ls, but it
is evident that before the tolls can be intelligently
determined some measure of such aggregate revenue must be
ascertained. The question would then arise, what proportion
must be levied upon State and interstate traffic
respectively? If the State should refuse to levy its share
(and how could such share be ascertained?), then more than
its share would have to be levied on interstate traffic, and
thus the State by indirection would be able to do what the
Constitution prohibits. Of course, when the Constitution was
adopted railways and railway traffic were unknown. But it
was a similar question which brought the thirteen original
States together into one nation, under the present
Constitution. At least the first movement toward amending
the original Articles of Confederation was to give Congress
enlarged power over the subject of commerce."

In reply to this it may be said that it will be an unfortunate day for
the States when they surrender the power to control their home affairs.
Differences between State and interstate rates could easily be adjusted
by the National and State commissions and by the courts. It certainly
ought not to be difficult for such tribunals to see that a rate which is
made higher or lower, as it may be for State or interstate traffic, is
wrong.

Mr. Stickney has fallen into the error common to railroad men in
believing that lower rates of transportation will not prevail in the
future. There are many reasons why it is probable that they will be
lower. Present rates are highly profitable on well located lines.
Labor-saving inventions will increase, and roads will be built and
operated more cheaply. Lines will be located with lower grades, lighter
curvature and more directness. Business will increase largely, and the
ratio of expenses will decrease. Steel will be improved in quality and
will be substituted for iron. A heavier rail and more permanent roadway
will be used. Rates of interest will rule lower, and there will be much
more economy in superintending. Extravagant salaries to favorites will
be reduced, and sinecures and parasites will be cut off from the
payrolls. Lower wages are inevitable as our population becomes more
dense.

A very interesting and instructive author upon railroad subjects is
Charles Francis Adams, Jr., ex-president of the Union Pacific Railroad
and formerly a member o