Monopolies and the People

Transcriber's Note: Obvious errors in spelling and punctuation have been silently corrected.
THE ENUMERATION IN THE CONSTITUTION OF CERTAIN RIGHTS SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO DENY OR DISPARAGE OTHERS RETAINED BY THE PEOPLE.
THE POWERS NOT DELEGATED TO THE UNITED STATES BY THE CONSTITUTION, NOR PROHIBITED BY IT TO THE STATES, ARE RESERVED TO THE STATES RESPECTIVELY, OR TO THE PEOPLE.
—Articles IX. and X. of the Constitution of the United States.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873. By D. C. CLOUD, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
WHO HAVE BECOME THE PIONEER CORPS IN THE EFFORTS BEING MADE TO REFORM THE ABUSES NOW OPPRESSING THE COUNTRY, AND WHO ARE EARNESTLY AND EFFICIENTLY LABORING FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE, WITH THE HOPE THAT IT MAY AID THEM IN THEIR PATRIOTIC WORK, THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
For two years past the author has awaited the auspicious moment for presenting to the public his views upon the oppressions and abuses practiced by corporations and combinations of men who were apparently getting a controlling influence over the commerce, finances, and government of the country. Recent action on the part of the people has convinced him that his opportunity has come, and he embraces it. He has aimed to present a true history of the operations of the different monopolies.
Since he began the preparation of his work, some events have taken place not noticed by him. Oakes Ames and James Brooks, two prominent characters among railroad men, and whom he has had occasion to name, have died. Some changes in the laws of congress have been made affecting the interests of corporations. The law requiring the secretary of the treasury to retain but one-half of the earnings from the government of the Pacific roads to apply on the interest due to government on subsidy bonds, has been repealed, and he may now retain and apply the whole amount. Suit has also been brought against the Union Pacific company because of its dishonest practices.