Cornell University Library HE 1821.L33 Interstate commerce and railway traffic 3 1924 014 000 073 Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924014000073 INTERSTATE COMMERCE AND RAILWAY TRAFFIC COURSE Outline of Study and Suggestions as to Methods Read this through carefully before beginning to study Ia^^LE RtEJSSIOW [)flVEI^ITY CHICAGO 1917 (2-197) Course of Study in Interstate Commerce and Railway Traffic A PRACTICAL TRAFFIC COURSE SUGGESTIONS AS TO STUDY In taking up the study of this course, it is desirable that you lay out a plan by which you can carry on the work in order to derive the greatest benefits from it. To assist you in laying out a plan, we are giving you herewith some definite suggestions as to points to be considered, which you may modify to meet your needs. Time In starting out with this study, perhaps the first thing to be given consideration is the matter of time. It is desirable to set aside, if possible, a certain time every day or on certain days of the week for a study period. In the enthusiasm of getting started, do not try to make the period so long that you will find it tiresome or will find that you are frequently not able to give the time that you had anticipated. Whatever the time is, stick to it if at all possible. You will find that a short time systematically applied will produce better results than a longer time applied at irregular intervals. Place for Study In addition to having a definite time for study, it is well to have a definite place. This place need be neither large nor elaborate but the space should be so arranged that you will have all your study material where it can be reached with the greatest convenience. 3 LaSalle Extension University In making the suggestions as to a definite time and place for study, we appreciate that many of our students have to study under circum- stances that do not admit of a regular schedule of study, but many others are able to study under very favorable circumstances and to such we want to recommend a careful following out of the suggestions both as to time and place. Value of Note-Taking The advantages of note-taking are as follows : (1) The necessity of condensation forces the selection of important points; (2) it com- pels the student to think; (3) it insures greater definiteness and clear- ness, and thereby makes the subject-matter easier to remember; (4) the manual labor of writing the notes assists the memory; (5) notes form a convenient means of review. As to form, it is suggested that the notes should be taken on paper of uniform size for convenient handling, and that they should always be in outline form. Why in outline form? Because more definite — an idea can be condensed into a phrase; more complete — co-ordinate points can be placed under the same heading, thus pre- senting to the eye the essential features in their proper relation ; and, finally, the outline form forces a student to drop the non-essentials, to condense and to correlate the different features of a discussion un- der appropriate headings, thus making it easier to remember and easier to review. Frequent Reviews Frequent reviews are very valuable for two reasons: (1) Because many important points may be overlooked the first time that a sub- ject is studied; (2) because the student is enabled to appreciate the relationship between many points brought out in the beginning and information given later on in the study, thus getting a much more com- prehensive view of the whole subject than is possible by taking each point into consideration without fully appreciating the relationship of one point to another. Use of Test Questions We strongly recommend that you answer the test questions found in the back of each treatise or part of a treatise. The test questions 4 LaScdle Extension University are designed with a view to bringing out every point of any value; so the complete answers to the test questions will furnish a complete review of the section covered. These answers should not be sent in to the University but should be retained for reference. We suggest that the questions be answered in notebooks and that these notebooks be so marked that they can be taken up with a view to making a complete review of any subject. It is not necessary that the answers be long or detailed, but they should be sufficiently long to satisfy yourself that the answer is complete in the main points. Answering these questions will give you that broad knowledge of these subjects which will enable you to discuss them with the highest degree of intelligence. Cultivate a Broad Point of View It is very necessary in the study of any subject that a broad point of view should be developed. The best results will not be obtained by looking at a matter from only one side. Often, in starting the study of a subject, we have certain opinions, which may be founded upon our own experience or other apparently sound basis; but state- ments contrary to our opinions should always be given due considera- tion and if necessary a further investigation made to ascertain who is right. A competent author does not make statements in the prepara- tion of a technical treatise without carefully ascertaining the accuracy of those statements, so that his statements are always worth careful consideration. On the other hand, the fact that the author makes a certain statement does not establish beyond all question the accuracy of that statement. In traffic work there is often a considerable varia- tion in the manner in which different matters are handled by different concerns or in different parts of the country ; to these differences may often be attributed what may appear to us an inaccuracy, Practical Application "We wish to impress upon those of you who are taking this course and are engaged in any branch of traffic work that it is not only desir- able but very necessary that you apply the information furnished in this course to your daily work so far as possible. Do not wait until you go somewhere else to make use of the course. Start in NOW. A great many of our students have done this with very satisfactory 5 LaSalle Extension University results to themsplves and to their employers. In making this sugges- tion, we appreciate that many of you are not in a position to make a practical application of the course, but to those who are the opportunity should not be lost. REFERENCE MATERIAL Atlas of Railway Traffic Maps The Atlas of Traffic Maps will be found a very valuable aid to the study of all sections of the course and should be constantly referred to, not only where specific reference is made to them but also whenever it is desired to fix in mind a particular territory or location. The rail- way maps in the back of the Atlas will be found very useful in looking up particular cities or towns in different parts of the country traversed by the various systems. Student Maps One of the features of the course calculated to impress upon the student the various classification and rate adjustment territories and other information shown on the traffic maps is the maps which you are required to fill out. In filling in these maps great care should be exercised to make them as accurate as possible, as the groups and territories will frequently be referred to in different parts of the course. Tra^c Glossary The territorial and technical terms that the traffic man must know are explained in the Traffic Glossary. The student should keep these terms, which are arranged in alphabetical order, for constant reference throughout the course. The territorial terms are also shown in the Atlas of Railway Traffic Maps. Use of Dictionary Some high-school or collegiate dictionary (Webster, Standard, or Century) should be used, however, by every intelligent reader. By constant reference to such a dictionary the student will read more accu- rately and will develop the ability to use accurately the words that are essential to him. 6 LaSalle Extension University System of Grading Answers to examination questions will be accorded letter grades, and solutions of practical problems will be graded by the use of numerals. The relative values of letters and numerals are as follows : A— 90 to 100 inclusive. B— 80 to 89 inclusive. C— 70 to 79 inclusive. D — ^Below 70 and, therefore, below passing. Publications of the Interstate Commerce Commission If you wish to secure copies of the publications of the Interstate Commerce Commission other than those included in this course, you should write to the Superintendent of Documents at Washington, D. C, and ask for his catalog of transportation publications, which will be sent without charge. In this connection we wish to say that the charges for the various publications are made only sufficient to cover the cost of publication. Magazine "Personal Efficiency" is a "How and Why" magazine, published especially for LaSalle students. This magazine supplements in a broad, general way the technical training furnished by the various courses. Bulletin The Trade and Transportation Bulletin furnishes a very practical method of supplying current traffic information, ftis bulletin is pre- pared in non-technical language and explaias such matters of interest to traffic men as decisions of the Interstate Commerce Commission, important rate changes, etc. GENERAL INFORMATION AND SUGGESTIONS Names on Examination and Practical Problem Papers We quite frequently receive papers with no names on them, so that we are unable to identify them. To avoid the possibility of having- your papers go ungraded, write your name, address, matriculation number, and other information on them before you start to answer the questions. 7 LaSatle Extension Vniversitii Kind of Paper As far as possible, paper of medium weight and the size of the examination paper should be used. The use of heavy paper means extra postage for you and for us. Correspondence All communications in regard to instruction matters should be directed to the Department of Interstate Commerce, and in regard to accounts, to the Department of Accounts. Matters for different de- partments should not be included in the same letter, as it is liable to mean delay in answering. Inquiries on subjects not directly included in the various examinations or practical problems should not be written on the examination or problem paper, but on separate sheets, to insure special handling. ' Length of Answers In answering the examination questions, as in answering the test questions, it is not desirable that the answers be made unnecessarily long. They should in every case indicate clearly what your under- standing of the question is, but it is not necessary to cover all the minor details of the subject. In no ease should the text be copied word for word ; your own words should be used, as the answers you send in to us are your answers. As an example of what we mean, it is possi- ble to write several pages on the objects of freight classification, but an answer that will show that you understand what freight classifica- tion is can be given in twenty words. Brevity with completeness are the objects to be attained in answering the examination questions. Diploma Upon the completion of the various sections