Page:The truth about the railroads (IA truthaboutrailro00elli).pdf/261

Rh attempt to shift upon numerous and often half-digested laws burdens that the individual himself should carry, and to try to solve problems by law that public opinion should settle,—based on a few of the great fundamental laws of life that no legislature or commission can change.

M. Leroy-Beaulieu is right in declaring that a tireless energy characterizes the American people, and the economic progress of the country has been so rapid as to astonish foreign students of American social and business conditions. It has wrought great changes in our methods of business and of living. The average American enjoys luxuries and conveniences which were not dreamed of twenty-five years ago, and the inventive genius of Americans is daily placing in the hands of every man new and improved tools with which to do his work. Our prosperity has increased the complications of government, and the close attention given by our people to business has resulted in less personal attention to public affairs, about which there is not the feeling of interest and responsibility that characterized Rh