"The foregoing statements but imperfectly describe the situation which existed when the Interstate Commerce Law was enacted. In any reasonable view of the case it was too much to expect that the common and long continued abuses of railroad management could be corrected in less than half a dozen years, or that the first scheme of legislative regulation would prove adequate to that end. It would be contrary to all experience if so great and radical a reform could be thus speedily accomplished, or if the initial statute should be found sufficient to bring it about. The law was the outgrowth of an aroused and determined public sentiment, which, while united in demanding Government interference, was divided and uncertain as to the best methods of affording relief. Like all attempts in a new field of legislation, the statute was a compromise between divergent theories and conflicting interests. It was scarcely possible that it should be so complete and comprehensive at the outset as to require no alteration or amendment. Those who are familiar with the practices which obtained prior to the passage of this law and contrast them with the methods and conditions now existing will accord to the present statute great influence in the direction of necessary reforms and a high degree of usefulness in promoting the public interest. "Whoever will candidly examine the reports of the commission from year to year, and thus become acquainted with the work which has been done and is now going on, will have no doubt of the potential value of this enactment in correcting public sentiment, restraining injustice and enforcing the principle of reasonable charges and equal treatment. Imperfections and weaknesses which could not be anticipated at the time of its passage have since been disclosed by the effort to give it effective administration. The test of experience, so far from condemning the policy of public regulation, has established its importance and intensified its necessity. The very respects in which the existing law has failed to meet public expectation point out the advantages and demonstrate the utility of Government supervision.