"If you neglect the rudiments of business it seems to me that you have only yourselves to blame.

In your case, Lawler, it is rather astonishing.

You have quite a reputation for intelligence; you own one of the biggest ranches in the state; you are wealthy; and last year you tried to tell the people of the state how to run it.

You even went so far as to make a speech in the convention, naming the man you preferred for governor." Lawler smiled, though his gaze was level.
"Don't be unpleasant, Hatfield.

You understand I am not here as a politician, but as a mere citizen petitioning you to act in this railroad case.