The first sod had just been cut at Omaha and it was intended that the line should ultimately be pushed through to San Francisco.

One day while in Rome it struck me that this might be done much sooner than was then anticipated.

The nation, having made up its mind that its territory must be bound together, might be trusted to see that no time was lost in accomplishing it.

I wrote my friend Mr.Scott, suggesting that we should obtain the contract to place sleeping-cars upon the great California line.

His reply contained these words: "Well, young man, you do take time by the forelock." Nevertheless, upon my return to America.