STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. J^g 



believe that they can make money — and more money by lowering their 

 freights, and accommodating the people, then will they prevail with 

 them; but if we cannot show them that they can make more money 

 by adopting a more liberal policy, I see but little hope of reaching 

 them. 



Dr. Hooton — I do not think we are so helpless as all this, nor do 

 I think it necessary to adopt the submissive policy. Because the rail- 

 roads work for money, are' we to allow them to oppress the people .'' I 

 think not. The man who stops you on the highway, works for money, 

 so does the common swindler work for money and many other scamps 

 who work for the same purpose. But does that make it right? Is it 

 not possible for the people to control these railroad monopolies, so far, 

 at least, as to prevent acts of oppression .'* Railroads are public servants, 

 and the public should have some control of them, even if they do work 

 for money. If it is true that we have no sort of control over them, 

 and if they are to become oppressive, then is their career ended, and 

 the sooner the railroad iron is converted into horse shoes, the better. 



Mr. ScoFiELD — The manufacture of public opinion in these mat' 

 terswill surely relieve us. I know no other way to bring a remedy. It is 

 proverbially true that railroad corporations have no souls, and how are 

 you going to work upon them effectually .'' 



Mr. Freeman — Now, as being interested in the interests of the 

 State, and also in railroads, I think I can see how much may be done 

 indirectly — not directly— that is in the Way that has been suggested — 

 through public opinion. 



Mr. Cooper — As I understand, it is a question of law between the 

 people and the railroad corporations ; and the interpretation of law 

 varies. We generally find that courts and judges make different decis- 

 ions — and these depend, in a measure, upon the state of public opinion. 

 Mr. Flagg says educate public opinion, and I say so too, for until you 

 can get public opinion in its favor, you cannot get any law enforced. 



But it is said, the railroads have a contract by the terms of their 

 charter, gi^'ing them control, and that the people must submit — that they 

 have no right to interfere or make objections. 



Now, it is my understanding, that the Legislature consists of rep- 

 resentatives from the people, and that the people have a perfect right to 

 elect such men as will carry out their views, and that will un-niake laws 

 that have been unwisely or unjustly made. The people have a right, 



