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'''James "Jim" Taggart''', in [[Ayn Rand]]'s [[novel]] ''[[Atlas Shrugged]]'', was President of the [[Taggart Transcontinental Railroad]]. But instead of being a productive businessman, James Taggart sought to [[profit]] by obtaining and trading various government favors. But his actual motive was not so much the effective mulcting of the public, or even of businessmen more productive than he. His motive was the destruction of the productive, a motive that stemmed entirely from puerile jealousy. He carefully hid that motive even from himself, until the day came when he caught himself attempting to inflict pain on another man when that act had no profit in it. On that day, he suffered a complete neuropsychiatric collapse.

'''James "Jim" Taggart''' (1977-2020?), in [[Ayn Rand]]'s [[novel]] ''[[Atlas Shrugged]]'', was President of the [[Taggart Transcontinental Railroad]]. But instead of being a productive businessman, James Taggart sought to [[profit]] by obtaining and trading various government favors. But his actual motive was not so much the effective mulcting of the public, or even of businessmen more productive than he. His motive was the destruction of the productive, a motive that stemmed entirely from jealousy. He carefully hid that motive even from himself, until the day came when he caught himself attempting to inflict pain on another man when that act had no profit in it. On that day, he suffered a complete neuropsychiatric collapse. Whether he lived or died immediately after that, is unclear.

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== Background ==

== Background ==

James Taggart was the son of the President of the TTRR and the descendant (either the grandson or the great-grandson) of Nathaniel Taggart, the original founder. But even as a child he showed that he was not made of the same stuff of which Nathaniel Taggart was made.

James Taggart was born in 1977, the son of the President of the TTRR and the descendant of Nathaniel Taggart, the original founder. But even as a child he showed that he was not made of the same stuff of which Nathaniel Taggart was made.

His sister [[Dagny Taggart|Dagny]] definitely was, and he knew it and resented it. He once told her that, though she was named after their (great) grandmother Dagny, wife of Nathaniel, in temperament she better resembled Nathaniel than Old Dagny. Young Dagny took that as a compliment, a thing that James Taggart perhaps never understood.

His sister [[Dagny Taggart|Dagny]] definitely was, and he knew it and resented it. He once told her that, though she was named after their (great) grandmother Dagny, wife of Nathaniel, in temperament she better resembled Nathaniel than Old Dagny. Young Dagny took that as a compliment, a thing that James Taggart perhaps never understood.

One particular episode from their adolescence both illustrated his attitude and served as a prelude to things to come. His father made him a present of a motorboat, and the dockmaster at the Taggart family compound started to teach him how to drive it. The lesson did not go well. Then, in frustration, James turned to [[Francisco d'Anconia]], a boy his age who was visiting at the time, and challenged him to drive the motorboat. Francisco not only drove it; he demonstrated almost as much proficiency as an adult might be expected to have. James Taggart resented that encounter ever since.

One particular episode from their adolescence both illustrated his attitude and served as a prelude to things to come. His father made him a present of a motorboat, and the dockmaster at the Taggart family compound started to teach him how to drive it. The lesson did not go well. Then, in frustration, James turned to [[Francisco d'Anconia]], a boy nearly three years younger than he who was visiting at the time, and challenged him to drive the motorboat. Francisco not only drove it; he demonstrated almost as much proficiency as an adult might be expected to have. James Taggart resented that encounter, and Francisco, ever since.

 

 

 

 

Ironically, Dagny Taggart solved the problem of the San Sebastián Line for Jim. On September 15, 2014, she gave Jim an ultimatum: make her Vice-President of Operations at once, or accept her resignation. She had been doing the work of the ineffectual interim Operating Vice-Presidents since 2011, so Jim acquiesced. Not long afterward, Dagny found a contractor who finished the San Sebastián Line within a year. It opened on New Year's Day, 2016.

== The Rio Norte Line and the Phoenix-Durango ==

== The Rio Norte Line and the Phoenix-Durango ==

The year 1926 (or 1927) found James Taggart, now President of the TTRR, faced with a difficult business situation—one made difficult by his own actions and attitudes, though he refused to admit it to himself. The Rio Norte Line, that served [[Colorado]], had fallen into disrepair, so much so that wrecks on the line were frequent, and the TTRR could not make a proper shipping schedule. Mr. [[Dan Conway]], the upstart head of the rival Phoenix-Durango [[Railroad]], was already taking customers away from the TTRR, because its line was newer and in better condition.

