a just and prompt compensation for injuries received. (_c_) The purchase of material and equipment at the lowest prices consistent with a reasonable, but not an excessive, profit to the producer. (_d_) The adoption of standardized equipment and the introduction of approved devices that will save life and labor. (_e_) The routing of freight and passenger traffic with due regard to the fact that a straight line is the shortest distance between two points. (_f_) The intensive employment of all equipment and a careful record and scientific study of the results obtained, with a view to determining the comparative efficiency secured. "The development of this policy will, of course, require time. The task to which the Railroad Administration has addressed itself is an immense one. It is as yet too early to judge of the results obtained, but I believe that great progress has been made toward the goal of our ideals." GOVERNMENT CONTROL CRITICISED