New-York tribune., 1890-01-12
CORPORATE GREED ~ MINNESOTA.

CORPORATE GREED ~ MINNESOTA.
A story which we'll illustrates the unholy greed
of cornorations comes from Minnesota. 1t hap
pcned through the introduction Of a line of street
railway into the prosperous young city Of Cotton
wood in that State On this railway are run
short. one-hoise conductorcsS cars, very like the
"bobtailn cars Of tragic memory, which once
infested this city. The line was put in operation
n few DAYS ago. and at first there was much
debate among the passengers as TO the proper way
in which TO pay fares there being nothing but
tho usual mysterious box with the lurking
slot into which the longsuifering passenger is
suppospd pcrsonay to insert the exact change
the driver on whom cloud of suspicion always
scc,ns 10 rest not being allowed under any cir
cumstanccs either to receive or deposit the same.
On the first trip warm discussion arose as 10 the
approved way to secure change. II was at It's
height when Mr.. Churchill, merchant Of the
village boarded the car This gentleman was
informed Of the subject OF debate, ana lmmedl-
ately volunteered to show the others all the in
trcacics Of making change in bobtau" street
car Taking a half-doar from his pocket, he
stepped to the fare-box, dropped it in and kicked
ON the bottom Of the door to attract the attention
of the harmless necessary driver This worthy
individual was lashns the horse 70
get I'D high rate of speed for the next cross
ing. where lie saw two ladies waiting for the
car. At last, however, he looked back, and after
he fully graspcd the situation, he smiled broadly
and ioyously, and, having got safely past tho
ladies'. turned and again began belaboring the
horse with the rcius Mr Churchill shouted re-
proachfully at him, and then opened the door
and stepped out the front platform.
The other passengers remained on the inside
and appeared cheerful even happy, but Mr.
Churchill spoke earnestly 10 tie driver. He
formally demanded A. cents in change, or, If that
was not possible the whole LalidolIar. Tie
driver refused 10 do anything al ALL, making the
lame excuse that he had no key to the box. il
was soon clear to Mr ChurchiIls practical eye
that tic unscrupulous driver received per
centarc on all sums thus dishonesty wrestcd from
the public Mr Churchill returned 10 the ear.
The other passengers appeared happy, and made
various remarks, which will not pause 10
repeat Nj Churchill IS man Of action.
Through the glass window in tie box he could
see his half-doar Mr. Churchill stcadied him
SELF by a strap. raised his foot, and with one kick
smashed H., glass, Then hc reached for his coin.
III, hand was, perhaps, four inches from II, WREN
the driver Jcrkcd a string. and the half-doliar
disappeared into the cast-iron REGIONS below. Mr..
Churchill struck these regions several times with
one foot and then with the other He spoke
rapidlv and loudly while taking This cNcIcls'.
lie then sat down 70 rest. The other passengers
got ~ after wishing Mr. Churchill a happy New
Year
Mr. Churchill now pulled himself together and
carrfullv considered thc sitIatinl. He doubted
not that tie treasurer of thc company would
unlocI, the box at uieht. H. determined 10 he
on hand. and secure his half-doIlar To guard
against the treasurer making descent on II
sooner tie willy Nlr Churchill determined to
keep his eye on the box. To do Tins hc decided
n remain in the the rc,t OF the day. The
cor soon arrived at the end Of the line and
started back What was Nir Churchlll's astonish-
mcnt when the rascal!y driver demanded the
fare for the return trip. or course he was
vigorously refused. They parlcycd some time,
when the driver wound tie Minis around the
bra Ike handle and came back, and after a consider
able struggle, threw Mr. Churchill Of. \ weak
man would have been dauutcd; Nr. Churchill
felt inspired Picking himself mp be- followed
close behind the car on foot for the remainder II
the day.
II was II o'clock that night when No. |
Of the Cottonwood Street Railway drove into the
stable Mr. Churchill had hold of the rear rail
ing with one hand The officers OF the company
were there TO secure the first days receipts.
The treasurer, secretary. and two of the vice
presidents approached Mr.. Churchill and en-
eaccd him in conversation He soon became
deeply cucrosscd in stating his grievance. Sud
denly there was a crash, and the president of
tlc company rushed past them and ont of tIc
stable Glance at the box showed that every !
thing including the halfdollar, was gone. Mr. !
Churchill dashed after the ilccinI president. But /
u was hopeless chase; the Official with his !
in gotten gains jumped two fences and ran
through an alley and escaped. The batled
Churchill returned 10 his home
II is now stated that Mr.. Churchill has drawn
mp and will have introduced in the Minnesota
legislature n bill TO Abrdgc Certain Rights |
Of Corporations" We doubt not that il is a
good bill Mr.. Churchill has had the experience
that should enable him 10 prepare such bill
in good shape. But while such things are bcLu-
reformed in Minnesota, what of our own Stale
These ears have been done away with IN this !
city, to be- sure, but they flourish elsewhere. and
any citizen may have the same experience any
day II Governor Hill is not too busy with |
certain other matters, a short message the |
subject would not seem TO be- ont of place.