1. The commerce of colonial America. George L. Beer, The Commercial Policy of England toward the American Colonies, especially pp. 66-90; J. R. H. Moore, Industrial History of the American People, pp. 163-208.
2. The commercial relations of the states under the Confederation. John Fiske, The Critical Period of American History, pp. 134-162.
3. The embargo and non-intercourse policy of the years 1807-1811. Edward Channing, History of the United States, Vol. IV, pp. 379-400; 415; 421.
4. The clipper ships. A. H. Clark, The Clipper Ship Era, pp. 173-194; R. D. Paine, The Old Merchant Marine, pp. 154-184.
5. Some great railroad builders. John Moody, The Railroad Builders, pp. 165-178 (James J. Hill); 193-210 (E. H. Harriman).
6. Railroads and land grants. E. L. Bogart, Economic History of the United States, pp. 348-360; J. B. Sanborn, Congressional Grants of Land in Aid of Railways, pp. 62-75.
7. Railroad rate discrimination. W. Z. Ripley, Railroads, Rates and Regulation, pp. 195-209.
8. The work of the Interstate Commerce Commission. P. S. Reinsch, Readings on American Federal Government, pp. 517-527.
9. The Sherman Act and the Northern Securities Case. James T. Young, The New American Government and Its Work, pp. 141-164.
10. Our foreign trade today. J. H. Hammond and J. W. Jenks, Great American Issues, pp. 195-209.
11. The effects of the tariff on trade. F. W. Taussig, Some Aspects of the Tariff, pp. 3-49; J. H. Hammond and J. W. Jenks, Great American Issues, pp. 174-194.
12. Our river and lake commerce. G. S. Callender, Economic History of the United States, pp. 313-326.
13. International trade. H. R. Burch, American Economic Life, pp. 372-384.
14. The Panama Canal. F. A. Ogg, National Progress, pp. 266-277; P. L. Haworth, The United States in Our Own Times, pp. 300-309; F. J. Haskin, American Government, pp. 209-220.
15. The Shipping Board and Emergency Fleet Corporation. W. F. Willoughby, Government Organization in War Time and After, pp. 121-165.
16. American commerce during the World War. F. A. Cleveland and Joseph Schafer, Democracy in Reconstruction, pp. 397-419.
17. Government operation of the Railroads. 1918-1920. I. L. Sharfman, The American Railroad Problem, pp. 100-131.
1. Explain the various ways in which a bushel of wheat could be transported from Albany to New York City in 1750; in 1850; in 1920. State the approximate time required in each case.
2. What commercial functions are now performed by wholesalers, jobbers, retailers, agents, brokers, and money-lenders, respectively.
3. Apportion the following into three columns according to whether they figure, for the most part, in the local, the interstate, or the foreign commerce of the United States: bread, tea, oranges, milk, spices, firewood, brick, dyestuffs, automobiles, shoes, paper, tin, jute, gravel, glass, straw, potash, poultry.
4. Name the successive stages in the development of agencies for the transportation of (a) passengers; (b) goods; (c) information. State their relative merits in regard to speed, dependability, and cost.
5. What objections would there be to giving Congress authority over local commerce? Will the new agencies of transportation increase the power of Congress or of the local authorities?
6. Is there in your state a commission with authority over local commerce? How is it appointed and what are its powers?
7. What sort of cases come before the Interstate Commerce Commission? The Railway Labor Board? Give an example in each case.
8. Among the various arguments for protection which one appears to be the strongest? Which seems the strongest argument for free trade? Can you suggest any argument on either side in addition to those given in the text?
9. Make a list of the reasons why the United States should have a large merchant marine, putting them in the order of their importance. Should the government sell or operate its ships?
10. If you were planning to fit yourself for the consular service, what subjects would you study? Show how each study would be of help to you in performing your duties as a consul. Why are appointments to the consular service made by competitive examination?
11. Explain what is meant by the following statements and give illustrations: “Trade follows the flag”; “Commerce makes for peace”; “Trade rivalries lead to war”; “Commerce does not create goods but values”.
12. During the World War, and for a time thereafter, the exports of the United States greatly exceeded the imports. What effects do you think this had (a) upon prices in this country; (b) upon our stock of gold; (c) upon tariff policy?
13. Suggest any ways, not already utilized, in which the national government could help the development of (a) interstate commerce; (b) foreign commerce.
1. The national government should own and operate the railways.
2. Our protective policy has benefited (or injured) the farmer.
3. The national government should operate its own ships even if it must operate them at a loss.
From a mural decoration in the Pennsylvania State Capitol at Harrisburg.
In this crowded and clanging hive of industry, where no semblance of order appears visible to the onlooker, Vulcan sits aloft on the clouds of smoke and steam directing the actions and energies of the workers to a common end. It is the co-operation of the toilers, the guidance of their skill and strength, that makes their work productive. Like a mentor the mythical patron of industry, Vulcan, presides over the busy centers of human toil.
The general impression which the artist has sought to convey is that of industry reaching its results, not through the unguided work of individuals, but by mutual effort under wise and kindly direction.
THE SPIRIT OF VULCAN. By Edwin A. Abbey
Copyright by Edwin A. Abbey. From a Copley Print, copyright by Curtis & Cameron, Boston. Reproduced by permission.