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136 Then there is the dimensions of cabooses. The length and beam and depth of hold of cabooses are profound problems of state, worthy to engage the mightiest intellects, and it has engaged them.

Rates, wages, hours that men may work, what they may do when they do work, the kind and character of equipment, methods of financing, details of accounting, terms of contract between carrier and shipper, grade separation, train schedules, use of terminals, leasing of lands, purchase, construction or abandonment of track—all this and numberless other details are prescribed by law.

The legislation dictating the conditions under which our ocean shipping must be conducted, especially with reference to the employment of seamen is an economic restriction of the first order. Insofar as it applies to coastwise shipping, wherein the limitation of the right to American vessels may be politically well-justified, the effects are similar to those of economic restrictions upon railway traffic, which may remain obscure for a long time. In overseas traffic, however, the effects have been quick and in no wise uncertain, for therein American ships come immediately into competition with those of foreign ownership which are not subject to our restrictions. The consequence has been an inability to keep the American flag extensively upon the high seas. As a remedy for this economic evil it is proposed to give shipowners a subsidy at the expense of all the people in order to offset the drawbacks of the restrictions that are imposed upon them. Without entering into any argument respecting the pros and cons of this controversial subject it is obvious that an approach to laissez faire in maritime traffic is vastly sounder than paternalism.

In some states there are legislative restrictions upon the right to work. Thus most states require chauffeurs to be licensed before they are permitted to operate automobiles. In this instance the restriction, imposed