The year 2016 found James Taggart faced with a difficult business situation—one made difficult by his own actions and attitudes, though he refused to admit it to himself. The Rio Norte Line, that served [[Colorado]], had fallen into disrepair, so much so that wrecks on the line were frequent, and the TTRR could not make a proper shipping schedule. Mr. [[Dan Conway]], the upstart head of the rival Phoenix-Durango [[Railroad]], was already taking customers away from the TTRR, because its line was newer and in better condition.

James Taggart had given an order for a new track to his friend [[Orren Boyle]], head of Associated Steel. But Orren Boyle never seemed able to fill an order on time. Nevertheless, Orren was Jim's friend, and Jim was determined to "give him a break."

James Taggart had given an order for a new track to his friend [[Orren Boyle]], head of Associated Steel. That was back in August of 2015. Orren Boyle still had not filled that order, thirteen months later. Nevertheless, Orren was Jim's friend, and Jim was determined to "give him a break."

His sister Dagny, serving as Vice-President in Charge of Operations, was having none of that. She overrode him and replaced the track order with [[Henry Rearden]]'s steel company. Not only that, but she ordered the rail made of Rearden Metal, the new [[alloy]] of [[copper]] and [[iron]] that Rearden had invented.

Dagny was having none of that. She overrode him and replaced the track order with [[Henry Rearden]]'s steel company. Not only that, but she ordered the rail made of Rearden Metal, the new [[alloy]] of [[copper]] and [[iron]] that Rearden had invented.

== Washington dealings ==

== Washington dealings ==

The second was the Equalization of Opportunity Act, which would provide that no businessman would be allowed to be in more than one business at any given time. The target of this Act was Henry Rearden, who in addition to owning a steel company, also owned an [[iron]] [[ore]] mine and a [[coal]] mine, so that he would not have to buy ore or coal on the open market. As part of the negotiation for this deal, Jim had to make some promises to one [[Wesley Mouch]], who was Henry Rearden's Washington lobbyist, not to warn Rearden that any such thing was in the offing. The promises involved getting Mouch a job with the [[Mr. Thompson|Thompson]] administration.

The second was the Equalization of Opportunity Act, which would provide that no businessman would be allowed to be in more than one business at any given time. The target of this Act was Henry Rearden, who in addition to owning a steel company, also owned an [[iron]] [[ore]] mine and a [[coal]] mine, so that he would not have to buy ore or coal on the open market. As part of the negotiation for this deal, Jim had to make some promises to one [[Wesley Mouch]], who was Henry Rearden's Washington lobbyist, not to warn Rearden that any such thing was in the offing. The promises involved getting Mouch a job with the [[Mr. Thompson|Thompson]] administration.

During these discussions, Orren Boyle complained to Jim about service on the San Sebastián Line. Orren's complaint was that the TTRR was running only one passenger train a day, in antiquated rolling stock pulled by a wood-burning steam [[locomotive]]. Appalled, Jim promised to take care of the problem when he returned to New York.

During these discussions, Orren Boyle complained to Jim about service on another Taggart line, the San Sebastian Line. This line ran into [[Mexico]] and served the San Sebastian Mines, the latest [[copper]] [[mine|mining]] project of Francisco d'Anconia, who had inherited his father's copper-mining empire, D'Anconia Copper SA of [[Argentina]]. Orren's complaint was that the TTRR was running only one passenger train a day, in antiquated rolling stock pulled by a wood-burning steam [[locomotive]]. Appalled, Jim promised to take care of the problem when he returned to New York.

Back in New York, Jim challenged Dagny about the service cutbacks. Dagny defended them, and also stated that she was moving everything of value out of Mexico as fast as she could, in the fear that the People's State of Mexico would [[nationalization|nationalize]] the mines and the railroad line.

Back in New York, Jim challenged Dagny about the service cutbacks. Dagny defended them, and also stated that she was moving everything of value out of Mexico as fast as she could, in the fear that the People's State of Mexico would [[nationalization|nationalize]] the railroad line and the San Sebastián Mines that they served.

As Dagny predicted, the Mexicans ''did'' nationalize the San Sebastian Railroad, and the mines. In response, Jim took full credit for the service cutbacks and the near-total evacuation. But what shocked him even more was the discovery that the San Sebastian Mines were worthless. That could only mean that Francisco d'Anconia had deliberately driven a mine into a mountain that could yield no useful minerals. Jim was heavily invested in D'Anconia Copper SA, and considered that Francisco d'Anconia owed him and the other stockholders an explanation for such foolish behavior. Francisco offered none, except to say that he had entered into the project for charitable motives, and hired men who needed work, regardless of their ability to perform—all the sorts of things that Jim's moral code called for, and none of which he could argue with.

