Address by Honorable William C. Redfield, Secretary of Commerce at Conference of Regional Chairmen of the Highways Transport Committee Council of National Defense

by United States. Council of National Defense. Highways Transport Committee

"Address by Honorable William C. Redfield, Secretary of Commerce at Conference of Regional Chairmen of the Highways Transport Committee Council of National Defense" is a historical speech delivered in the early 20th century, specifically during the time of World War I. This discourse discusses the importance of a well-coordinated transportation system in the United States, emphasizing the complementary roles of highways, waterways, and railroads in ensuring effective national logistics and transportation. In his address, William C. Redfield underscores the evolution of transportation in the U.S., drawing on historical examples to highlight the significance of adapting and modernizing infrastructure to accommodate advances like the internal combustion engine. He argues for a unified transportation strategy that integrates highways with railways and waterways, suggesting that each mode plays a crucial role in delivering goods efficiently from producers to consumers. Redfield advocates for the development of a comprehensive network that includes the use of motor trucks as vital links to connect rural areas with larger transport systems, thereby enhancing the economic vitality and accessibility of rural communities. His vision promotes a future where transportation systems work in synergy to meet both wartime and peacetime needs.