_Question_. You are intimately acquainted with the great railroad
managers and the great railroad systems, and what do you think is
the great need of the railways to-day?
_Answer_. The great need of the railroads to-day is more business,
more cars, better equipments, better pay for the men and less
gambling in Wall Street.
_Question_. Is it your experience that public men usually ride on
passes?
_Answer_. Yes, whenever they can get them. Passes are for the
rich. Only those are expected to pay who can scarcely afford it.
Nothing shortens a journey, nothing makes the road as smooth,
nothing keeps down the dust and keeps out the smoke like a pass.
_Question_. Don't you think that the pass system is an injustice
--that is, that ordinary travelers are taxed for the man who rides
on a pass?
_Answer_. Certainly, those who pay, pay for those who do not.
This is one of the misfortunes of the obscure. It is so with
everything. The big fish live on the little ones.
_Question_. Are not parallel railroads an evil?
_Answer_. No, unless they are too near together. Competition does
some good and some harm, but it must exist. All these things must
be left to take care of themselves. If the Government interferes
it is at the expense of the manhood and liberty of the people.
_Question_. But wouldn't it be better for the people if the
railroads were managed by the Government as is the Post-Office?
_Answer_. No, everything that individual can do should be left to
them. If the Government takes charge of the people they become
weak and helpless. The people should take charge of the Government.
Give the folks a chance.
_Question_. In the next presidential contest what will be the main
issue?
_Answer_. The Maine issue!
_Question_. Would you again refuse to take the stump for Mr. Blaine
if he should be renominated, and if so, why?
_Answer_. I do not expect to take the stump for anybody. Mr.
Blaine is probably a candidate, and if he is nominated there will
be plenty of people on the stump--or fence--or up a tree or somewhere
in the woods.
_Question_. What are the most glaring mistakes of Cleveland's
administration?
_Answer_. First, accepting the nomination. Second, taking the
oath of office. Third, not resigning.
--_Times Star_, Cincinnati, September 30, 1886.