Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 10.djvu/253

 ALTGELD

drainage, as cheap service as they have, and we want the same privilege of supplying ourselves as they exercise; and when it is apparent that, by acting collectively, we can do business more successfully, can serve ourselves better in every way, and can secure for the public treasury these millions which now go into the pockets of grasp- ing individuals, have we not a right to do it ? If we find that, in this manner, we can give steadi- ness to labor, and can elevate its standard and improve the conditions of all our people, dare we not do it ? Every one of the reforms carried out in England and on the continent met with fierce opposition from the same classes that oppose them here, but the business sense and patriotic impulse of the people prevailed, and I believe, will prevail here.

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