“No; because those who have power to do good are very few, and the improvident, the vicious, the lazy are in myriads; and they and their folly and vices and improvidence will, forever, more than counterbalance the good that the beneficent might effect,” Mr. Stanford asserted.
Mr. Mechlin arose and turned towards the door. Mr. Holman followed his example. Señor Alamar looked sadly at the floor, saying:
“Well, Governor, I am sorry we have failed in bringing you to our way of thinking. Time will show who is mistaken.”
“Oh, yes! Time will show. We can't cast any astrological horoscope at the birth of a railroad. All we can do is to take care that it thrives.”
“To clear away competition.”
“Exactly. The country is not settled enough yet to divide profits. Besides, we think that Eastern people ought not to build any roads to the Pacific Coast, when we of California are ready to do it. Let Tom Scott keep away. We don't build roads in Pennsylvania.”
“But are you sure you will always be able to prevent a competing road? Would it not be cheaper for yourself to build than to fight Tom Scott?”
“No indeed. For the present, it is cheaper to fight. It don't cost so much money to make friends,” said he, smiling.
“You seem very confident of success.”
“Money commands success, you know.”