Published by
THE INTERCOLLEGIATE SOCIALIST SOCIETY
70 Fifth Avenue, New York City
1919
_FOREWORD_
The Intercollegiate Socialist Society takes pleasure in presenting to
the public this careful monograph of Mr. Bertram Benedict on the
important subject of "The Express Companies of the United States." The
pamphlet is particularly timely in these days when the nation is
endeavoring to formulate its policy regarding the future control of the
express business.
It is, moreover, the first concise and scholarly analysis of the express
service in America that has appeared in recent years and is a distinct
contribution to the literature on the subject. The author herein
presents a vivid, bird's-eye view of the development of the express
companies from the days of the stage-driver up to the present time. He
portrays the rapid consolidation of express systems, their integration
with the great railroads, their remarkable enlargement of activities,
the growing competition of the parcel post with the private express
systems and the increasing governmental regulation over this utility.
This survey is followed by an analysis of the present status of the
express companies, and a discussion of express profits. The relative
service rendered by express and parcel-post is then dealt with, and the
reader is treated to an illuminating discussion of the probable savings
accruing from government ownership and management of the express
industry, particularly as a result of consolidation of equipment,
agencies, offices, etc.
In conclusion, Mr. Benedict deals with various methods whereby the
government may take over the express companies, tells of the present
status of the companies as a result of the war, and gives us a glimpse
into future developments. The author reaches the conclusion that the
express service should be a public agency and that it should be closely
connected with the post office department rather than with the railroad
administration. The pamphlet as well explains the manner in which
European countries have handled this problem and presents a complete
bibliography on the general topic. The author throughout gives a wealth
of accurate information concerning the express system in all of its
manifold relationships.
The pamphlet is one of a series planned by the Intercollegiate Socialist
Society on various phases of public ownership and democratic management.