It seems doubtful, indeed, if the country would permit the matter to be dropped if there were evidence of a desire on the part of Congress to do so. The nation-wide evidence of interest evoked by the initiation of the Newlands Inquiry shows that the people of the country—shippers, consumers, and investors, as well as railway men themselves—are alive to the fact that the railway situation is highly unsatisfactory and that steps must be taken without unnecessary delay to make it possible for the railroads to meet the growing needs of the nation. From reports received here it seems as though almost every commercial organization and business interest in the country were engaged in studying the railroad question. The Chamber of Commerce of the United States has been conducting an elaborate inquiry into various phases of the subject for many months past. Many local and state commercial bodies in every part of the country have committees engaged in study of the problem and have indicated a desire to come here and present their views. National organizations of manufacturers, lumber men, coal operators, wholesale and retail dealers, have expressed through resolutions their desire for the unification of the system of railway regulation. The National Industrial Traffic League, speaking from the viewpoint of shippers using the railways, has endorsed exclusive ferries regulation providing it is accomplished in such a way as to give full protection and prompt adjustment in matters relating to transportation within the states.

Many Interests Studying Problem. 