During the past 10 years a possible grouping of the roads so as to carry out the law has been under constant discussion.

It is my understanding that the plan provides for the protection of the interests of the employees and for full consideration of the interests of the various local communities, and fulfills the intent of Congress in the public interest.

These negotiations have been in progress for some weeks, and were undertaken at my suggestion in the hope of effecting the consolidation policies declared by Congress in 1920 and especially at this time as a contribution to the recovery of…

These uncertainties and delays over nearly 10 years have seriously retarded development of the railways and have prevented a desirable growth in many directions, and have diminished their ability to compete with other forms of…

The four new systems embrace the territory east of the Mississippi River, including the Virginian Railway on the south, the New York Central on the north.

It is a happy omen and another one of the many examples showing the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation which unite us to our great northern neighbor.

I SEND you all my friendly greeting and best wishes on the occasion of this your first formal meeting outside of the United States and in Canadian territory.

Such questions as electrification, the linking up of different railroads, the development of larger terminals, and many offer major improvements have been retarded because of uncertainty with respect to the position which different roads…

The plan, of course, must be submitted to the Interstate Commerce Commission, who have the independent duty to determine if it meets with every requirement of public interest.

These negotiations have been in progress for several weeks.

The Transportation Act [41 Stat. 456] passed by Congress in 1920 provides for a consolidation of railways into a limited number of strong systems in order to maintain broader competition, more adequate service, simplification of rate…