MR. MIDGLEY S ARTICLE. CONTINUED. 443 



that would be needed were the post-office or special mes 

 senger the best means of communication. This great 

 saving in time makes it practicable to distribute cars 

 with such facility as to meet current requirements. In so 

 far as it economizes resources by keeping them in use, 

 and securing equal results with less quantity, it cheapens 

 transportation. 



It is possible the progress of events will develop kindred 

 improvements. None would rejoice more than the capi 

 talist were a metal of such quality produced that it would 

 never wear out, or a method of locomotion be discovered 

 that would obviate the expense of roadways and steam- 

 power. These now indispensable adjuncts increase the 

 cost of moving freight, and, to that extent, benefit the 

 workmen engaged upon them, at the expense of the ship 

 per. Until science has overcome these drawbacks, we 

 should content ourselves with present means of transporta 

 tion, because they are the best and cheapest known. 



Eailways create communities. In thus developing the 

 family idea, they bless the race by conferring advantages 

 that are beyond the reach of an isolated few. Literature, 

 science, art, and all the concomitant benefits of education 

 and enlightenment are assured where there is society enough 

 to foster them. Agriculture does not found cities. It is 

 essentially segregating in its tendency. Farmers need large 

 fields, and, therefore, must have scattered homesteads ; 

 whereas, manufactures and railway enterprises build up 

 populous towns, and their location in his vicinity benefits 

 the farmer, by creating a large supply for his products near 

 at hand, insuring him better returns, because the cost of 

 long transportation is saved. Kailways have bridged the 

 distance between the producers and consumers, and have 

 brought them near together. They encourage manufac- 



