"I know, I know," the Senator replied, impatiently; "but how did you get them?"
Gorham looked at his questioner attentively for a moment before he answered. "The proposition itself appeals to that human instinct which is more or less developed in us all—self-interest—"
"But that, my dear sir, is nothing more or less than—"
Gorham held up a protesting hand. "Let me save you from using so ugly a word as you have in mind, Senator. You are fully justified in having this thought suggest itself to you—such is the business code of morals of to-day. Yet I consider myself an idealist, and the whole plan on which the Consolidated Companies is based a moral one. I must have succeeded in convincing these men, whose characters are admittedly above reproach, or they could not have been persuaded to become associated with our corporation."
"Idealism, monopoly, and self-interest seem ill-mated partners, Mr.
Gorham."
"Must monopoly and self-interest always be translated into selfishness and oppression?"
"As far as I have observed they always have been," Kenmore asserted.
"Perhaps so; but must they necessarily be so exercised? Is it not possible to control these human instincts to the extent of producing beneficent results?"
The Senator considered. "I cannot conceive it to be even within the bounds of possibility."
"Then, unless I can convince you to the contrary, I shall cheerfully withdraw my proposition," Gorham replied, with decision. "You will admit, I feel sure, that were I to eliminate self-interest the great consolidation which we are discussing could not exist."