The Interstate Commerce Commission's report shows the gross
receipts of the railroads to be nearly $2,000,000,000. The Department
of Agriculture estimates the value of all farm products, except cot-
ton, at $2,700,000,000. To this add 12,000,000 bales of cotton at $40
per bale, or $480,000,000— all told, $3,200,000,000.
But, as I before stated, I have not time to go into the details.
In view of this, and the various complaints coming in from all
parts of this country, as to excessive, unjust, unreasonable, and dis-



340 PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF INTEESTATE-COMMEROE LAW".
criminating rates, which I believe are well founded, it is high time,
and our duty, to give the desired relief. And as to that I think we
are generally agreed. The question then is, How shall we obtain the
best results ? How shall it be done ?

Congress as a body can not examine, investigate, and prescribe rates
in detail, as that would be a physical impossibilitj^ ; but it can dele-
gate that power to some commission. I believe this power should be
delegated to the Interstate Conunerce Commission, a Commission I
believe made up of men of integrity, intelligence, sound judgment,
and who have had extensive experience, and who are more compe-
tent to deal with the questions than any new commission or tribunal.
