454 THE GROUNDSWELL. 



even to make the National Government subservient to their 

 will. This is what raised the storm of public indignation, 

 which took what seemed the most tangible avenue through 

 which to work reform. By common consent, the unjust 

 discriminations of railway companies became the principal 

 point of attack in the investment and siege of fortressed 

 wrong. 



The result, so far as regards State legislation is con 

 cerned, has injured both the railroads and the people. In 

 Illinois, a law has been produced which, with some good 

 features, contains also some odious ones; the most objection 

 able being what certainly has the appearance, at least, of 

 unjust discrimination (in its practical workings, I mean) 

 against certain railroads. Taken as a whole, however, the 

 present railroad law of Illinois is undoubtedly a long step 

 in the right direction. 



In the early stages of the Farmers Movement, as always 

 since, I strongly disapproved of the spirit that sought to 

 bring into direct antagonism with the transporters, the 

 worst passions of mankind, inciting the people to imprudent 

 or illegal acts, which were bound, before the law, to result 

 in discomfiture. Long ago, I was in favor of a commission, 

 to be appointed by the people and the railway managers, to 

 discuss ways and means by which the conflicting interests 

 might be harmonized, and a basis, at least, arrived at upon 

 which might be founded a law equal in its operations and 

 just to all parties. Indeed, I stated the case, as it appeared 

 to me, and made this suggestion to two of the leading rail 

 way officials of Chicago ; but, while agreeing that the view 

 was correct and would result in good if honestly carried 

 out, they did not believe the plan feasible in the then ex 

 cited state of public opinion. Unwisely, I think ; for I had 

 then, as I still have, unwavering faith in the integrity 



