Note: It's hot in Beijing today, plus there was a power outage in the middle of the residential building, which is really annoying.
I left Beijing for a few days last week, and not long after I returned, I encountered a pop-up 3.
I believe that I have been following the rules throughout:
- I carefully reviewed the epidemic prevention policies for leaving and entering Beijing, including the epidemic situation at the destination, to ensure compliance with the policies.
- I took a nucleic acid test after returning to Beijing.
- During this period, I was identified by big data, and the community called to inquire, and I made a report over the phone.
However, even though I followed the rules of the game, I still encountered a pop-up. Fortunately, it happened on the weekend and did not affect my travel and work. But it still made me angry - although it only prevented me from buying watermelon at the supermarket in this scorching summer, the feeling of being manipulated for no reason is as disgusting as eating a fly.
I contacted the community neighborhood committee for handling, only to find out that they don't work on weekends... After multiple rounds of communication, I was asked to go to the community for processing at 8:30 in the morning.
When registering my travel information, I mentioned that I had been to a district in a certain city in China. At this point, the staff looked up and said, "Home quarantine." I was stunned and asked back, "There is no epidemic in that district. The epidemic is in a county-level city below this city. Which policy says I need to be quarantined at home?" - I have checked the policy and argued based on reason.
The other party replied, "It says home quarantine on top, we are just following orders."
Here we go again... What a "just" and "following orders" - ever-changing policies, non-existent regulations, and increasing burdens at the grassroots level.
Unable to reach a compromise, in the end, I signed a commitment letter, and the other party received it as if they had received a pot, ready to use it when needed. Then I was asked to register my information in Jingxinzhuhu (a platform for epidemic prevention and control in Beijing). When I saw the words "Jingxinzhuhu," I felt a great sense of irony. In my opinion, it should be called "Jingxinxiangzu" (disturbing the heart).
Well, I don't want to say much about the rest. It reminded me of a sketch by Mark Twain, where he said everything I wanted to say:
...
On Saturday evening we left New York by the Pennsylvania Railroad. After breakfast the next morning we entered the parlor car, but found it dull and dreary. There were only a few people in the car, and no one was doing anything. So we went into the little smoking-room in that car, and there we found three gentlemen. Two of them were complaining about a rule of the railroad company which forbade playing cards on Sunday. They had just begun a game of euchre, which is not forbidden, when they were stopped. The colonel was interested. He said to one of the gentlemen:
"Do you object to their playing cards?"
"Not at all. I am a professor in Yale College, and though a believer in religion, I am not bigoted."
Then the colonel said to the other two gentlemen:
"You may go on with your game, gentlemen; there is no one here to object."
One of them refused to take the risk, but the other said he would like to have another game if the colonel would play. So they spread a greatcoat over their knees and began. Presently the conductor of the parlor car came along and said, roughly:
"Hi, hi, gentlemen, this won't do. Put up the cards - playing is not allowed."
The colonel was shuffling. He went on shuffling and said:
"Who forbids playing cards? Whose order is it?"
"It is mine. I forbid it."
The dealing began. The colonel asked:
"Did you invent the idea of forbidding cards on Sunday?"
"What idea?"
"The idea of forbidding cards on Sunday."
"No - certainly not."
"Who did?"
"The company."
"Then it is not your order, but the company's. Is that it?"
"Yes. But you must stop playing, just the same."
"Hasty action is not wise. It is often disastrous. Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"My dear sir, that is not my affair, and besides - "
"But it is my affair. I suspect that the company has no right to issue any such order. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. In hotels they put up rules, but they usually cite the law of the State as their authority. I see no such notice here. Show me your authority, and then we will decide, for you can see that you are destroying the pleasure of the game."
"I have no authority except the order, and that is enough. Orders must be obeyed."
"Let us not be too hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. In hotels they put up rules, but they usually cite the law of the State as their authority. I see no such notice here. Show me your authority, and then we will decide, for you can see that you are destroying the pleasure of the game."
"I have no authority except the order, and that is enough. Orders must be obeyed."
"Let us not be too hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. In hotels they put up rules, but they usually cite the law of the State as their authority. I see no such notice here. Show me your authority, and then we will decide, for you can see that you are destroying the pleasure of the game."
"I have no authority except the order, and that is enough. Orders must be obeyed."
"Let us not be too hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's orders. My duty is to stop this playing of cards, gentlemen, and I must do it."
"Perhaps so; but let us not be hasty. It would be better to discuss this matter calmly, and see what principle we are standing upon, so that neither of us may make a mistake - for, to deprive an American citizen of his liberty is a serious matter, and before one can prove that he has the right to do so, I do not allow him to do it in my presence without protest. Now, let us go back to that question: Who authorized the company to make this rule?"
"I don't know. That is their business."
"It is my business, too. I suspect that the company has no right to make any such rule. This road runs through several States. Do you know where we are now, and what the laws of this State are?"
"I have nothing to do with the laws of this State, but I must enforce the company's