In Great Britain the average freight charge for handling a ton of freight one hundred miles was $2.31 in 1907 and $2.33 in 1908. In Germany the average charge was $1.42 in 1908; in France, $1.46; Austria, $1.39; Belgium, $1.22. The great freight service of the American railways was furnished in 1908 and in 1909 at an average charge of 75 cents for handling a ton one hundred miles.
In 1888 the average rate per passenger-mile in the United States was 2.35 cents, and in 1908 only 1.937 cents, and yet the accommodations provided have constantly improved in quality. In 1870, the average rate for handling a ton of freight 100 miles was $1.99, and in 1909, 75.4 cents, or a reduction in forty years of 62 per cent.
The railway-owner, by his courage, energy, and intelligence in adopting advanced methods, has been able to improve the railway system of the United States steadily in the last forty years and still maintain and operate his property in spite of this reduction in rates. If the railway-user had paid, for the year which has
