Life — May 1, 1913 — page 15: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

“STEP LIVELY IN FRONT” Imaginary Letters R LIFE: Your eagle eye has, no doubt, observed that we have suddenly decided to use large advertising space in some four hundred newspapers of the country. But, though you have noticed it, you will, of course, put none but the correct inter- pretation upon our action. Shallower critics than you might say that we are scared; that the great upheaval of public sentiment against us and for a parcel post has finally shaken us from the proud and independent position which we have hitherto maintained, and that we are using this means to try to stem the tide. Nothing could be farther from the truth. We are not using this advertising for the purpose of in- fluencing the incorruptible and high-minded editorial policies of these mighty tribunes of the people. Neither are we doing it because we like to spend money. We are doing it merely in order to call the attention of the American people to our low-priced, anxious-to-please and red-tapeless service. We are sure you will understand, Lire. You know that we have always been -willing to do everything in our power for the American people except to let go our strangle-hold on the parcel-carrying industry. Yours for dividends, Tue Express Companies. EAR LI Iam very much troubled in my mind. As you know, I have had an awful time with my traffic problems. I have tried and tried to get decent arrangements with the railroads, somehow I have failed. As the matter grows more critical, many reputable men and reputable journals suggest as the only way out that I buy these railroads and run them myself, But I don’t like to do this. It is so revolutionary. I know that it is quite the common thing abroad and that it works very well, but, on the other hand, there are a great many stockholders over here who have accustomed themselves to a high degree of comfort through owning these arteries of commerce. Wouldn't they have to go to work if I took the job away from them? Or, at least, wouldn't they find it difficult to reinvest their capital to such good advantage? I want to be fair to my citizens, but at the same time I want to be fair to these stockholders upon whom we have always hitherto looked as socially useful functionaries. Can you help me in my dilemma? Which do you think more important: citizens or stockholders? Yours for the common gooa, Massacntuserrs. comicbooks.com