As Dagny predicted, the Mexicans ''did'' nationalize the San Sebastián Railroad, and the mines. In response, Jim took full credit for the service cutbacks and the near-total evacuation. But what shocked him even more was the discovery that the San Sebastián Mines were worthless. That could only mean that Francisco d'Anconia had deliberately driven a mine into a mountain that could yield no useful minerals. Jim was heavily invested in D'Anconia Copper SA, and considered that Francisco d'Anconia owed him and the other stockholders an explanation for such foolish behavior. Francisco offered none, except to say that he had entered into the project for charitable motives, and hired men who needed work, regardless of their ability to perform—all the sorts of things that Jim's moral code called for, and none of which he could argue with.

== The Rearden Metal Controversy ==

== The Rearden Metal Controversy ==

In the middle of the project to reclaim the Rio Norte Line, the [[State Science Institute]] issued a report calling the claims for Rearden Metal "inconclusive." Many workers refused to work on the project, and Jim left New York to flee from the publicity. Dagny found him and told him that she personally would renovate the Rio Norte Line and raise her own money to do it. She said that she would call the line the John Galt Line, recalling the question, "Who is John Galt?" that people often asked in despair or sarcasm in the context of the sick national economy. Dagny made only one demand of Jim:{{cquote|There is one thing that you can do for me, and you'd better do it: keep your Washington boys off. See to it that I get all the permissions, easements, and other waste paper that their laws require. Don't let them stop me. If they try...People say that our ancestor, Nathaniel Taggart, killed a politician for refusing a permission that he should never have had to ask. I don't know whether that's true or not, but I can tell you one thing: I know exactly how he felt about it, if he did. And if he didn't, I just might be minded to do it today to complete the legend. I mean it, Jim.}}

In the middle of the project to reclaim the Rio Norte Line, the [[State Science Institute]] issued a report calling the claims for Rearden Metal "inconclusive." Many workers refused to work on the project, the railroad's stock crashed, and Jim left New York to flee from the publicity. Dagny found him and told him that she personally would renovate the Rio Norte Line and raise her own money to do it. She said that she would call the line the John Galt Line, recalling the question, "Who is John Galt?" that people often asked in despair or sarcasm in the context of the sick national economy. Dagny made only one demand of Jim:{{cquote|There is one thing that you can do for me, and you'd better do it: keep your Washington boys off. See to it that I get all the permissions, easements, and other waste paper that their laws require. Don't let them stop me. If they try...People say that our ancestor, Nathaniel Taggart, killed a politician for refusing a permission that he should never have had to ask. I don't know whether that's true or not, but I can tell you one thing: I know exactly how he felt about it, if he did. And if he didn't, I just might be minded to do it today to complete the legend. I mean it, Jim.}}

Not knowing whether Dagny was serious, Jim complied.

Not knowing whether Dagny was serious, Jim complied.

== Creation and Destruction ==

== Creation and Destruction ==

The John Galt Line, with its rails and even an entire bridge made of Rearden Metal, was a success. Again Jim was able to take credit for it in the public mind, so much so that a young woman, Cheryl Brooks, actually fell in love with him because she thought that he was the productive genius behind the line.

The John Galt Line, with its rails and even an entire bridge made of Rearden Metal, opened on July 22, 2017, with a highly successful first run. Again Jim was able to take credit for it in the public mind, so much so that a young woman, Cherryl Brooks, actually fell in love with him because she thought that he was the productive genius behind the line.

Jim saw in Cheryl a woman trying to better herself, a thing with which he had no patience. And he saw a way to make her pay for that error: he would marry her and make abundantly clear that she could never be good enough to be a railroad president's wife. And so he courted her and eventually proposed to her.

Jim saw in Cherryl a woman trying to better herself, a thing with which he had no patience. And he saw a way to make her pay for that error: he would marry her and make abundantly clear that she could never be good enough to be a railroad president's wife. And so he courted her and eventually proposed to her.

In the meantime, he saw the economic boom that [[Colorado]] was enjoying, due entirely to the excellent transportation afforded by the John Galt Line, now once again part of the TTRR system. And he determined, with the help of a number of unions and other like-minded organizations, to destroy it—by proposing a series of burdensome and often contradictory regulations.

In the meantime, he saw the economic boom that [[Colorado]] was enjoying, due entirely to the excellent transportation afforded by the John Galt Line, now once again part of the TTRR system. And he determined, with the help of a number of unions and other like-minded organizations, to destroy it—by proposing a series of burdensome and often contradictory regulations.

The regulations went through, and produced the result that Jim Taggart had hoped for. But not all the results were as he predicted. The most spectacular result was one that worried him, at least to some degree: [[Ellis Wyatt]], who had developed a method for extracting [[oil]] from [[shale]], set fire to his oil fields and vanished without a trace. Those fields, referred to as "Wyatt's Torch," continued to burn for the rest of the period in the narrative.

