records, rendered by the railroads.  This power has been fostered by the spirit of cooperation between Federal and State regulatory commissions.  To render this service more efficient and effective and to promote a more scientific regulation, the process of valuing railroad properties should be simplified and the primary valuations should be completed as rapidly as possible.  The problem of rate reduction would be much simplified by a process of railroad consolidations.  This principle has already been adopted as Federal law.  Experience has shown that a more effective method must be provided.  Studies have already been made and legislation introduced seeking to promote this end.  It would be of great advantage if it could be taken up at once and speedily enacted.  The railroad systems of the country and the convenience of all the people are waiting on this important decision.

MERCHANT MARINE

It is axiomatic that no agricultural and industrial country can get the full benefit of its own advantages without a merchant marine.  We have been proceeding under the act of Congress that contemplates the establishment of trade routes to be ultimately transferred to private ownership and operation.  Due to temporary conditions abroad and at home we have a large demand just now for certain types of freight vessels.  Some suggestion has been made for new construction.  I do not feel that we are yet warranted in entering, that field.  Such ships as we might build could not be sold after they are launched for anywhere near what they would cost.  We have expended over $250,000,000 out of the public Treasury in recent years to make up the losses of operation, not counting the depreciation or any cost whatever of our capital investment.  The great need of our merchant marine is not for more ships but for more freight.

Our merchants are altogether too indifferent about using American ships for the transportation of goods which they send abroad or bring home.  Some of our vessels necessarily need repairs, which should be made.  I do not believe that the operation of our fleet is as economical and efficient as it could be made if placed under a single responsible head, leaving the Shipping Board free to deal with general matters of policy and regulation.

RADIO LEGISLATION

The Department of Commerce has for some years urgently presented the necessity for further legislation in order to protect radio listeners from interference between broadcasting stations and to carry out other regulatory functions.  Both branches of Congress at the last session passed enactments intended to effect such regulation, but the two bills yet remain to be brought into agreement and final passage.

Due to decisions of the courts, the authority of the department under the law of 1912 has broken down; many more stations have been operating than can be accommodated within the limited number of wave lengths available; further stations are in course of construction; many stations have departed from the scheme of allocation set down by the department, and the whole service of this most important public function has drifted into such chaos as seems likely, if not remedied, to destroy its great value.  I most urgently recommend that this legislation should be speedily enacted.