MR. MIDGLEY S ARTICLE.- CONTINUED. 437 



still more to the transportation of freight. The old-time 

 wagons never averaged more than three or four miles an 

 hour ; now, light, valuable packages are carried on express 

 trains at the rate of thirty miles an hour. It might also be 

 deemed worthy of recognition that the railways have done 

 more toward the defense of the country than all other works, 

 by affording rapid and effective means of concentrating men 

 and supplies in case of necessity. Then, to a degree not 

 easily estimated, they have contributed to the spread of mor- 



The Rural Toilers of Forty Years ago. 



ality and the diffusion of knowledge, by their liberal conces 

 sions to delegates attending conventions, and the half fare 

 permits given to clergymen. 



One might almost have the temerity to inquire how the 

 farmers, Grangers, and anti-monopolists could assemble to 

 discuss their grinding wrongs (?) were the railways not to 

 bring them together. 



These results have been attained without expense to the 

 public, who are the principal recipients. Western men 

 citizens or Grangers have put comparatively little into the 



