Through this assistance the Nation is building a sound aviation system, operated by private enterprise.  Over 6,400 planes are in commercial use, and 9,400 pilots are licensed by the Government.  Our manufacturing capacity has risen to 7,500 planes per annum.  The aviation companies have increased regular air transportation until it now totals 90,000 miles per day—­one-fourth of which is flown by night.  Mail and express services now connect our principal cities, and extensive services for passenger transportation have been inaugurated, and others of importance are imminent.  American air lines now reach into Canada and Mexico, to Cuba, Porto Rico, Central America, and most of the important countries of South America.

RAILWAYS

As a whole, the railroads never were in such good physical and financial condition, and the country has never been so well served by them.  The greatest volume of freight traffic ever tendered is being carried at a speed never before attained and with satisfaction to the shippers.  Efficiencies and new methods have resulted in reduction in the cost of providing freight transportation, and freight rates show a continuous descending line from the level enforced by the World War.

We have, however, not yet assured for the future that adequate system of transportation through consolidations which was the objective of the Congress in the transportation act.  The chief purpose of consolidation is to secure well-balanced systems with more uniform and satisfactory rate structure, a more stable financial structure, more equitable distribution of traffic, greater efficiency, and single-line instead of multiple-line hauls.  In this way the country will have the assurance of better service and ultimately at lower and more even rates than would otherwise be attained.  Legislation to simplify and expedite consolidation methods and better to protect public interest should be enacted.

Consideration should also be given to relief of the members of the Commission from the necessity of detailed attention to comparatively inconsequential matters which, under the existing law, must receive their direct and personal consideration.  It is in the public interest that the members of the Commission should not be so pressed by minor matters that they have inadequate time for investigation and consideration of the larger questions committed to them for solution.  As to many of these minor matters, the function of the Commission might well be made revisory, and the primary responsibility delegated to subordinate officials after the practice long in vogue in the executive departments.

MERCHANT MARINE