for coöperating to that end by conferring in each case of surrender a new franchise to do the things privileged under the old one with conditions referable only to the law itself, and so providing that subsequent original franchises conferred in whole or in part through state agencies would be likewise referable. The traffic thus sanctioned and invited as to existing franchises has been considerable and, as said before, with definite mutual ideas as to the status resulting from the exchange. The property interests involved have doubtless been very great, the persons directly and indirectly interested large, and the transactions numerous as well. Obviously, any construction of the law running counter to the general view entertained in such transactions should be avoided if practicable.
"If we concede, for the case, that, in a reasonable view, the public utility law is ambiguous, looking only at its words, we cannot well so say in the light of the situation the legislature dealt with, as indicated, and the new condition which was evidently desired. It is evident the aim was to displace existing public utility franchises of the nature of those mentioned in the act, so far as that could justly be accomplished, by new direct grants from the state of a uniform character, free from the peculiarities of old franchises, prejudicial to the dominant end in view; the best service practicable at reasonable cost to consumers in all cases and as near a uniform rate for service as varying circumstances and conditions would permit; a condition as near the ideal probably as could be attained.
"It is useless to extend this opinion further for the purpose of picturing the situation dealt with by the legislature. The magnitude of the task was great. Few, if any, greater have been dealt with in our legislative history. The result stands significant as a monument to legislative wisdom. That such a complicated