The Washington times., 1922-01-23


1t is apparent that the interest Of
the consumer, quite equally with
that of the producer, demands meas
ures to prevent these violent fluctua-
lions which result from unorganized
and haphazard production. Indeed,
the statistics Of this entire subject
clearly demonstrate that the con-
sumer's concern for better stabilized
conditions In quite equal to that OF
the producer. The farmer does not
demand special consideration TO the
disadvantage of any other class; he
asks only for that consideration
which shall place his vital industry
on a parity Of opportunity with
others and enable 1t to serve the
broadcast interest.
No country Ia 30 dependent upon
railroad transportation as is the
United States. The irregular coast
lines Of Europe, its numerous indent-
ing arms of the sea, as well as It's
great river system, afford that CONT
nent exceptional water transporta-
ton. The vast continental area OF
the United States Is quite differently
situated, its greater dependence upon
railroad transportation being attested
by its possession OF nearly one-half
the railroad mileage Of the world,
and even this is not adequate. The
Inevitable expansion Of population
will enormously increase the burden
upon our transportation facilities,
and proper forethought must dictate
the present adoption OF wise ana
far-seeing policies In dealing with
transportation.
Crisis May Prove Aid.
II broad-visioned statesmanship
shall establish fundamentally sound
policies toward transportation. the
present crisis will one day be regard
ed as a piece Of good fortune to the
nation. To this time railroad con-
struction. financing. and operation
have been unscientific and devoid OF
proper consideration for the wider
concerns Of the community. To say
this Is simply to admit fact which
applies to practically every railroad
system In the world. It Is as true
regarding the railroads OF Canada
and Great Britain as II In in refer
ence to those of the United States.
II is equally applicable TO the rail-
ways Of continental Europe, in whose
development considerations Of politi-
cal and military availability have too
far overweighted economic useful
ness. In America we have too long
neglected our waterways. We need
a practical development Of water re-
sources for both transportation and
power. A large share Of railway
tonnage In coal for railroad fuel.
The experience Of railway electrifi-
cation demonstrates the possibility
of reducing this waste and increas-
ing efficiency. We may well begin
80. 90 Al
trify our railroads. II such q sug-
gestion seems to involve inordinate
demands upon our financial and In
dustrial power, II may be replied
that three generations ago the sub
gestion Of building 100000 miles OF
railways in this country would have
been secuted as a financial and In
dustrial impossibility. Waterway
improvement represents not only the
possibility OF expanding our trans
portation system, but also Of pro-
ducing hydroelectric power for its
operation and for the activities Of
widely diffused industry.
Speaks Of Europe.
have spoken of the advantage
which Europe enjoys because Of its
easy access to the sea. the cheapest
and surest transportation facility.
In our own country Is presented one
Of the worlds most attractive oppor-
tunities for extension Of the sea-
| ways many hundred miles inland.
The heart Of the continent. with It's
vast resources In both agriculture
and industry, would be brought In
communication with all the ocean
routes by the execution Of the st.
Lawrence waterway project. To
enable ocean-going vessels to have
access to all the ports Of the Great
Lakes would have a most stimu-
lating effect upon the industrial life
Of the continents interior. The
feasibility Of the project Is unaues-
toned. and its cost, compared with
some other great engineering works.
would be small. Disorganized and
PROSTATE, the nations Of central
Europe are even now setting their
hands to the development OF great
continental waterway, which, con.
Meeting the Rhine and Danube, will
bring water transportation from
the Black to the North Sea, from
Mediterranean to Baltic. II ma
tionalist prejudices and economic
difficulties can be overcome py
Europe, they certainly should not
be formidable obstacles to an
achievement, less expensive, ana
giving promise Of yet greater ad-
vantages to the peoples Of North
America. Not only would the cost
OF transportation be greatly re.
duced, but a vast population would
be brought overnight in immediate
touch with the markets Of the entire
world.
This conference needs have no
fear of unfortunate effects from
the fullest development Of national
resources. A narrow view might
dictate, in the present agricultural
stress. antagonism to projects OF
reclamation, rehabilitation, and ex-
tension Of the agricultural area.
To the contrary. II agriculture Is
to hold it's high place, there must
be the most liberal policy In ex.
tending It's opportunity. The war,