PREFACE THE aim of this volume is to present a condensed analysis of the private and public laws which govern railways in the United States, and of the important decisions relating to interstate commerce. Statements and comments are based upon actual analysis and in large part upon analytical tables of charters and laws enacted in the various states. These tables present so many typographical difficulties that it was not thought expedient to publish them. Chapter IV of the Introduction originally appeared in the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, for January, 1902; and chapters II, III, and IV of Part III appeared in the Political Science Quarterly for September, 1902. The author desires to acknowledge his indebtedness to the editors of these publications for their courtesy and kindness in permitting the use of this material in the present volume. Part II was included in a more general form in a report published in Volume IX of the Report of the United States Industrial Commission, "Railway Regulation under Foreign and Domestic Charters." It is hoped that the addition of specific references will add to the value of this material in the present volume. MADISON, WISCONSIN, B. H. MEYER. PREFACE CONTENTS Railways as creators of a new world Extent of the railway system of the United States The beginnings of railways in different countries International relationship of railway charters Public and private activity in different countries Extent of special legislation in Europe Classification of railways The doctrine of free competition among railways Rate of progress in the introduction of railways Influence of internal improvements Federal, state, and private efforts |