emonstrated what was reasonable
and just, the Company voluntarily adjusted their schedules,--until
today the rates over the line are about on a parity with those charged
by eastern lines through much more thickly settled states.

In 1869 the agitation looking to a bridge across the Missouri River in
place of the slow and often unreliable ferry culminated, and on March
11th of that year the structure was commenced. Three years were
required for the work and the first train crossed on March 11th, 1872.
By an agreement made with the city of Omaha that city was to be made
the eastern terminus regardless of the bridge. This, however, was
upset by the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States
declaring the bridge an integral part of the line and that it
commenced in Iowa not Nebraska.

In 1870 the question of repayment of the Government Loans made in the
shape of Bonds arose,--more particularly that of the interests
accruing thereon,--the bonds themselves not falling due until
1895-1899. It was a question whether the lines were to pay this
interest in cash or through services rendered in transporting men,
materials, and mails for the Government. The matter soon got into the
Courts and their decision as rendered by Justice Davis of the Supreme
Court of the United States so fully and explicitly covers the ground
as to warrant the somewhat lengthy extracts given below:

In his opinion, Judge Davis said, "This enterprise (the building of
the Pacific Railroads) was viewed as a national undertaking for
national purposes and the public mind was directed to the end rather
than the particular means to be employed for the purpose. Although the
road was a military necessity, there were other reasons active at the
time in producing an opinion as to its necessity besides the
protection of our exposed frontiers. There was a vast unpeopled
territory between the Missouri River and Sacramento which was
practically worthless without the facilities afforded by a railroad
for the transportation of persons and property. With its construction
the agricultural and mineral resources could be developed, settlements
made, and the wealth and power of the United States essentially
increased. And then there was also the pressing want in times of peace
even of an improved and cheaper method for the transportation of the
mails and supplies for the army and the Indians."

The policy of the country, to say nothing of the supposed want of
power,