“‘As I said before, I am pleased to see such a large representation here. It is very gratifying to me. It is gratifying to know that so many could be spared from their duties without disadvantage to the public whom we serve. You all know the general principles that have influenced us in the formation of the Plant System. It was to prepare the way to make as good means of communication as possible with the resources we had at hand. We have used of our means freely; not only myself, but my associates have not been sparing in this particular. We have expended capital and energy in the hope of some day reaping a benefit, which is proper. As you know, all men seek to benefit themselves; but there has been behind it, as the President of this great Exposition and the Honorable Mayor have to-day stated, a desire to do good to our fellow-man. [Applause.] We have at least been able to furnish good means of transportation, and I am pleased to say that it is appreciated by our patrons. I would, however, have you recollect that we are the servants of the people, who are our patrons, to the extent that we must treat their property, while in our possession, with all the care we would our own. We must be careful in our manners and our speech; we must see to it that no patron of the Plant System ever comes to an officer or employee for information without getting it to the fullest. [Applause.] “‘We must also see that our connecting lines of railways receive proper treatment from us. Be sure that we cannot well serve the public unless we treat our allied lines fairly, justly, and properly; be sure of this. Be sure that we are not all for ourselves. We are public servants, and we must serve all well, and always recognize the rights of our patrons. We must never take a customer’s money without giving him his money’s worth. All this is very easy to say, but it is very difficult for human nature to carry it out, and we must, therefore, school ourselves in the effort to learn how best to serve our patrons, and at the same time be just to ourselves.