Note 16 — Chapter II · PASSES AND POLITICS.

In order to test the attitude of the government roads, I did my best to get passes, trying first through the American ambassadors in Vienna, Berlin, and Brussels, and afterward by direct appeal to the railway management. But it was of no use, although I had a letter from the Chairman of the United States Industrial Commission saying that I had rendered the government valuable service in connection with the work of the Commission, and that any courtesies shown me or assistance afforded me in my researches would be a public service. I had other strong letters from men of high distinction in the United States and England, and our ambassador at Berlin had been president of my alma mater when I was in college, and was specially friendly and helpful; but I was assured that no amount of influence or pull could secure a pass or any other personal favor on the State railways.