Transcriber's Note: Obvious errors in spellingand punctuation have been silently corrected.
"THE ENUMERATION IN THE CONSTITUTION OF CERTAIN RIGHTS SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO DENY ORDISPARAGE OTHERS RETAINED BY THE PEOPLE."
"THE POWERS NOT DELEGATED TO THE UNITED STATES BY THE CONSTITUTION, NOR PROHIBITED BY ITTO THE STATES, ARE RESERVED TO THE STATES RESPECTIVELY, OR TO THE PEOPLE."
—Articles IX. and X. of the Constitution of the United States.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873.
By D. C. CLOUD,
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
WHO HAVE BECOME THE PIONEER CORPS IN THE EFFORTS BEING
MADE TO REFORM THE ABUSES NOW OPPRESSING THE COUNTRY,
AND WHO ARE EARNESTLY AND EFFICIENTLY LABORING
FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE
PEOPLE, WITH THE HOPE THAT IT MAY AID
THEM IN THEIR PATRIOTIC WORK, THIS
BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
iii
For two years past the author has awaited the auspiciousmoment for presenting to the public his views uponthe oppressions and abuses practiced by corporationsand combinations of men who were apparently getting a controllinginfluence over the commerce, finances, and governmentof the country. Recent action on the part of the peoplehas convinced him that his opportunity has come, and heembraces it. He has aimed to present a true history of theoperations of the different monopolies.
Since he began the preparation of his work, some eventshave taken place not noticed by him. Oakes Ames andJames Brooks, two prominent characters among railroadmen, and whom he has had occasion to name, have died.Some changes in the laws of congress have been made affectingthe interests of corporations. The law requiring thesecretary of the treasury to retain but one-half of the earningsfrom the government of the Pacific roads to apply onthe interest due to government on subsidy bonds, has beenrepealed, and he may now retain and apply the whole amount.Suit has also been brought against the Union Pacific companybecause of its dishonest practices.
On the whole, however, combinations of corporations, andother rings and organizations, at war with the best interestsof the people, have acquired new strength and more powerwithin the last few months.iv
The reader will notice the fact, that while the author hasquoted liberally from the statutes and resolves of congressto show the great privileges and powers conferred uponrailroad companies, and familiarized the reader with theirfinancial and other transactions for a clear understanding oftheir manner of doing business, he has not pretended to givea full history; satisfying himself with such chapters as wouldplace before the public the true character of these monopolies.
The author has sought to present truthful statements ofmatters in connection with the various interests now so hostileto the rights of the people, and he believes he has embodiedthe facts as they exist.
D. C. C.
Muscatine, Iowa, July 28, 1873.
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