“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.”

“Absolutely.”

“Will you also admit the possibility—­I do not yet say probability—­of conducting an organization such as the Consolidated Companies along lines which might be for the public good?”

“Provided the public received the benefits of such economies as your consolidations effected.”

“Precisely—­or even a part of these economies.  Now, many of our stockholders, whose names you see on that list, are in positions of trust.  Our directors have endeavored to select only those whose reputations guarantee the honorable observance of their responsibilities.”

“Then how can they serve the Consolidated Companies?”

“Let me explain more clearly,” Gorham continued.  “A franchise for a street railway expires—­here in Washington, in Chicago, in London, or in Vienna.  Those who are influential in awarding the new franchise are among our stockholders.  It is to their self-interest, truly, to place the franchise in the hands of the Consolidated Companies, but it is also to the best interests of the public, who, after all, are most concerned, because the Companies is equipped with men and funds to give them greater efficiency or cheaper transportation than any smaller organization could possibly afford to do.  In awarding us the franchise, therefore, these officials are in no way proving themselves false to their trust.”

Gorham studied the half-averted face of his companion carefully before he proceeded.  “Do you follow me?”

“Perfectly, although not wholly sympathetically,” the Senator replied.

Gorham smiled at Kenmore’s frankness.  “Suppose a government requires a loan of, say, fifty million pounds sterling,” he continued.  “Here in this little book you will find the names of practically all the financial heads of the governments of the world.  You will also find here the leading figures in the world of finance.  What is more natural than that the Consolidated Companies be asked to negotiate the loan, to the distinct advantage of both parties and of the Companies itself?  Incidentally I might say that we shall eventually establish an international bank which will further simplify details.  If it is a matter of building bridges, we have among our stockholders the officials who will award the contracts and the engineers best fitted to execute them.  Acting as a medium for both creator and producer, and in serving their mutual self-interest, the Consolidated Companies can easily become the greatest patron of the arts, both fine and mechanical, that the world has ever seen,—­and all this, with profit to itself.  Could anything be simpler?”