of the work as shown in the outline of study, you are required to pass a final examination. This examination takes in the course as a whole and embraces problems such as will be encountered in everyday traffic work. Upon the satis- factory completion thereof the LaSalle Extension University diploma for traffic efficiency is conferred. LaSalle Extension University HOW THE WORK IS SENT OUT The work is sent out at regular intervals, as explained elsewhere in this outline and in the Instruction Letter. In sending out material, a letter or memorandum accompanies the package to show just what the student should receive. We desire to say that our division of the course is intended neither to hinder nor unduly hasten its completion. It is suggested for con- venience in dividing up the work and is based on the amount of time the average student will probably be able to devote to it. We will gladly co-operate with you in completing the course in less than the period suggested or to extend the time if conditions seem to justify it. In case you wish to have your material sent faster or slower than the schedule provides, kindly notify us to that effect, as otherwise the material will be sent in accordance with the regular schedule. As above stated, we are always glad to send out the work in such a way as best to meet your needs in getting the greatest value from the course. If you can do the work in less than the specified time and still get the greatest amount of benefit from it, we will send material to you as much oftener than our schedule as seems desirable. In case you need more time for a unit than is provided by us, you should by all means take it. You are taking this course to learn all that you can and it is more important that you master the course as you proceed than that you get the work done at a certain time. Thoroughness rather than length of time consumed should be your aim in carrying on this course. There is just one reason why you are taking this course and that is to learn all that you can from it. When you send in your examination and practical problem papers, they should be the very best that you can produce regardless of whether it took you two weeks or four weeks to complete them. LaSalle Extension University CONCLUSION We have shown you in the foregoing suggestions some ways in which we think that you can make the course easier and more valuable to yourself than you could by taking up the books and working through them without any definite plan. It has been the endeavor of the University to make the course such that you will have no difficulty in carrying it on. The paragraphs used in the text matter are usually short, the words simple yet accurate, and the sentences short and clear. The section topics and titles will aid you in keeping constantly before your mind the point under study. While it has been our endeavor to make the text matter and other instruction material as easily understood as possible, we appreciate that from time to time matters will come up that are not entirely clear to you. Whenever you find such cases, we want you to be sure and write to us for all the explanations that you need. Instruction work is just as necessary to a course as good textbooks. The Department of Interstate Commerce is maintained entirely fpr the instruction of the students in this course, and we are here to assist in every possible way. to LaScUle Extension University OUTLINE OF STUDY Foreword In order to acquaint the student with the arrangement of this course, the various units comprising the study, the order in which the units will reach him, and the intervals lapsing between the mailing dates, the fol- lowing outline has been prepared. Each package as received should be carefully checked with this outline to ascertain that you have received all of the material listed. If by any chance a shortage develops, the Department of Interstate Com- merce should be immediately advised as to what is missing in order that it may be forwarded. After ascertaining that you have everything which should have been received, take up the various pieces of material in the order in which they are listed in this outline and study each one carefully. Further suggestions as to the use of each piece of material will be found in the lesson talk or letter of transmittal which accompanies each unit as it is sent out. You will find in the back of each treatise a series of questions designated as test questions. These questions, as the instructions appear- ing in connection with them show, may be written out for your own information, but are not to be sent in to the University. After you have made a careful study of the various pieces of material as received and have used the Atlas of Eailway Traffic Maps in accordance with the suggestions incorporated in the lesson talks, write out the answers to the examination questions and practical problems; upon completion, send them in to the University, postage prepaid and directed to the Department of Interstate Commerce. This outline is subject to change where it is found that the course can be improved. 