Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1922-05-18

to secure the best water transporta-
ton possible under present condi-
tions. in order to relieve as much
as we could the congestion in trans
portation everywhere existing.
Especial consideration was also
given to those projects which had
local backing-where the people
themselves who were asking for
government aid were not only will
ing. but were actually putting their
own money into the projects. and so
justifying their own faith. as we'll as
the judgment OF the Committee, in
granting their demands.
Expressing my own views, de-
sire to go on record as firmly be-
lieving that river and harbor i'm
provement IS OF the utmost value to
the nation, and will become more so
as the population OF the country in
creases. and therefore TO its trade
and commerce. / desire to be re-
corded as firmly convinced that no
waterway enterprise which lies
largely outside of the territory OF the
United States should be undertaken
until our own internal rivers and
canals and the harbors upon our
sea coast. upon the Great Lakes and
upon the Gulf are adequately and
abundantly cared for and converted
into complete and actual utility.
There are three fundamental prob
lens, national in character. which
concern most deeply all the people
OF the United States. Those three
problems are production, transporta-
ton and distribution. No President,
no statesman, no members OF Con-
gress. as far as know, has attempt
ed as vet to consider these three
plain facts in our national lie IN re-
spect to their absolute unity. Ana
vet they are most intimately con-
nected, and will become more and
more so as time goes on. IL is in
evitable that It should be so from
their very relations with each other.
To solve one OF these three prob
lens will not solve the other two.
They must be somehow solved to-
rether. Up to this hour Congress
views them as absolutely distinct
and separate. To show the lack OF
coordination as far as Congress,
itself is concerned. I desire to call
your attention briefly to one only OF
these problems-the matter OF
transportation.
"Congress assumes jurisdiction 7
,ver legislation concerning railroads .
Jurisdiction over the matter of
heir credits; the fixing OF freight
md Messenger rates; wages; and the /
And yet Congress does
rot attempt to control the credit Of
hin lines or barge lines, or TO die
ate the rates of freights and pas
engers conveyed on the water. Con-
,ree appropriates large sums OF
money! also for rivers and canals.
md very appropriately too, but
hereby raising up intense competi-
ion with the railroads and adding
o the difficulties of both. Congress
lso appropriates millions for public
highways, and they become also
ivals and competitors of the rail-
Dads. and of the rivers and canals
n all freight and passenger service.
hen Congress heartily (and with
Iardly murmur) gives money,
1rEe sums Oh lloltss ~ tAAbeAA q e-7'
nd injure the railroads by increas-
ng competition, but froths at the
Mouth. and raises horrible clamor
{ aid is asked to be extended to the
ailroads. This condition is a sense
ess one and not justified by glim-
ler of reason. II Congress had set |
ut to produce confusion, to sow the
eeds of discord, and to tangle up {
nd embarrass this great national
JUNCTION of transportation, 1t could
ave found no more effeNual way of
ding it. Some time q am not a
rophet), but sometime. soon. too.
know without being a prophet,
nat every means of transportation
ill be by necessity considered as
ne problem, for a growing popula- {
on. and a growing national need
ill compel it" l.