to define and enforce them. Many communities are becoming aroused to the necessity of providing suitable water terminals. which in the vast majority of cases at the present time arcfowned and controlled by railways or private corporations. They should be public property for public use.
A notable result of the increased liberality in waterway appropriations is that a number of meritorious projects have been undertaken in a systematic manner. and are being pushed rapidly. Definite periods ranging from fi\e to twelve years have been Fixed for completing several of the more important projects. the length of time being determined largely by the rapidity with which the work can be advantageously carried on. Under this new and wise dispensation, projects will be finished in the near future which had been delayed so long under the old-time methods that everyone had lost confidence in them.
The organization has taken deep interest in legislation relating to the Panama Canal. regarding it as the greatest artificial water im rovement ever undertaken by man and o supreme importance to the welfare of all Americans who go down to the sea in ships. It wishes to see this graat canal so safeguarded by wise laws that rival agents of transportation may not be enabled to reap the benefits which the citizens of the Union are entitled to receive from the free water competition of this connecting link between the oceans.
Let it be distinctly understood, however. that the Congress is not opposed to railways. its earnest desire is that rail and water shall cooperate in every proper way so as to give the cheapest and best transportation. It believes that railways and waterways are the natural complements one of the other. and while it wishes to do its utmost to secure all laws for improving every worthy watercourse in the Republic. for preventing improper interference by rail with movements of freight by water. and to create as perfect a sy stem of terminals on watercourses as can possibly be devised. it expects to do this in the future. as in the past. without animosity towards railways. which it recognizes as the most beneficial agents of transportation the world has ever known. It wishes to be friendly with the railways. and why not"! There is glory and business enough for both rail and water. There are many localities which cannot be served by water and belong entirely to the railroads. Moreover, it is well known that wherever there exist the best waters and the greatest number of boats. are also found the most prosperous railroads. It is earnestly hoped. therefore. that these two great agencies will work together in harmony for the good of the Union.
The Congress feels just pride in the partial succcss of its efforts for the past six years. and looks with confidence to the future in the belief that the next six will see the fruition of its aims. Much has been done. but the greatest is yet to come. Rivers and harbors now receive appropriations annually. and the items approximate forty millions a year; but the definite. comprehensive. business-like plan for improving every worthy watercourse is still unsettled; the problem of terminals is a giant one whose solution is scarcely yet begun: the actual navigation of rivers and internal waters—now sadly neglected— must be restored: and a system of laws must be evolved to insure full justice to every agent of transportation. Let the organization continue its fight until all these and many other good things have been accomplished.