11 LaSalle Extension University FIRST UNIT OP STUDY Freight Classification First Week: (1) Instruction Letter (2) Lesson Talk No. 1 (3) Outline of Study (4) Transportation in the United States (5) Freight Classification— Fart 1 (6) Atlas of Railway Trafiic Maps (7) Traffic Glossary Second Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 2 (2) Some Ways of Reducing Freight Charges (3) Treight Classification— Part 2 (4) Student Map No. 1 (5) Examination — Section A Third Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 3 (2) Freight Classification — Farts 3 and 4 (3) Rate Exhibit No. 1 (4) Examination— Section B Fourth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 4 (2) Practical Problems The foregoing unit of study contemplates an exposition of the various rules of the so-called interstate classifications. This is a sub- ject worthy of the most serious consideration, since many of the losses sustained by carriers and industries are due to a lack of knowledge of the practical application of these rules and the underlying principles that have attended the development and construction of these publica- tions. It is essential that you thoroughly understand these rules in order to interpret the many and varied rules that appear in freight-rate schedules, since the classification rule is the fundamental on which the tariff rule is usually based. It is not anticipated that you will endeavor to memorize the various rules contained in this section of the work but rather that you will try 12 LaScdle Extension University to fix in your mind the general subject-matter of the rule, so that when you are confronted by the condition contemplated thereby, you can refer to the proper rule for the necessary detail and apply it in connection with the shipment. The Atlas of Railway Traffic Maps, which constitutes a part of this section, is a reference work of which you will have need throughout the entire course. This atlas contains various maps indicating classifications, rate-adjustment territories, and some of the more important transporta- tion systems of this country. Frequent reference thereto is made in the various treatises comprising this course and in such instances the map designated should be referred to in order that the territory under dis- cussion may be visualized in the most effective manner. SECOND UNIT OP STUDY Bate Construction in Western Classification Territory Fifth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 5 (2) Bases for Freight Charges (3) Freight Rates: Western Territory — Part 1 ^4) Rate Exhibit No. 2 Sixth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 6 (2) Freight Rates: Western Territory—Part 2 (3) Rate Exhibit No. 3 (4) Examination — Section A Seventh Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 7 (2) Freight Rates: Western Territory— Part 3 (3) Rate Exhibit No. 4 Eiahth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 8 (2) Fireight Rates: Western Territory— Part 4 (3) Examination— Section B (4) Practical Problems— Section 1 (5) Practical Problems— Section 2 13 LaSalle Extension University This unit of the work contemplates the illustration of rate-making methods employed in Western Classification Territory, the purpose of which is to make you familiar with the underlying principles attending their construction so that you may ascertain with accuracy whether the charges assessed for transportation are in conformity with statutory provisions or association agreements. THIRD UNIT OF STUDY Bate Construction in Official Classification Territory and Eastern Canada Ninth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 9 (2) Freight Rates: OfiBcial Classification Territory — Part 1 Tenth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 10 (2) Freight Bates: Official Classification Territory— Fart 2 (3) Examination — Section A Eleventh Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 11 (2) Freight Rates: Official Classification Territory— Fart 3 (3) Rate Exhibit No. 5 Twelfth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 12 (2) Freight Rates: Official Classification Territory— Part 4 (3) Student Map No. 2 (4) Student Map No. 3 (5) Examination — Section B (6) Practical Problems In this unit there is taken up that mode of rate construction which is generally recognized as the most scientific of any employed in this country involving the application of numerous rate-making formulas for the construction of class and commodity rates. This system has many advocates, and it is not unreasonable to presume that as the density of traffic increases in adjoining territories this plan of making rates will be extended to cover such territories. 14 LaSalle Extension University FOURTH UNIT OP STUDY Bate Construction in Southern Classification Territory Thirteenth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 13 (2) Freight Rates: Southern Territory— Part 1 Ffiurteenth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 14 (2) Freight Rates: Southern Territory— Part 2 (3) Freight Rates: Southern Territory— Supplement (4) Examination — Section A FiUeenth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 15 (2) Freight Rates: Southern Territory — Part 3 Sixteenth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 16 (2) Freight Rates: Southern Territory— Part 4 (3) Examination — Section B (4) Practical Problems This unit of study under^kes the illustration method of construct- ing rates in Southern Territory, the so-called base-point system being employed. This system is radically different from that obtaining in Western Classification Territory, in which the distance and common- point feature predominates to a large extent. FIFTH UNIT OF STUDY (Note: This and subseciaeut units of stttdy, until otherwise Indicated, are adjusted on a semi-monthly basis; that is, the material will be sent to you at isteryals of two weeks instead of each week as heretofore.) Puhlication and Filing of Tariffs Eighteenth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 17 (2) Publication and Filing of Tariffs (3) Examination — Section A 15 LaSalle Extension