Consolidation . 
873 
There was abundant evidence to show that the roads were doing 
much underhanded work, and that there existed no “ free competi¬ 
tion. ” The advocate of state ownership will regret that the 
roads were not bought, and he will point out the weaknesses 
involved in a policy of “control.” Considering the legislative 
methods then in vogue, it was fortunate that Wisconsin did not 
enter upon a policy of public ownership. On the other hand, it 
was a disastrous delusion to adhere to the principle of free com¬ 
petition, and to neglect a policy of prudent control, with all its 
imperfections. In 1864, during the session following the agita¬ 
tion of the previous summer, the legislature enacted a law re¬ 
pealing the consolidation act. 1 There was after that no law 
authorizing consolidations, neither had it been expressly pro¬ 
hibited. There were loosely constructed laws authorizing rail¬ 
roads to establish connections, but no attempt was made to 
provide for such a consolidation of railroad interests as the 
principles of economy, the interests of commerce, and the 
nature of the railroad business demanded. And how the rail¬ 
roads thwarted the intentions of the legislature is clearly shown 
in the following table: 2 
Year. 
Number of 
Companies. 
Total Mileage 
in Wisconsin. 
Remarks. 
1855. 
1856... 
6 
318.78 
507.75 
1857. 
6 
700.18 
Act authorizing consolidations passed. 
1858. 
8 
761.58 
Act authorizing consolidations repealed, but 
1859. 
8 
849.48 
the repealing act was stolen, it is alleged. 
The alleged theft was discovered in 1863, 
1860. 
10 
880.71 
when consolidations were contemplated on a 
large scale. 
1861. 
12 
900.71 
1862. 
12 
957.18 
1863. 
11 
957.18 
Consolidation agitation. 
1 General Laws, 1864, Ch. 49. 
2 The number of companies for any one calendar year may differ from 
that in the table, which is based upon the state treasurer’s report; still, 
the movement is as accurately represented in the numbers given. The 
total mileage is based upon reports of the railroad commissioners. 
