to be used, the character of locomotive headlight, the kind of boiler in the engine, the speed of live-stock trains, the speed of trains in cities, the rates to be charged, the kind of buildings to be put up, and the labor unions are at the same time making demands for increases in pay.
Lincoln said the country could not endure “half slave and half free,” and it is a grave question whether the railroads can continue to meet the demands of the people and be the efficient instruments that they should be, if owned by private individuals, but in all important matters of management, except finance, practically directed by governmental authority.
The American people are strong enough to have any kind of railroad ownership and management that they want, and if they want government ownership they can have it. I submit, however, that the management of business enterprises in this country by the Government has not given evidence of thoroughness, efficiency, and economy equal to
