“Gentlemen, I thank you in advance for your patience. I know many of you are not interested in the plight of the ranchers, but I think you will be after you hear me out. I submit to you that beef is next cash crop. The demand for cotton is huge in the East, especially with the war, but God willing this war will not last forever.”
“Mr. Rivers, what does this have to do with the railway?” One man grumbles and two others join him in his agreement.
“I'll tell you. I want a railway depot run in my hometown. It is fifty miles to the main line from there. We need to invest in a depot that will service the surrounding areas with the new style refrigerated cars, gentlemen. This investment needs to be made because I submit to you that an increase in demand for beef and material goods will only grow as the population in the west grows. As the railroad expands, opening access to new territory, so too will the towns in those areas grow. An increase in population means an increase in demands and profit. Cheaper transportation means more beef to the markets, and I will go so far as to suggest that transportation overseas to England will increase in the next ten years.”
“We appreciate your forward-thinking Mr. Rivers, but where is your proof?”
“Look around the city you are in gentlemen. In the last decade, San Francisco has exploded. News travels overseas to the surrounding countries, especially England. The ones who came here looking for gold and not finding it, are staying. Many are moving to the surrounding states with the hope of owning land. Legislation is being pushed through to offer land to the homesteaders who can live and work the land for five years or more. People are staying and working the land. Some as farmers and many as ranchers, and they will need a way to transport the heads of cattle to market. Stock cars are one way, but they are only good for local transporting. The need for beef will only grow, and Wyoming is the Eden of the west for ranching.”
“You have my ear, Mr. Rivers. I have long since thought that refrigeration was the wave of the future.” Mr. Wells reminds the shareholders. “It isn’t news to any of you, I say we hear him out.”
“Thank you for your consideration. Wyoming is abundant with grass. Supremely nutritious grass and good water is everywhere. Coupled with our mild winters the cattle are thriving. My own ranch has more head than I care to think of, but the problem is transporting those cattle! The railway will solve that. Refrigeration solves that. Of course, it's good to be able to transport live cattle for fresh butchering as well.”
“What are you proposing, Mr. Rivers? Who do you think should supply this depot and your refrigerated cars?” Mr. Peters inquires.
“What are we to gain from helping the ranchers?” Another man demands.
“Excellent questions. I would propose a shared profit on the sale of all cattle for a limited time to cover the cost of bringing the railroad and the development of the refrigerated cars. I have already spoken to the Ranchers in my surrounding counties, and they are in agreement. I have their proxy, and I came prepared to deal on their behalf.”
Mr. Wells smiles at this brilliant development. “I say we put it to vote, gentlemen.” Dalton is asked to wait outside while they vote.
He is relieved to be done with his presentation. As he paces, he thinks of Cassandra. What is to be done about her? None of this would have been possible if it weren't for her help and her money. That doesn't sit well with him, but he is looking at the welfare of his community. The time for games is over. Tomorrow after the ball they will discuss the future.
The vote concludes, and Mr. Wells comes to get him. “Congratulations Mr. Rivers we have an accord. We have talked about terms for a contract, and all agree with your proposal. It is fair, and I think we shall all profit greatly.”
Dalton shakes his hand and is exuberant!
“Now how about a tour of the stockyard and the new club cars that are being tested here in San Francisco.”
Hours later, Dalton can only smile at the day’s success. He was able to discuss his hopes for the railway line that he intends for Wyoming. His dream is for the Ranchers to be able to not just trade in beef or stock, but also wool and other goods.
The tour of the train yard includes the new materials being used to build the railways. Dalton is impressed with the speed at which the new club cars are being developed. They are decadent as everything in San Francisco is but he is delighted to find out that he will be traveling in one of the pilot program cars. After his trip, he will make any suggestions for improvement and send those back to Mr. Wells via wire.
“Time to celebrate!” he says to Mr. Wells at the end of the long day of business leaving to head back to the hotel.
Dalton’s last stop is Mr. Chou’s general store for a tea set for his grandmother. Mr. Chou is wrapping up the fine china when he asks Dalton’s last name to go on the packages, hearing it he goes still.
“I have a gift for your wife, Mrs. Rivers.” He lays before him the repaired silver mirror and brush set and explains about the Williams Brothers the day that it was broken.
“It’s perfect, Mr. Chou. I insist you let me pay you.”
“No. She sent me a crazy French man who bought all of my silk! This is a gift from our family to yours.” He bows and wraps the packages promising to have them delivered
