This method of discrimination has, however, received a serious setback so far as railway collusion is concerned. The presidents of the leading railroads have agreed with each other to support the law, and scalping is a more limited profession than it formerly was. In fact, a much larger claim than this is made by some. In going over this year the materials I have collected on the subject, I came upon the statement that “scalping has been practically abolished.” I put up my pen and went down town to see. I found on Washington Street (Boston), in the ticket-office district, a man with “Cut Rates” printed in large letters on his back. The same sign was above a door near by, and on the stairway. I went up.
“What will it cost me to go to Chicago?” I asked.
“I can give you a ticket for $12 if you are going within a few days.”
“Suppose I don’t go for a month or two?”
“Well, I can give you a $15 rate most any time.”
“First-class?”
“Yes.”
“Over what route?”
“The Boston & Maine and Grand Trunk.”
“What can you do over the Boston & Albany?”