Second and third hand reports, along with outright speculation, have it that The Rail Baron from Pasadena was very recently riding on Amtrak's "Texas Eagle." Seems that outside of Alpine, TX the conductor came to The Rail Baron's sleeping car room, and accused our well Amtraked hero, of skipping out of the dining car without paying for a bottle of Amtrak wine. Now remember that First Class Amtrak victims, I mean passengers, are entitled to dine in the dining car free of worrying about paying for food. This practice is regardless of how late the train is or is not. However, drinks, tips and extras are not included for the lofty aspirations of the Amtrak First Class. When the Rail Baron was unable to produce a receipt, for his bottle of wine, the conductor threatened to set The Rail Baron out for non-payment. The Rail Baron protested his unjust treatment. A uniformed escort to the dining car was then undertaken, to determine the facts and fix responsibility for said perceived infraction. Seems that the receipt had been left on the table. The undoubtedly overworked dining car staff had overlooked this minor detail? The Rail Baron stated that he had generously tipped the dining car steward previously. Maybe there was a lapse in recognition, considering how little rest Amtrak dining car people obtain enroute? Then maybe our hero was dealing with one of the "management," (read scab), Amtrak representatives who can cook, wash dishes, wait tables, clean up, and be the steward, and not have to pay union dues...

The conductor also brought up a minor point that the Rail Baron was not in the correct room, when accosted outside Alpine, TX. Seems that an Amtrak red cap or sleeping car attendant accepted the Rail Baron's tip, but set out the Rail Baron's luggage etc., in standard bedroom No. 7. Problem was the Rail Baron was indeed booked in standard bedroom No. 9. Therefore the veteran Amtrak victim, I mean first class passenger, agreed with the intended occupant of room No. 7 to just trade rooms. Maybe he was supposed to be in room No. 7 and was placed in room No. 9? No matter, the Rail Baron was accused of upsetting "the order of the universe" on board the "Texas Eagle." As Lucius Beebe can attest, such treatment certainly would not have occured on board the old SP/RI "Golden State Limited" or SP "Sunset Limited. Seems the passenger savy Rail Baron from Pasadena was born too late.