BANKERS AND MERCHANTS 353 



yers in America were engaged, three Justices of 

 the Supreme Court of the United States sup- 

 ported Drawbaugh's claim to priority and four 

 supported Bell. By the narrow margin of one 

 vote Bell was made rich and Drawbaugh contin- 

 ued poor." 



Through a decision based upon demonstrated 

 ignorance, or influence, the Bell Company has 

 a thousand millions while the McDonough Com- 

 pany is forgotten. 



Our lines were extending in all directions and 

 the rapidity of the growth of the system was be- 

 yond precedent. Yet excepting my own capital 

 and credit, which were embarked without reserve 

 in the enterprise, it was without financial back- 

 ing. There was no pool, no other capitalist, and 

 no thought of exploiting the public. I believed 

 that on its merits it could command the confi- 

 dence of the community through providing a 

 service hitherto unapproached. The great sums 

 required in construction were provided by my 

 own borrowings. 



