266 A SAGA OF THE SEAS 
were new and a ride in the air was a novelty. After the lower 
rate went into effect, rougher types and larger crowds were 
attracted, so that riding on the elevated became less fashion- 
able. Stately gentlemen in somber coats and veiled ladies in 
kid gloves were elbowed aside by the Caseys of “Thoity- 
Thoid”’ street and the Goldbergs of Harlem. Many influential 
persons believed the change to be a mistake; some of these 
were owners of stock in the company. Field was criticized 
in the offices of powerful financiers and in well-to-do homes. 
When Field took over the organization of the elevated- 
railway system in 1877, he aimed to benefit the public and to 
promote the orderly growth of the city. He succeeded in this 
plan, and gave the city a fast and economical traction system 
that bridged the critical quarter-century between the slow 
surface-car and the subway of the twentieth century. It is true 
that the elevated railway was something of a nuisance in the 
streets on which it ran, and that the puffing little engines 
dropping live coals and belching smoke were unlovely objects. 
But drastic methods had been necessary to solve a difficult 
problem. A great metropolis was in process of growth. 
Electrical transportation had not then been devised for 
practical operations, and the underground railway was still 
in the future. Field used the best methods that were available, 
revived a financial failure, and systematized a badly-managed 
utility. He introduced sound economics, personal honesty, 
and a sense of responsibility into the workings of a public- 
service corporation closely linked by necessity with corrupt 
politicians and predatory financiers. It was his old-fashioned 
integrity and direct frankness that enabled him to carry out 
his plans in the face of opposition and abuse. People had 
faith in him and recognized his unselfishness. 
At times the public’s trust in him was shaken, as when 
“watered” stock was injected into the company’s finances, but 
it was realized that he had to compromise with other influ- 
ences among the stockholders. Evil rumors were circulated 
