Book Description
THE NATION PAYS AGAIN (3rd Ed., 1991) is a sequel to Lowenthal's classic THE INVESTIGATOR PAYS (1933) in that it carries forward the history of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Company from the end of its first bankruputcy in 1928, Lowenthal's subject, to the end of its third & the annihilation in 1986. The author, formerly a staff attorney for the railroad, gives personal witness to events from the day he joins the firm in 1966 through twenty years of drama. He reports the momentous discoveries made in the headquarters of the railroad's bitter rival proving illegal conspiracy to "Kill MILW," & the government's failure to protect its investment in the Milwaukee Road's ability to compete. The story records the sad repetition of all Lowenthal inveighed against in wasteful bankruptcy practices as the system is broken up & sold off, huge profits going to the trustee & his friends. The Lexington Newsletter, a historian's guide, recommended "should be read by all seriously interested in the history of U.S. railroads since World War II."