f servants of the people, to
cow me into silence. And if it be treason to mention the name of that
Railroad in connection with its political tyranny, then make the most of
it." He let go of the desk, and tapped the copy of the bill. "What are
the facts? The Boyne Iron Works, under the presidency of Adolf Scherer,
has been engaged in litigation with the Ribblevale Steel Company for
some years: and this bill is intended to put into the hands of the
attorneys for Mr. Scherer certain information that will enable him to
get possession of the property. Gentlemen, that is what 'legal practice'
has descended to in the hands of respectable lawyers. This device
originated with the resourceful Mr. Theodore Watling, and if it had
not had the approval of Mr. Miller Gorse, it would never have got any
farther than the judiciary committee. It was confided to the skillful
care of Colonel Paul Varney to be steered through this legislature,
as hundreds of other measures have been steered through,--without
unnecessary noise. It may be asked why the Railroad should bother itself
by lending its political organization to private corporations? I will
tell you. Because corporations like the Boyne corporation are a part of
a network of interests, these corporations aid the Railroad to maintain
its monopoly, and in return receive rebates."

Krebs had raised his voice as the murmurs became louder. At this point
a sharp-faced lawyer from Belfast got to his feet and objected that the
gentleman from Elkington was wasting the time of the House, indulging
in hearsay. His remarks were not germane, etc. The Speaker rapped
again, with a fine show of impartiality, and cautioned the member from
Elkington.

"Very well," replied Krebs. "I have said what I wanted to say on that
score, and I know it to be the truth. And if this House does not find it
germane, the day is coming when its constituents will."

Whereupon he entered into a discussion of the bill, dissecting it with
more calmness, with an ability that must have commanded, even from
some hostile minds, an unwilling respect. The penalty, he said, was
outrageous, hitherto unheard of in law,--putting a corporation in the
hands of a receiver, at the mercy of those who coveted it, because
one of its officers refused, or was unable, to testify. He might be in
China, in Timbuctoo when the summons was delivered at his last or usual
place of abode. Here was an enormity, an exercise of tyrannical power
exceed