Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/92

 Let A be a large gas syndicate having an accounting system that shows every item of the cost of the business. It has scientific experts, technical engineers and a general concentration of intelligence and ability and scientific knowledge; it has a central administrative office. It has also in its employ experts on the legal side of the question, men who are accustomed to investigating the law in all matters relating to this work.

Let "B" be a small town which has a gas plant. "B" complains that the gas is of poor quality or too costly. What chance has "B" in fighting this great combination of science and legal ability? Why, "B" would not even know how to obtain the first expert; it would have neither offices nor organized force to conduct the fight; it could not examine the books of "A"; it would be woefully handicapped in its struggle.

Let the Wisconsin railroad commission be illustrated by "H." The little town "B" can go to "H" and ask for its help. "H" is the state seeing to it that one of its minor branches has fair play. It has a permanent office, a permanent staff of experts, it has the accounting and the legal help to withstand the attacks of "A," and until "B" acquires strength enough to maintain the same staff of accountants and expert help, legal and otherwise, as "H," the theory is that it is far better for "B" to have "H's" help than to remain in this fight alone.