Sorry to say but the Empire Builder that stated in 1929 as this reporter (Don C Brunell) report is incorrect.  Amtrak was not formed until 1971.  The earlier years were the passenger service by the railroads.  IF this 'gentleman' were a resident of Glasgow, MT, or Essex, MT, he would not promote taking away his ONLY method of transportation.  The organization of Amtrak was to replace the private train service provided by many different railroads across this great country.  My last 7 years of railroading was as Manager then Director of Amtrak Train & Power Operations on the Burlington Northern Railroad.  In my position I was able to ride many of the 15 daily trains operating on the BN tracks.  They were well used by the people all across the country as well as people traveling from end to end of the route.