The regulations went through in November of 2017. They produced the result that Jim Taggart had hoped for. But not all the results were as he predicted. The most spectacular result was one that worried him, at least to some degree: [[Ellis Wyatt]], who had developed a method for extracting [[oil]] from [[shale]], set fire to his oil fields and vanished without a trace. Those fields, referred to as "Wyatt's Torch," continued to burn for the rest of the period in the narrative.

== The Stock Crash ==

== The Stock Crash ==

James Taggart married Cheryl Brooks, and invited all the great power brokers, and many businessmen, to his reception. Henry Rearden showed up, as did Dagny and Francisco d'Anconia. Jim Taggart offered a toast to the overthrow of the aristocracy of money, and Francisco made some crack about "the aristocracy of pull" which, he said, had replaced it.

James Taggart married Cherryl Brooks on September 2, 2018. He invited all the great power brokers, and many businessmen, to his reception. Henry Rearden showed up, as did Dagny and Francisco d'Anconia. Jim Taggart offered a toast to the overthrow of the aristocracy of money, and Francisco made some crack about "the aristocracy of pull" which, he said, had replaced it.

Worse than that was Francisco's loud declaration that many of his mines had gone bust and that he faced insolvency. Jim was horrified. Francisco blew him off with another insouciant remark, this time saying that he was doing only the sort of thing that Jim would have wanted to see him do. Jim, Orren Boyle, and several others rushed out of the reception, in a vain attempt to contact their stockbrokers and bail out of D'Anconia Copper SA before it crashed.

Worse than that was Francisco's loud declaration that many of his mines had gone bust and that he faced insolvency. Jim was horrified. Francisco blew him off with another insouciant remark, this time saying that he was doing only the sort of thing that Jim would have wanted to see him do. Jim, Orren Boyle, and several others rushed out of the reception, in a vain attempt to contact their stockbrokers and bail out of D'Anconia Copper SA before it crashed.

== Directive 10-289 ==

== Directive 10-289 ==

In April of 1929, James Taggart was in Washington once again, in the office of Wesley Mouch, who now was the senior coordinator of the Bureau of Economic Planning and Natural Resources. With him were Orren Boyle; Mr. Clem Weatherby (also of the BEPNR); [[Fred Kinnon]], head of Amalgamated Labor of America; [[Floyd Ferris]] of the [[State Science Institute]]; and [[Mr. Thompson]], the [[President of the United States]]. After a round of complaints about economic conditions, Mr. Thompson gave his assent to the promulgation of [[Directive 10-289]], an emergency regulation designed to freeze all economic activity at then-current levels. Jim Taggart's chief contribution to this was the recommendation that all [[science]] and [[engineering]] departments at all major universities would close, to satisfy Point Four of the Directive, which provided that no new inventions would be brought on-line. Floyd Ferris relished the idea of being the employer of last resort for "those who prove[d] cooperative" among university faculty.

In April of 2019, James Taggart was in Washington once again, in the office of Wesley Mouch, who now was the senior coordinator of the Bureau of Economic Planning and Natural Resources. With him were Orren Boyle; Mr. Clem Weatherby (also of the BEPNR); [[Fred Kinnon]], head of Amalgamated Labor of America; [[Floyd Ferris]] of the [[State Science Institute]]; and [[Mr. Thompson]], the Head of State. After a round of complaints about economic conditions, Mr. Thompson gave his assent to the promulgation of [[Directive 10-289]], an emergency regulation designed to freeze all economic activity at then-current levels. Jim Taggart's chief contribution to this was the recommendation that all [[science]] and [[engineering]] departments at all major universities would close, to satisfy Point Four of the Directive, which provided that no new inventions would be brought on-line. Floyd Ferris relished the idea of being the employer of last resort for "those who prove[d] cooperative" among university faculty.

But by far the most important implication of Directive 10-289 was the requirement that all recent inventions be turned over to the [[public domain]] through the use of "gift certificates." Floyd Ferris expressed his concern that "the guiltless man" would prove intractable in this regard. But Jim Taggart had an answer to that, too: he could prove that [[Henry Rearden]] and his sister [[Dagny Taggart|Dagny]] had been having an affair (information that he had from Henry's wife [[Lillian Rearden|Lillian]]), and such information would be quite valuable for [[blackmail]]. He won an increase in freight rates from the sale of this information.

