“Not at all. Competition generally has the effect of securing the preference to whomsoever deserves it. No, what Mr. Spencer maintains is that monopolies should not exist when they have become so powerful that they defy the law, and use their power to the injury of others. The fundamental principle of morality is then subverted,” said Mr. Holman.
“Fundamental morality forbids us to injure any one because we would be benefited by that injury,” said Don Mariano.
“The same old axiom of the French revolution, that ‘the rights of one man end where those of another begin.’ Danton and Marat sang that to the music of the guillotine,” said the Governor, a little bit contemptuously.
“That is so; but you see, Governor, the devil might sing psalms, and it won't hurt the psalms,” Don Mariano replied.
“We have made you waste your time talking to us, Governor,” said Mr. Holman; “can we not hope that you will reconsider this matter, and examine more carefully the advantages of making San Diego the direct outlet for all that country that needs a railroad so much? Believe me, sir, such road will bring you more millions than the Central and Southern Pacific Railroads. If you do not build it, and prevent Col. Scott from building it, sooner or later some one else will, for it stands to reason that such a magnificent enterprise will not be left neglected after other less advantageous routes are tried. Then you will have the regret of having spurned this golden chance.”
“And besides the chance of making millions for yourselves. Think of the blessings you will bring to so many hearts who are now sadly discouraged, and will be desolate if our hopes are frustrated,” Mr. Mechlin said.
“Corporations have no souls, gentlemen, and I am no Carlylean hero-philanthropist. I am only a most humble ‘public carrier.’ I do not aspire to anything more than taking care of my business,” Mr. Stanford answered.
“But, Governor, you cannot be indifferent to the distress your action will cause?” insisted Mr. Mechlin, with sad earnestness.
“As for that,” replied Mr. Stanford, smiling; “if I don't cause distress some one else will. Distress there must be, bound to be in this world, in spite of all that your philanthropists might do or say to prevent it.”
“But do you not think that if all and every one of those who have it in their power to be beneficent were not so indifferent to human suffering, but were to be benevolent, that then the combined result would be great alleviation and diminution of human distress?”