1. INDEPENDENCE OF A MONOPOLY

[A good illustration of complete independence. It can be used as a humorous
description of a monopoly or as a compliment to a man who has complete
control of his own affairs.]

An inquisitive passenger on a railroad recently had the following dialogue:

"Do you use the block system on this road?" inquired the passenger.

"No, sir," replied the conductor, "we have no use for it."

"Do you use the electric or pneumatic signals?"

"No, sir."

"Have you a double track?"

"No."

"Well, of course, you have a train dispatcher, and run all trains by
telegraph?"

"No."

"I see you have no brakeman. How do you flag the rear of your train if you
are stopped from any cause between stations?"'

"We don't flag."