But by far the most important implication of Directive 10-289 was the requirement that all recent inventions be turned over to the [[public domain]] through the use of "gift certificates." Floyd Ferris expressed his concern that "the guiltless man" would prove intractable in this regard. But Jim Taggart had an answer to that, too: he could prove that [[Henry Rearden]] and his sister [[Dagny Taggart|Dagny]] had been having an affair (information that he had from Henry's wife [[Lillian Rearden|Lillian]]), and such information would be quite valuable for [[blackmail]]. He won an increase in freight rates from the sale of this information.

The Directive took effect on May 1 of that year. Dagny, furious, marched into Jim's office, threw a newspaper at him, and said,{{cquote|There's my resignation, Jim. I won't work as a slave, or as a slave driver.}}

The Directive took effect on May 1, 2019. Dagny, furious, marched into Jim's office, threw a newspaper at him, and said,{{cquote|There's my resignation, Jim. I won't work as a slave, or as a slave driver.}}

Jim hired a friend of his, one Clifton Locey, to replace Dagny. He little knew how disastrous an appointment that would be.

Jim hired a friend of his, one Clifton Locey, to replace Dagny. He little knew how disastrous an appointment that would be.

In the second week in May, Mr. Charles "Chick" Morrison, another Washington official, went on a "whistlestop tour" of the country. He demanded a [[Diesel]]-electric engine for his train. How Clifton Locey found one, Jim did not know, nor did he inquire.

In the second week in May, Mr. Charles "Chick" Morrison, another Washington official, went on a "whistlestop tour" of the country. He demanded a [[Diesel]]-electric engine for his train. How Clifton Locey found one, Jim did not know, nor did he inquire.

A week later, Jim was awakened at night when Representative Kip Chalmers sent him an angry telegram from Winston, Colorado:{{cquote|Am held up on the Comet [the TTRR's transcontinental flagship] at Winston, Colorado, due to the incompetence of your men, who refuse to give me an engine. Have meeting in [[California]] of vital national importance. If you do not move my train at once, I'll let you guess the consequences. Kip Chalmers.}}

Then in the early morning of May 28, 2019, Jim was awakened when Mr. Kip Chalmers, traveling to [[California]] to seek election to the Legislature from that State, sent him an angry telegram from Winston, Colorado:{{cquote|Am held up on the Comet [the TTRR's transcontinental flagship] at Winston, Colorado, due to the incompetence of your men, who refuse to give me an engine. Have meeting in [[California]] of vital national importance. If you do not move my train at once, I'll let you guess the consequences. Kip Chalmers.}}

Jim called Locey and roared at him, saying that he'd never heard of the Comet being held up, and at least when Dagny ran the Operations department, Jim "wasn't awakened in the middle of the night over every spike that broke in [[Iowa]]—Colorado, I mean!" Locey assured him that he would take care of the matter as soon as possible.

Jim called Locey and roared at him, saying that he'd never heard of the Comet being held up, and at least when Dagny ran the Operations department, Jim "wasn't awakened in the middle of the night over every spike that broke in [[Iowa]]—Colorado, I mean!" Locey assured him that he would take care of the matter as soon as possible.

The next day, Jim read with horror of the destruction of the [[Taggart Tunnel]] and the loss of the Comet (with everyone aboard) and an [[United States Army|Army]] munitions train. This time, when Jim tried to contact Locey, Locey was unavailable, apparently with some kind of medical condition. Jim first drafted his own letter of resignation, and then rushed to Dagny's old office (he no longer thought of it by any other name) and roared at her assistant, [[Eddie Willers]], demanding that he tell where she had gone. In the middle of his tirade, Dagny returned. Jim rushed back to his office, destroyed his letter of resignation, and let Dagny handle matters with no further interference.

But when Jim came into the office, he received with horror the news of the destruction of the [[Taggart Tunnel]] and the loss of the Comet (with everyone aboard) and an [[United States Army|Army]] munitions train. This time, when Jim tried to contact Locey, Locey was unavailable, apparently with some kind of medical condition. Jim first drafted his own letter of resignation, and then rushed to Dagny's old office (he no longer thought of it by any other name) and roared at her assistant, [[Eddie Willers]], demanding that he tell where she had gone. In the middle of his tirade, Dagny returned. Jim rushed back to his office, destroyed his letter of resignation, and let Dagny handle matters with no further interference.

== Dagny's Second Disappearance ==

== Dagny's Second Disappearance ==

In the end of May, Dagny announced her intention to travel west, again toward Colorado, to contact an engineer named [[Quentin Daniels]], who (according to Dagny) had been working on a new type of motor that might actually replace the Diesel engine. Jim didn't pretend to understand Dagny's obsession with this new motor, but he did not interfere.

