From this point the
step was soon taken of assuming control of all the telegraph and telephone
lines, in the interest of lower prices and better service. This was
attended with such good results that it was thought wise to extend the
conveniences of the mail in another direction; and instead of carrying a
few small parcels the government took into its hands the entire express
business, and it was not long before everybody conceded it to be a good
move.
"At the same time, the municipal governments began to exhibit the same
paternal character. They first took control of the lighting and heating
facilities, and this led in a short time to their furnishing the people
with fuel, which was generally brought from a distance, and which, in
private hands, always had a way of going up in price at just the time when
the poor people were obliged to buy it. For the sake of economy, also, the
cities took possession of all street cars, cabs, and omnibuses.
"Affairs had reached this condition when the labor troubles became so
serious, and this absorption of private business by the government was so
recent and was in general so satisfactory, that men could but think of it
in connection with their efforts to solve the industrial problems.
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