University Twentieth Week: (1) Examination — Section B (2) Exercise in Taiiif Construction Inasmuch, as you have by this time acquainted yourself with the intent of various classifications, rules, and methods of constructing rates, you are required in this unit to assemble the information into schedules that comply with the requirements of the federal and state regulating bodies. Unless the information is properly assembled, the' schedules are unlawful and are subject to rejection by the commission to which they may be tendered. This has resulted in an unusual demand for men trfiined in the intricacies of tariff compilation. The work also aids materially in interpreting many of thp voluminous and complicated rate schedules with which the shipping public is concerned. ' SIXTH UNIT OF STUDY The Application of Agency Tariffs Twefj/ty-Second Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 18 (2) Application of Agency Tariffs Twenty-Fourth Week: (1) Examination This work summarizes the general application of all agency publi- cations indicating as far as it is possible the points to and from which the rates apply, and the class of traffic covered thereby. These publi- cations govern the movement of a large percentage of the traffic of this country. The thorough drill that is required of you to familiarize your- self with the application will enable you to determine readily the par- ticular agency issue with which you may be concerned. SEVENTH UNIT OF STUDY Supplemental Services Twenty-Sixth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 19 (2) The Bill of Lading (3) Routing Freight Shipments 16 LaSalle Extension University (4) Preiffht Claims j[5) The Investigation of Freight Claimi (6) The Industrial Traffic Department C7) Examination— Section A Twenty-Eighth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 20 (2) A Primary Lesson in Transit (3) Demurrage and Car Efficiency (4) Examination— Section B The preparation of the necessary documents, the s'eleetion of the most advantageous routes, and the proper preparation and investiga- tion of freight claims are matters all requiring considerable study in order that best results may be obtained by the shipping public. In some lines of industry, the regulations imposed by the carriers for the detention of equipment and special services accorded to commodities in transit are surrounded by many technicalities that are bewildering to any one but an expert. It is, therefore, the purpose of this section to treat these graphically in order to promote the greatest efficiency. EIGHTH UNIT OP STUDY The Express Service (ind Bates Wn-irtieth Week : (1) Lesson Talk No. 21 (2) The Express Service and Bates — Parts 1 and 2 Thirty-Second Week: (1) Lesson T&lk No. 22 (2) The Express Service and Rates — Parts 3 and 4 (3) Examination (4) Practical Problems Practically all shippers have to resort at times to the express agency for the conduct of a portion of their business especially on small ship- ments. The amount of money to be saved by the patronage of these agencies is surprising and frequently unknown to those who are inclined to rely on the freight service exclusively. The work in this unit involves a comparison of rates by express versus the rates on the same shipment by freight iii order to emphasize this feature. 17 LaSalle Extension University NINTH UNIT OP STUDY Ocean Traffic and Trade Thirty-Fourth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 23 (2) Ocean Traffic and Trade— Parts 1 and 2 Thirty-Sixth Week: <1) Lesson Talk No. 24 (2) Ocean Traffic and Trade — Parts 3 and 4 (3) Examination American manufacturers and merchants at the present time are making strenuous efforts to acquire a considerable portion of foreign trade, and their efforts unquestionably will be attended with great measure of success. Unfortunately, however, they have in the past been prone to rely on export and import' commission houses rather than eon- ducting the business themselves, with the result that these agencies have through the unprecedented demand been taxed beyond their capacity. Accordingly men acquainted with the varied details employed in custom- house procedure, preparation of documents, and the like in connection with foreign trade are greatly in demand. TENTH UNIT OP STUDY Railway Organization and Management Thirty-Eighth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 25 (2) Railway Organization and Management — ^Part 1 (3) Examination — Section A Fortieth, Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 26 (2) Bailway Organization and Management — Fart 2 (3) Examination — Section B This unit of the work has to deal with the organization of railways and the activities of the three main divisions, namely, the operating, traffic, and accounting departments. It treats in some detail the duties of various officers in charge of the respective divisions and presents in 18 LaScdle Extension University comprehensive manner the proper official to which or through which various correspondence should be initiated in order to avoid much of the so-called red tape and vexatious delays that are frequently experi- enced by laymen. ELEVENTH UNIT OF STUDY The Law of Carriers of Goods (Note: This and sulisequent units of study axe adjusted on a monthly hasis; that is, the material will he sent to you at Intervals of four weeks instead of two weeks as in the case of units just completed.) Forty-Second Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 27 (2) The Law of Carriers of Goods— Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 (3) Examination For the most part, loss