That night, Dagny announced her intention to travel west, again toward Colorado, to supervise the laying of track to complete a new route that would bypass the now-destroyed Taggart Tunnel. Three days later came a report that Dagny Taggart had last been seen flying into the [[Rocky Mountains]] in a monoplane, and was long overdue. Search-and-rescue authorities listed her as missing and believed dead. With her disappearance, all plans for laying new track came to nothing.

 

A few days later came a report that Dagny Taggart had last been seen flying into the [[Rocky Mountains]] in a monoplane, and was long overdue. Search-and-rescue authorities listed her as missing and believed dead.

== The Railroad Unification Plan ==

== The Railroad Unification Plan ==

== Dagny's Return ==

== Dagny's Return ==

In the end of June, Dagny "returned from the dead." She refused to say where she had been in the last month. Jim and his friend Lillian Rearden induced Dagny to appear on Bertram Scudder's [[radio]] show to explain that she had not simply quit and vanished, as so many others had done, and to extol the "virtue" shown by Henry Rearden in signing away his right in Rearden Metal.

On June 29, 2019, Dagny "returned from the dead." She refused to say where she had been in the last month. Jim and his friend Lillian Rearden induced Dagny to appear on Bertram Scudder's [[radio]] show to explain that she had not simply quit and vanished, as so many others had done, and to extol the "virtue" shown by Henry Rearden in signing away his right in Rearden Metal.

To their horror, Dagny proceeded to tell a national radio audience that she and Henry Rearden had been having an affair, and that the only reason why Henry Rearden had signed that "gift certificate" was blackmail. Bertram Scudder threw down her microphone when she said that, but the damage was done. Shortly thereafter, Bertram Scudder no longer had a radio program.

To their horror, Dagny proceeded to tell a national radio audience that she and Henry Rearden had been having an affair, and that the only reason why Henry Rearden had signed that "gift certificate" was blackmail. Bertram Scudder threw down her microphone when she said that, but the damage was done. Shortly thereafter, Bertram Scudder no longer had a radio program.

== Lillian's Visit ==

== Lillian's Visit ==

Shortly after this, Jim Taggart received a visitor at his [[New York City]] townhouse: [[Lillian Rearden]]. She demanded his help in thwarting a [[divorce]] action that [[Henry Rearden]]'s attorneys were bringing. Through various means that the novel never explains, Henry's lawyers were on the point of succeeding in not only dissolving the marriage, but also ensuring that Lillian would receive no [[alimony]]. She had thought about seeking help from Bertram Scudder, but that man was now in total disgrace and unable to help anyone.

On August 5, 2019, a man named Ramirez headed a movement to turn [[Chile]] into a People's State. As part of this, he proposed to nationalize D'Anconia Copper SA. One of his aides, Rodrigo Gonzalez, created a special holding company (Interneighborly Amity and Development Corporation) that would receive all the D'Anconia assets, and invited Jim Taggart and his friends to invest. Jim invested heavily, as did Orren Boyle, who became president of the new firm.

 

That night, Jim Taggart received a visitor at his [[New York City]] townhouse: [[Lillian Rearden]]. She demanded his help in thwarting a [[divorce]] action that [[Henry Rearden]]'s attorneys were bringing. Through various means that the novel never explains, Henry's lawyers were on the point of succeeding in not only dissolving the marriage, but also ensuring that Lillian would receive no [[alimony]]. She had thought about seeking help from Bertram Scudder, but that man was now in total disgrace and unable to help anyone.

Jim Taggart probably couldn't help her even if he wanted to. But in the process of their conversation, the two of them began to talk about their respective motives for their actions. Lillian admitted freely that she sought to destroy Henry Rearden; Jim Taggart vociferously denied having any such motive. Lillian, who by now was getting [[Alcoholic drink|drunk]], called him a coward, and then spilled her drink on herself. Jim started to blot away the spill, and soon the two were intimate, though the novel suggests that they had no emotional attachment between then.

Jim Taggart probably couldn't help her even if he wanted to. But in the process of their conversation, the two of them began to talk about their respective motives for their actions. Lillian admitted freely that she sought to destroy Henry Rearden; Jim Taggart vociferously denied having any such motive. Lillian, who by now was getting [[Alcoholic drink|drunk]], called him a coward, and then spilled her drink on herself. Jim started to blot away the spill, and soon the two were intimate, though the novel suggests that they had no emotional attachment between then.

== Cheryl Taggart's Death ==

== Cherryl Taggart's Death ==

After Lillian had left, Jim's wife Cheryl returned to the townhouse. (She had left the townhouse earlier; Jim might or might not have learned that she'd been paying his sister a visit.) Somehow she had reason to suspect that Lillian had visited and that she and Jim had been imtimate. Jim brazenly avowed the tryst and said that Cheryl could do nothing about it, and Jim would never allow her a divorce. Cheryl ended by accusing him of being a killer for the sake of killing, and before Jim could reply to that, she screamed and left the townhouse for the last time.

