The development of a system of outlying large parks along the lines above indicated will give to Chicago breathing-spaces adequate at least for the immediate future; the physical character of the lands to be taken will insure a diversity in natural features most pleasing and refreshing to dwellers in cities; and the acquisition of the areas entirely around the present city will afford convenient access for all the citizens, so that each section will be accommodated. Moreover, the development of especially beautiful sections, such as the region about Lake Zurich, will give marked individuality to Chicago’s outlying park system. It is by seizing on such salient features of a landscape and emphasizing their peculiar features that the charm and the dignity of the city are enhanced. [Illustration: LXVIII. CHICAGO. SHERMAN PARK. View of the open-air swimming pool.] FOOTNOTES: [20] Report of the Special Park Commission; Compiled by Dwight Heald Perkins, 1904. [21] See Acts of May 14, 1903; May 2, 1907; April 19, 1879; June 21, 1895; May 25, 1907. [Illustration: LXIX. CHICAGO. DIAGRAM OF A SYSTEM OF FREIGHT HANDLING FOR LAND AND WATER TRANSPORTATION, TO BE WORKED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ONE ANOTHER. (1) A central clearing and warehousing yard. (2) A north harbor at the mouth of the Chicago River. (3) A south harbor at the mouth of the Calumet River. (4) Underground freight lines interconnecting the city stations, the central yard, and the two harbors; these lines are shown in red; they do not represent exact locations of the routes. COPYRIGHT, 1909, BY COMMERCIAL CLUB OF CHICAGO ] CHAPTER V TRANSPORTATION: A FREIGHT CENTER: GROUPING OF PASSENGER STATIONS: A LOOP SYSTEM Chicago has been made largely by the railroads, and its future prosperity is dependent upon them. In the past, however, it has been the increase in the number of roads reaching this city which has built up its commerce; but now, with twenty-two trunk lines entering Chicago from every possible direction, and with connections extending to all portions of the country, the question of numbers has ceased to be the important one. The present problem is to handle the traffic of the railroads with dispatch and at the lowest cost. The city is too large for each railroad to attempt to maintain a separate system unrelated to that of any other except the physical connection of the tracks. The time has come to develop one common system for the handling of freight,—a traffic clearing-house. The whole perplexing and intensely intricate subject requires not only the careful study of men expert in such matters, but also a spirit of mutual forbearance and conciliation among railroad managers for the sake of promoting the general good.