"I sometimes think that unless the
people reform, free government will soon come to an end."
"But what are the people to do, sir?"
"They are to elect honest men, with whom one can do business--instead
of the peasant saloon keepers and blatherskite labor leaders whom they
choose at present."
Samuel thought for a moment. "Men with whom one can do business," he
said--"but what kind of business do you want to do?"
"How do you mean?" asked the other.
"You went to those politicians and got a franchise that will let you
tax the people whatever you please for ninety-nine years. And do you
think that was good business for the people?"
There was no reply to this.
"And how much of the property you are protecting was made in such ways
as that, sir?"
A frown had come upon Mr. Wygant's forehead. But no one could gaze
into Samuel's agonized face and remain angry.
"Young man," said he. "I can only tell you again that you do not know
the world. If I should step out, would things be any different? The
franchises would go to some other crowd--that is all. It is the
competition of capital."
"The competition of capital," reflected the boy. "In other words,
there is a scramble for money, and you get what you can!"
"You may put it that way, sir."
"And you think that your responsibility ends when you've got a share
for your crowd!"
"Yes--I suppose that is it.
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