After Lillian had left, Jim's wife Cherryl returned to the townhouse. (She had left the townhouse earlier; Jim might or might not have learned that she'd been paying his sister a visit.) Somehow she had reason to suspect that Lillian had visited and that she and Jim had been imtimate. Jim brazenly avowed the tryst and said that Cherryl could do nothing about it, and Jim would never allow her a divorce. Cherryl ended by accusing him of being a killer for the sake of killing, and before Jim could reply to that, she screamed and left the townhouse for the last time.

Jim learned later that she had jumped into the East River. He briefly visited Dagny, not so much seeking sympathy as to hold himself blameless in her death. Dagny ordered him away, and the two of them never spoke of Cheryl Taggart again.

Jim learned later that she had jumped into the East River. He briefly visited Dagny, not so much seeking sympathy as to hold himself blameless in her death. Dagny ordered him away, and the two of them never spoke of Cherryl Taggart again.

== The D'Anconia Copper Debacle ==

== The D'Anconia Copper Debacle ==

On September 2, he asked Dagny into his office, where he began to make a speech complaining that, despite the Railroad Unification Plan and all his deal-making, Taggart Transcontinental was losing money. As he continued to talk to Dagny, he became increasingly agitated, and finally roared at her that she ought to help him in his role as President of the TTRR, because he was her brother. Dagny responded by quietly repeating to him a common parentage epithet.

On September 2, he asked Dagny into his office, where he began to make a speech complaining that, despite the Railroad Unification Plan and all his deal-making, Taggart Transcontinental was losing money. As he continued to talk to Dagny, he became increasingly agitated, and finally roared at her that she ought to help him in his role as President of the TTRR, because he was her brother. Dagny responded by quietly repeating to him a common parentage epithet.

Then at 10:00 a.m., Jim turned on the radio in his office, and asked Dagny to stay and listen. But the report he heard horrified him. Apparently, when Señor Ramirez had struck the gavel to call his parliament to order, an explosion had rocked the chamber. That explosion was actually several explosions at once, as the D'Anconia docks were demolished. Later, the Argentine authorities found that all of the D'Anconia Copper assets were demolished, and Francisco d'Anconia and all of the most qualified members of his workforce were nowhere to be found.

Then at 10:00 a.m., Jim turned on the radio in his office, and asked Dagny to stay and listen. But the report he heard horrified him. Apparently, when Señor Ramirez had struck the gavel to call his parliament to order, an explosion had rocked the chamber. That explosion was actually several explosions at once, as the D'Anconia docks were demolished. Later, the Chilean and [[Argentina|Argentine]] authorities found that all of the D'Anconia Copper assets were demolished, and Francisco d'Anconia and all of the most qualified members of his workforce were nowhere to be found.

Jim immediately called Rodrigo and protested that Rodrigo had said that the investment would be safe. At the same time, Orren Boyle called him on another line, and Jim finally told the complaining Orren to shut his mouth, because he could say nothing else.

Jim immediately called Rodrigo and protested that Rodrigo had said that the investment would be safe. At the same time, Orren Boyle called him on another line, and Jim finally told the complaining Orren to shut his mouth, because he could say nothing else.

== The Rearden Debacle ==

== The Rearden Debacle ==

In October, Jim happily attended a meeting with several of the top men from Washington, to persuade Henry Rearden to accede to the Steel Unification Plan. Rearden did attend, but he spent most of the meeting asking the Washington men to explain how they thought their system could continue. Jim said a total of two things that evening. His first contribution was to describe the Railroad Unification Plan to Rearden, when the Washington men asked him to—whereupon Rearden asked the others,{{cquote|Why do you ask the stooge to waste my time?}}

On the night of November 4, 2019, Jim happily attended a meeting with several of the top men from Washington, to persuade Henry Rearden to accede to the Steel Unification Plan. Rearden did attend, but he spent most of the meeting asking the Washington men to explain how they thought their system could continue. Jim said a total of two things that evening. His first contribution was to describe the Railroad Unification Plan to Rearden, when the Washington men asked him to—whereupon Rearden asked the others,{{cquote|Why do you ask the stooge to waste my time?}}

Calling him a "stooge" was an insult that Jim had by now come to expect from Rearden. But the other men were in control, and they described the Steel Unification Plan, saying that the Railroad Unification Plan was their model. Rearden asked them how long they expected him to last, and then asked what they thought could save them. That was when Jim said his second thing:{{cquote|Oh, you'll do something!}}

