Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1880, by

C. W. CALKINS & CO.

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

PRESS OF C. W. CALKINS & Co., BOSTON.

Argosy Book Store 12/24/30 Transports

PREFACE.

In presenting this book to the public the author has been led by the hope that it might, in a measure, clear away much of the misunderstanding that has always existed regarding the objects and accomplishments of the Credit Mobilier. For years it has been received, as a fact beyond dispute, that the work of this corporation was one of fraud upon the Government and the people of this country. It has been talked about by almost every one. It has been commented upon in the press and before the public until its name has become a familiar sound in almost every household in the land. In all this controversy there has been one uniform opinion, and that opinion has been entertained almost unanimously by the, the public. Not less was the author at one time impressed with this same general idea. He, in common with nearly all others,

believed that those who had carried on this work had used their power and influence to grow rich at the expense of the government. As he read the reports, which had been submitted to Congress by the committees of investigation, still more firmly did he find

that opinion impressed upon his mind. A careful reading of the testimony upon which those reports were based, led to the conviction that an almost fatal error had been committed, and that the judgment which had been rendered by the public was one not supported by the evidence, and which would never have been pronounced had an opportunity been given for the consideration of the truth. The judicial investigations that have been accorded by the courts have done much to remove the doubts of many, and to give a clearer insight into the true relations of the most gigantic achievement of the present century.

Time had in a great measure overcome the feeling against the Credit Mobilier, but during the past few months the interest has revived and the public were anxious to know the truth. The object of this book is to furnish that information. How well that object has been accomplished the public must judge. The author has attempted to deal impartially, to give credit only where it is due, and censure only where merited. The work is not designed as a political work in any sense; the great blessings that have accrued to the nation through the construction of that great highway have carried the work of the Credit Mobilier above and beyond the sphere of politics, and it is hoped that when the truth shall become known the public will not alone comprehend but approve that work.

Oct. 15, 1880.

J. B. C.