New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-09-10
By James II. Morrow


MI a CORPORATION mean, greedy and in
1V1 solcnt. James L. Richards presi'
dent Of a company having the undivided
privilege Of selling gas in Boston, has
proved that there is money. also tranquil
itv in treating the public fairly and like
human beings.
The pig-eyed and paunchy monstrosity
who represents monopoly in caricature AND
popular fancy would say. even against Inc
visible facts that Mr. Richards is an enemy
Of sound business. Nevertheless, MI hioh'
ards has increased his dividends per cent
has reduced the price Of gas - cents an'
has made his employes-office boys, ia!
laborers and sll-partners in the pToh's OF
the corporation.
Moreover, Boston is satisfied. II ought tc
be. inasmuch as Richards's policies are
saving Il $4,000 annually. The newspapers
ready vehicles OF the complaints of hei'
readers. watchful for the peoples interests
are dumb, except when they praise. con
corning the gas company. Speech has beer
taken out of the mouths Of demagogues
Raiders. hoping TO sell cut once they OBJ
tain franchise would be given drum
head trial and marched 10 the city limits
were they 10 appear in the municipality
There is peace, perfect peace. in the ira
dit,onally contentious field Of gas illumina-
ton. Even the meters so unchallenged.
And there had been tangles and abuses
and savage denunciations in and of the gas
business in Boston. Spectators. fnancierS,
promoters and lawyers had tried their prac-
tised hads at the msmanagement of the
various companies. Likewise sodden old
r1onopolists, wanting s. for 81, and that in
advance at usurious interest. were fixtures
within a notorious and chaotic situation.
Only q genius, Il seemed. could bring order
out Of such confusion. Still further, a
miracle would be required 10 establish the
gas business IN the confidence Of weary,
antagonistic and plundered populace. Some
body was inspired TO think of Richards.
Now, James l.. Richards knew absolutely
nothing about gas. hut he was believed 10
be q remarkable person. He is remarkable,
IN that he understands human nature and
has more than a money grubber's share Of
common sense. Simple things are best; so
are simple methods. The Richards plan
was to get the different companies together
and then sell gas and keep out of politics.
Monopoly nearly always says: Buy Of
me, pay my price, or go without. The
favor is yours. not mine" The attitude OF
the merchant having competitors is entire
ly different Mr. Richards. first OF ALL is a
merchant Years ago he was a travelling
salesman.
An epoch, and a monopolistic epoch at
that, begins with James l. Richards. Be
hold, It can also be said, new type Cor
rorations observing his results, may
initiate his system. Managers. noting his
success may try 10 be like him His in
y fuence, even clumsy prophet may
predict. may humanize lighting companies,
water companies, telephone companies,
street railroad companies, and all other
concerns and combinations that have eX-
elusive privileges Of selling things TO the
public.
All are merchants, primarily-gving cor
porations which are impersonal. personal
meaning Their business is TO sell and
not 10 bully and trick people, SAYS Mr..
Richards. And the sum Of their sales, and
nothing else. should fix the sum of their
profits or dividends Furthermore. re-
luctant or hostile buyer never makes a
liberal customer More gas TO the family
is now being burned in Boston than ever
lefore. Although It is cheaper, the receipts
are larger Al last N4'S SOIISu''l'I "a
claims. Il am getting square deal.
Thus he lights two Jets instead of one.
A word or two about Mr.. Richards him
self is necessary to proper understanding
Of Mr. Richards. the modern monopolist.
AS a type he is worth the analysis that
can be made IL some of the facts are pub
lished II IS said that he can dictate a
letter TO a stenographer and add a column
of figures at the same time; that he can
write and answer questions simultaneously.
As with Napoleon, his attention is divisible.
Also, he is like Napoleon in stature and
has reddish brown hair and blue eyes ana
q face tanned by automobile tours ana
horseback riding. In appearance ana mo-