To a great majority of people the most inconsistent practice of railroads is to charge absolutely less per ton, or car, or train, for a long haul than for a short haul. Their reason for so doing becomes clear when one takes into account the principles of joint costs, and of all that the traffic will bear. The roads themselves properly claim that the rate which they set for the short haul is equitable; and that, while they could not afford to build and equip a line merely to make the long hauls at a lower rate, they can and do make them at a profit simply because a great part of their expense must be met regardless of the volume of the traffic. It goes without proof that they would prefer the long haul at a higher rate; . which, however, competition with other lines and with water navigation compels them to forego in order to get the business.