Summary—Chapter V: Account Overdrawn
John Galt is Prometheus who changed his
mind.
(See Important Quotations Explained)
The order for Taggart rail is the first failure in the
history of Rearden Steel. Without the copper, there is
nothing Rearden can do, and without the metal, Taggart cannot fix
its crumbling mainline track. There are more accidents, and shippers
who cannot get goods through go out of business. The economy spirals
quickly downward.
Colorado has become destitute, and virtually no businesses remain
on the Rio Norte Line. At a board meeting, Dagny is forced to close
the line and use the Rearden Metal to repair the worst problems
on the main line. A representative from Washington tells Jim that
in order to get the permits he needs, he will have to offer Wesley Mouch
something. As she leaves the meeting, Dagny finds Francisco D’Anconia
waiting for her. He asks her how long she is willing to continue
working for people who do not deserve her. She tells him that whatever
the cost, she cannot abandon the railroad.
Jim Taggart finds himself pulled in different directions
by the politicians and looters, and must find something valuable
to use to curry favor. The government wants no trouble from Rearden
when they announce another new law, so Jim seeks information about Rearden
that might help. He asks Lillian Rearden to dinner. She agrees to
help. After some investigation, Lillian discovers that Dagny is
Rearden’s mistress. When she confronts him, Rearden refuses to end
the affair, saying he would sooner see Lillian dead.
Summary—Chapter VI: Miracle Metal
Wesley Mouch, Jim Taggart, Orren Boyle, Dr. Floyd Ferris,
Mr. Weatherby, Fred Kinnan (head of the Amalgamated Labor of America),
and Mr. Thompson (the Head of State) meet to discuss Directive 10-289.
This set of laws is designed to freeze the economy in its present
state and prevent further decline. Although they fear the public’s
response, they vote to enact the laws.
According to the directive, workers must remain in their
present jobs or face prison, and all businesses must remain in operation.
All patents and copyrights must be turned over to the government
by means of voluntary Gift Certificates. No new devices, inventions,
or products can be produced. Every company is required to produce the
same amount of goods as the previous year, no more and no less. Wages
and prices are to be frozen, and every citizen is required to spend
the same amount of money as in the previous year. All research departments
must close except for the State Science Institute. To oversee the
law, the Bureau of Economic Planning appoints a Unification Board,
whose rulings are final.
Dr. Ferris notes that Hank Rearden will fight
them for his patent, but Jim assures Mouch that he can control Rearden
in exchange for Mouch’s raising his freight rates before the directive
freezes all prices.
