Government Takes Control of Railroads in World War I

From the June 20, 2018, MidWeek  (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1918, 100 Years Ago.

The North Western railroad has been busy this past week placing large signs all along this division with a big line 'WARNING,' which calls the attention of the people to the fact that railroads are now government controlled and that several acts will be considered felonies.

"The signs refer to the stealing of merchandise from cars and it is probable that such offenses in the future will more severely dealt with than heretofore, now that Uncle Sam is able to take a hand in the matter."

Railroads under federal control as part of the war effort