Some of the notices were very odd. One began with
"Blood, blood, blood!" and another had a hand holding a bowie knife,
with the legend "Here we cut deep!" And, as I have said, they did cut
deep, for at the end one might go to New York for about $18. Now this
$18 went in a lump to the railroad east of Chicago. Consequently the
passengers were carried over 2000 miles for nothing. Frequently during
two days men were booked to Chicago or Kansas City from San Francisco
or Los Angeles for $1. Two thousand miles for 4s. 2d!

Such a state of things could not last, but while it did it gave rise to
much speculation. Many men bought up tickets, good for some time,
believing the bottom prices had been reached when the fall had by no
means ended. It was odd to stand outside an office and listen to the
crowd. Some would hold on and say, "I'll chance it till to-morrow." Then
I have seen an agent come outside and say, "Gentlemen, now's your time
to go east and visit your families. Don't delay. Of course fares may
fall further, but I think not. Don't be too greedy. You are not likely
to get the chance again of going home for twenty-five dollars." They did
fall further, but recovered again on the rumour of negotiations
beginning between the competing lines. When that was contradicted they
fell again. Suddenly, without any warning, they jumped up to normal
rates, and left many of the outside public--the bears, so to
speak--lamenting that they had not taken the opportunity so eloquently
pointed out by the oratorical agents on the sidewalk by the offices. For
the placards and pictures came down at once, and to an inquirer who
asked, "What can you do New York at?" the answer was, "Why, sir, the
usual rate--$72."

To an Englishman who has not travelled in the States and become familiar
with the methods employed there by business men, it seems odd that
anyone should chaffer with the clerk at a ticket-office. What would an
English booking-clerk say if he were asked about the fare to some place,
and, on replying L1, received the rejoinder, "I'll give you 15s?" He
would think the man a joker of a very feeble description. Yet this may
often be done in Western America. Even when there is no "war" the agents
have a certain margin to veer and haul on in their commission, and will
often knock off a little sooner than allow a rival line to get the
passenger. Besides, it frequently happens that there may be a secret
cutting of rates without an open wa