In this of course he was hampered by the law before mentioned, which declared that no city could abolish its grade crossings without having first submitted the matter to the people during three successive years and obtained their approval each time.  Behind this law was not now, however, as in the case of the gas company, a small $500,000 corporation, but all the railroads which controlled New England, and to which brains and legislators, courts and juries, were mere adjuncts.  Furthermore, the question would have to be voted on at the same time as his candidacy, and this would have deterred many another more ambitious politician.  The mayor was not to be deterred, however.  He began his agitation, and the enemy began theirs, but in the midst of what seemed to be a fair battle the great railway company endeavored to steal a march.  There was suddenly and secretly introduced into the lower house of the State legislature a bill which in deceptive phraseology declared that the law which allowed all cities, by three successive votes, to abolish grade crossings in three years, was, in the case of a particular city mentioned, hereby abrogated for a term of four years.  The question might not even be discussed politically.

When the news of this attempt reached the mayor, he took the first train for the State capitol and arrived there just in time to come upon the floor of the house when the bill was being taken up for discussion.  He asked leave to make a statement.  Great excitement was aroused by his timely arrival.  Those who secretly favored the bill endeavored to have the matter referred to a committee, but this was not to be.  One member moved to go on with the consideration of the bill, and after a close vote the motion carried.

The mayor was then introduced.

After a few moments, in which the silent self-communing with which he introduced himself impressed everyone with his sincerity, he said: 

“I am accused of objecting to this measure because its enactment will remove, as a political issue, the one cause upon which I base my hope for reelection.  If there are no elevated crossings to vote for, there will be no excuse for voting for me.  Gentlemen, you mistake the temper and the intellect of the people of our city.  It is you who see political significance in this thing, but let me assure you that it is of a far different kind from that which you conceive.  If the passing of this measure had any significance to me other than the apparent wrong of it, I would get down on my knees and urge its immediate acceptance.  Nothing could elect me quicker.  Nothing could bury the opposition further from view.  If you wish above all things to accomplish my triumph you will only need to interfere with the rights of our city in this arbitrary manner, and you will have the thing done.  I could absolutely ask nothing more.”

The gentlemen who had this measure in charge weighed well these assertions and trifled for weeks with the matter, trying to make up their minds.