To JAMES P. BARR:
I like your suggestion as to the restoration of the local business
of the country, and the giving of employment to mines and
factories. This it has always been a pleasure to me to do, and we
will do it to-morrow, if your people will protect the employés of
the company who are willing and anxious to work and preserve the
interest of the country, as highways like our own are able to do.
My own judgement is that the restoration of law and order can only
be effected by a return to common sense by the people, and by them
refraining from encouraging or connecting themselves with mobs or
violence of any kind, and that the channels of trade and business
will immediately fill up, and give employment to every man that the
depressed condition of the business of the country will permit. I
am sure we shall be glad to aid them, but to do it in any other way
would be but simply temporizing with the worst evil the world has
ever seen; but to effect permanent peace and order, and protection
to life and property, the matter must be settled by the
governmental authorities of the country as they exist, and
independently of the transportation companies of the country, which
have been doing and are anxious to do their full duty.
I believe if our men are protected by you and by other good
citizens, there won't be an hour's delay in opening our roads for
the convenience of traffic. I am sure that nearly the entire force
connected with our road is thoroughly loyal, and that no trouble
will come from them, but that they will do their duty.