and damage matters are regulated by the common law and by the courts. In many cases questions arising through _ loss and damage to freight are much more important than questions of rate adjustment, classification, routing, and the like. This unit of the course furnishes general principles underlying the adjustment of claims involving loss and damage. TWELFTH UNIT OF STUDY Railway Begulation Forty>^ixth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 28 (2) Railway Begulation — Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 (3) Examination The question often arises as to why transportation agencies are so strictly regulated by the government and how such regulation in this country has developed. It is to answer these questions and many more of similar nature that this unit of study is undertaken. It is necessary to understand why the transportation business must be regulated and how that regulation has developed in the United States in order to com- 19 LaSalle Extension University prehend why the Interstate Commerce Commission has been given the authority to do the things that it is authorized to do by The Act to Regulate Commerce- and Supplemental Acts. THIRTEENTH UNIT OP STUDY The Act to Regulate Commerce and Supplemental Acts Fiftieth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 29 (2) The Act to Regulate Commerce and Supplemental Acts (3) Examination In the early days of transportation, many grievous errors devel- oped whereby individuals and localities were discriminated against to their great disadvantage, and it was to correct such transportation practices that led to the movement that culminated in The Act to Regu- late Commerce. The things that the shipping public and carrier may or may not do are clearly defined, and since ignorance of the law excuses no one, it is of utmost importance that the traffic man, both railroad and industrial, be thoroughly acquainted with its provisions in order that he may avoid the heavy penalties that are incurred for its non-observance. This unit of work takes up the various sections of The Act to Regulate Commerce and Supplemental Acts and analyzes each in a very thorough manner. FOURTEENTH UNIT OF STUDY Conference Rulings of the Interstate Commerce Commission Fifty-Fourth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 30 (2) Conference Rulings of the Interstate Commerce Commission (3) (a) Procedure before the Interstate Commence Commission (b) Grounds of Proof in Rate Cases (4) Examination Owing to phraseology employed in regulating transportation pro- cedure in this country, statutes often are very ambiguous, to say the 20 LaScdle Extension University least, and, as far as The Act to Regulate Commerce and circulars issued by the Interstate Commerce Commission are coBcern,ed, frequently ne- cessitate a ruling as to the intent of portions of the statutes. These rul- ings establish a precedent which will hold good in similar cases in the future. A definite knowledge of these rulings is essential in the conduct of modem transpo_rtation in order to afford the greatest saving possible in transportation expense. In issues involving complaint before the Interstate Commerce Com- mission, certain procedure must be adhered to, testimony, briefs, and the like submitted in certain prescribed form in order to obtain considera- tion. Certain elements are held as substantiating contentions that may be advanced in such cases, and it is essential that the traffic man be acquainted with such in properly presenting his argument. FIFTEENTH UNIT OF STUDY Railway Accounting fifty-Eighth Week: (1) Lesson Talk No. 31 (2) Railway Accounting— Parts 1 and 2 (3) Statistics of Freight Traffic (4) Examination — Section A (5) Examination— Section B The work on accounting deals with federal requirements as to the arrangement of railway accounts and items to which various profits and expenditures' are to be charged. A thorough understanding of this unit of the work will enable you to analyze readily the com- plicated railway statistical reports given out from time to time. 21 LaSalle Extension University QUESTIONS ANSWERED Q. Are the answers to test questions to be sent in to the University? A. No; they are to be answered merely for your own information. Q. May I work faster than the schedule? A. Yes ; if you can do so without slighting the work. Q. May I take more than the schedule time to complete the course? A. Yes; the important thing is that you understand everything thoroughly, and we are always glad to give you additional time to aid in thor- oughness. Q. Do you ever grant a diploma without completion of your course? A. No; our diploma is our certificate that you have fulfilled all our require- ments, and is never granted except when all the requirements have been met. Q. To what department should correspondence relative to the instruction work, and answers to the examination questions and practical problems be sent? A. To the Department of Interstate Commerce. Q. How is the Atlafe of Railway TraflSc Maps to be used? A. The Atlas is to be used not only in looking up points specifically referred to in the various parts of the course, but also as a general reference work to fix in mind any location in which the student is interested, either in coimection with the study of the course or in his daily work. Q. How is the Traffic Glossary to be used? A. The Traffic Glossary is to be used as a reference work throughout the course in looking up definitions of territorial and traffic terms used in connection with the study of the course or in traffic publications. 22 ll ^ I ! SJ, '