Monopoly all too likely brings in excessive charges, poor service, and inside speculation; but it was Vail's plan to justify his system by its works.
To this end he established a great engineering department which should study all imaginable mechanical improvements, with the results which have been described.

He gave the greatest attention to every detail of the service and particularly insisted on the fairest and most courteous treatment of the public.

The "please" which invariably accompanies the telephone girl's request for a number--the familiar "number, please"-- is a trifle, but it epitomizes the whole spirit which Vail inspired throughout his entire organization.

Though there are plenty of people who think that the existing telephone charges are too high, the fact remains that the rate has steadily declined with the extension of the business.

Vail has also kept his company clear from the financial scandals that have disgraced so many other great corporations.