226 THE QROUNDSWELL. 



We look in vain for any diminution in the carrying rates, to cor 

 respond with the rapidly-declining prices of the means of living, and 

 of materials for constructing boats, cars, engines, and track ; but, on 

 the other hand, we see a total ignoring of that rule of reciprocity 

 between the carrying and producing interests which prevails in 

 every other department of trade and commerce. 



Does it not behoove us, then, to inquire earnestly how long we can 

 stand this descending scale on the one hand, and the ascending on 

 the other, and which party must inevitably and speedily go to the 

 wall ? 



I by no means counsel hostility to the carrying interest it is one 

 of the producer s best friends-; but, like the fire that cooks our food 

 and warms our dwelling, it may also become the hardest of masters. 

 The fire fiend laughs as he escapes from our control, and in an hour 

 licks up and sweeps away the accumulations of years of toil. 



As we cherish the fire fiend, so we welcome the clangor of the car 

 rier fiend as he approaches our dwellings, opening up communica 

 tion with the busy marts of trade. But it needs no great stretch of 

 imagination to hear also the each ! each ! cachinations of the carrier 

 fiend as he speeds beyond our reach, and leaving no alternative but 

 compliance with his exorbitant demands. 



Many of us are not aware of the gigantic proportions the carrying 

 interest is assuming. Less than forty ye:.rs hince the i&amp;gt;t railroad 

 fire was kindled en this eonili.cr.t, 1 ut v ich i:&amp;lt; w, lil.e a ir.ighty 

 conflagration, io crackling an-1 ronrir.;!; over every prairie and through 

 every mountain gorge. 7! o first jrear produced f.ftcen miles; the 

 last, 5,000. 



On the same i hi ; &amp;gt; il.o work or organization ar-a 



direction. Y&amp;gt;\ tl.e \. o &amp;lt; f ; .&quot;.. ioi t unlimited means, it enlists i 

 service the finest Luoiuss of tl.e kind as officers, attorneys, agents, and 

 lobbyists; gives free pusses and splendid entertainments to the repre 

 sentatives of the people ; and even transports whole legislatures i- : 

 exceeding high mountains, showing them the kingdoms of the we. 

 with lavish promises of reward for fealty and support: witness its 

 land grants and franchise secured from the powers that be, sucli as 

 no similar interest ever acquired even in the Old World. 



In Europe every corporation returns its franchises to the Crown 

 within a specified time, while here their titles are more secure than 

 the farmers warranty deeds. 



