Page:The truth about the railroads (IA truthaboutrailro00elli).pdf/97

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INDIVIDUAL, RAILROAD, GOVERNMENT

ceased, similar action is now being considered and taken against many other forms of business, and unless individuals arouse themselves and take some active part in trying to create a sane, unprejudiced public opinion about business, the troubles that are now confronting the owners and managers of railroads will spread and confront the owners and managers of many other kinds of property.

The railroads can exist without expansion, and under the protection of the Constitution and the courts their property will be allowed to earn some return; but if they do not expand and improve, it will be general business that will suffer in the long run. Business men are neglecting their own interests when they encourage or permit a governmental policy which tends to discourage investment in and improvement of railroads, for without the very best railroads business of all kinds cannot achieve its highest development.