Hill’s railroad (notwithstanding Morti’s report to his father about the low morale of his employees) was perhaps the nation’s soundest and best constructed. While other tycoons had looted their lines for quick profits, Hill built a system that withstood the financial maelstroms that had swamped his overcapitalized competitors. Now he watched as his rivals slipped one by one into receivership. As with most financial catastrophes, this one brought an opportunity.
