Gorham held up a protesting hand. "Let me save you from using so ugly a word as you have in mind, Senator. You are fully justified in having this thought suggest itself to you--such is the business code of morals of to-day. Yet I consider myself an idealist, and the whole plan on which the Consolidated Companies is based a moral one. I must have succeeded in convincing these men, whose characters are admittedly above reproach, or they could not have been persuaded to become associated with our corporation." "Idealism, monopoly, and self-interest seem ill-mated partners, Mr. Gorham." "Must monopoly and self-interest always be translated into selfishness and oppression?" "As far as I have observed they always have been," Kenmore asserted. "Perhaps so; but must they necessarily be so exercised? Is it not possible to control these human instincts to the extent of producing beneficent results?" The Senator considered. "I cannot conceive it to be even within the bounds of possibility." "Then, unless I can convince you to the contrary, I shall cheerfully withdraw my proposition," Gorham replied, with decision. "You will admit, I feel sure, that were I to eliminate self-interest the great consolidation which we are discussing could not exist." "Absolutely." "Will you also admit the possibility--I do not yet say probability--of conducting an organization such as the Consolidated Companies along lines which might be for the public good?" "Provided the public received the benefits of such economies as your consolidations effected." "Precisely--or even a part of these economies. Now, many of our stockholders, whose names you see on that list, are in positions of trust. Our directors have endeavored to select only those whose reputations guarantee the honorable observance of their responsibilities." "Then how can they serve the Consolidated Companies?" "Let me explain more clearly," Gorham continued. "A franchise for a street railway expires--here in Washington, in Chicago, in London, or in Vienna. Those who are influential in awarding the new franchise are among our stockholders. It is to their self-interest, truly, to place the franchise in the hands of the Consolidated Companies, but it is also to the best interests of the public, who, after all, are most concerned, because the Companies is equipped with men and funds to give them greater efficiency or cheaper transportation than any smaller organization could possibly afford to do. In awarding us the franchise, therefore, these officials are in no way proving themselves false to their trust." Gorham studied the half-averted face of his companion carefully before he proceeded. "Do you follow me?" "Perfectly, although not wholly sympathetically," the Senator replied.