ie,
representative of the Allies' shipping interests. The allocation and
distribution of available tonnage, as well as questions of exchange of
ships, was vested in this committee. So far as the work of the War
Department was concerned the committee was charged with the loading and
unloading cargo, coaling, supplies, repairs, and, except where vessels
are commanded by the navy, of inspection and manning. They also have
charge of the management and operation of docks, piers, slips, loading
and discharging facilities under the control of the department, or of
any board, officers, or agency operating such facilities, together with
the direction and management of minor craft to be used in connection
with the handling of steamers and their cargoes in port. The amount of
cargo shipped overseas, the efficiency of the loading, and the reduction
of the time of stay in the ports attest to the efficient manner in which
the committee has operated, and it is not too much to say that they are
to be largely credited with the results that have been accomplished.

Expeditionary depots were operated at Boston, Mass., Philadelphia, Pa.,
and Baltimore, Md., primarily for the movement of freight. When cargo
ships having accommodations for troops were loaded at these ports troops
for the available space were sent from the camps under the direction of
the commanding general at Hoboken; similarly shipments of troops were
made from Montreal, Canada, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, when practicable.
Cargo shipments were also made from other ports on the Atlantic and Gulf
coasts.

On May 25, 1918, the water transport branch of the Quartermaster's
Department was transferred and made a part of the Embarkation Service.

In April conditions abroad necessitated the speeding up shipments of
troops, and brought to the service such transports as the British
Government could spare for the purpose, which have been continued in
use. The army transports are officered and manned by the navy, as is the
greater number of the cargo ships. The arrangements for transferring
ships to naval control as well as for convoys for troop and cargo ships
are handled through the Chief of Operations of the navy, who has given
every assistance. The way in which the work has been handled by the navy
is shown by the loss of no troop ships which were under their protection
on the eastbound trips.

Inland Traffic.--The inland traffic service was established on January
10, 1918. As t