Read Online A Hope Beyond by Judith Pella - Free Book Online

Joseph asked, motioning to a slave to refill his own cup. “The country has actually been out of debt and running with a surplus.”
    Hampton smiled tolerantly. “Joseph, you pay me well to keep you advised on such things, and that is what I am trying to do even now. The railroad is an interesting investment to say the least. I see the potential and the probability that this venture will develop into something of mass proportions, but I also see more. The railroad has an extremely slow record of turning a dividend back into the hands of the investor. You might well give over hundreds of thousands of dollars and never see a single cent of return for years.”
    “That’s true,” Joseph replied, stirring cream into his coffee. “However, I feel confident that whether I reap the benefits or not, my children and grandchildren will one day be greatly benefited by my risk.”
    Hampton could only think of the large amounts of capital being wasted. He was desperate to convince Joseph that heavy investments in the railroad were foolish, but none of his arguments seemed to register even moderate interest or concern in his employer’s mind.
    “I suppose my real worry comes in the fact that so many other elements come into play in the financial world. You have built for yourself a strong empire. Besides Oakbridge Plantation, you have vast holdings of land in the West, with a great many interested parties who would very much like to help you develop your property. I’ve been approached by four very respectable Englishmen who are intrigued by the idea of building factories on your Chicago properties.”
    “Factories? What kind of factories?”
    Hampton shrugged. “They’ve not given me the details of their interest, as I was uncertain that you would want to sell. Chicago has doubled in size in the last couple of years, and there are many rumors to suggest that great improvements and extensions to the National Road will be funded and built to connect the eastern cities to that booming town.”
    “I see,” Joseph said, considering Hampton’s words. “The railroad would no doubt be of benefit to such a project as well.”
    Hampton frowned. The railroad was once again his nemesis to battle. “I’m certain the railroad will one day be a consideration, but the average citizen cannot afford such luxury. What they can afford is to use their own wagons, horses, and oxen to move them where they desire to go. If the National Road is extended and built to include a number of adjoining roadways, the people of America will not only find travel more available, but also more affordable.”
    “I suppose both are really necessary.” Joseph looked thoughtfully into his cup. “Eventually, the railroad would provide speed and be able to haul a great deal more in a shorter time than teams of oxen upon the trail.”
    “Yes, but if I correctly understand the lay of the land, you own some of the very property that will be affected by the National Road expansion. Think of the hotels you could build and the services you could offer to the weary traveler. As far as sound investments go, this would turn you a solid profit as soon as the road and establishment went into place.”
    “I don’t know. I suppose it is something to think on.”
    “Well, for now, as your commission merchant, I am advising you to be cautious with your investments. I didn’t want to share bad news right away, especially given the holiday spirit and all, but things could be better.”
    “Better? In what way?”
    “There are problems with this country’s economic foundation that might well erupt over time to encompass the financial affairs of the average man. And while you are a man of means and prosperity, that could all change tomorrow.”
    “It is truly as bad as all that?”
    “I’m afraid so,” Hampton admitted. “As you know, last year’s cotton crop was destroyed by New York’s business district fire. Add to that, this year’s crops were bought at only