Calling him a "stooge" was an insult that Jim had by now come to expect from Rearden. But the other men were in control, and they described the Steel Unification Plan, saying that the Railroad Unification Plan was their model. Rearden asked them how long they expected him to last, and then asked what they thought could save them. That was when Jim said his second thing:{{cquote|Oh, you'll do something!}}

That was a mistake. Rearden had become less tractable as the meeting wore on, and now he said nothing further, but picked up his hat and coat and left the room. The Washington men called out to him not to leave "yet," but to no avail. Jim knew why they did not want Rearden to leave: a riot was in progress at his mills, and they did not want Rearden to be at those mills until the riot was all over. The reason for that was that the riot was started, not by Rearden's regular employees, but by a number of substitutes moved in by order of the Unification Board, a body set up under Directive 10-289.

That was a mistake. Rearden had become less tractable as the meeting wore on, and now he said nothing further, but picked up his hat and coat and left the room. The Washington men called out to him not to leave "yet," but to no avail. Jim knew why they did not want Rearden to leave: a riot was in progress at his mills, and they did not want Rearden to be at those mills until the riot was all over. The reason for that was that the riot was started, not by Rearden's regular employees, but by a number of substitutes moved in by order of the Unification Board, a body set up under Directive 10-289.

Jim never heard exactly what happened when Rearden drove into his mills and found a riot taking place. But he heard what happened after that, and that revelation sent him rushing to Dagny's apartment to break it to her and beg her to retrieve a situation that was now catastrophic. Simply put, Rearden had quit and vanished. Even the attachment of Rearden's assets to satisfy a tax lien hadn't stopped Rearden; he had left everything behind, stopping only to clean out a wall safe in his apartment. Word had reached his mills, and then, before anyone could stop it, almost his entire workforce vanished after him. With the result that Henry Rearden's mills were now standing idle, producing nothing at all.

Jim never heard exactly what happened when Rearden drove into his mills and found a riot taking place. But he heard what happened after that, and that revelation sent him rushing to Dagny's apartment to break it to her and beg her to retrieve a situation that was now catastrophic. Simply put, Rearden had quit and vanished. Even the attachment of Rearden's assets to satisfy a tax lien hadn't stopped Rearden; he had left everything behind, stopping only to clean out a wall safe in his apartment. Word had reached his mills, and then, before anyone could stop it, the most able members of his workforce vanished after him. With the result that Henry Rearden's mills were now standing idle, producing nothing at all.

Jim wanted Dagny to bring Rearden back. Jim did not know how he knew this, but he knew that Dagny knew where Rearden had gone. Dagny looked him straight in the eye, refused his request, and ordered him out of her apartment.

Jim wanted Dagny to bring Rearden back. Jim did not know how he knew this, but he knew that Dagny knew where Rearden had gone. Dagny looked him straight in the eye, refused his request, and ordered him out of her apartment.

[[Mr. Thompson]] announced that he would speak to the nation on November 22, on the subject of the world crisis. Jim obliged the President by having Dagny accompany him to [[Madison Square Garden]], where Mr. Thompson was to speak. When Dagny realized that she would be called upon to participate, she refused. Before Jim or anyone else could tell her that she could not refuse, several technicians told Mr. Thompson that he couldn't get on the air. Mr. Thompson became furious and threatened to fire everyone, but that availed him nothing.

[[Mr. Thompson]] announced that he would speak to the nation on November 22, on the subject of the world crisis. Jim obliged the President by having Dagny accompany him to [[Madison Square Garden]], where Mr. Thompson was to speak. When Dagny realized that she would be called upon to participate, she refused. Before Jim or anyone else could tell her that she could not refuse, several technicians told Mr. Thompson that he couldn't get on the air. Mr. Thompson became furious and threatened to fire everyone, but that availed him nothing.

And then suddenly a voice began to speak:{{cquote|Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Thompson will not be speaking to you tonight. His time is up. I have taken it over. You were to hear a report on the world crisis. That is exactly what you are going to hear.}}

And then suddenly a voice began to speak:{{cquote|Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Thompson will not speak to you tonight. His time is up. I have taken it over. You were to hear a report on the world crisis. That is exactly what you are going to hear.}}

Out of the corner of his eye, Jim caught sight of Dagny giving a clear sign of recognition. Oddly enough, [[Robert Stadler]], the head of the [[State Science Institute]], who was also present, recognized that voice, too, as did Eddie Willers.

Out of the corner of his eye, Jim caught sight of Dagny giving a clear sign of recognition. Oddly enough, [[Robert Stadler]], the head of the [[State Science Institute]], who was also present, recognized that voice, too, as did Eddie Willers.

== The Torture Session ==

== The Torture Session ==

Not long after that speech, John Galt was actually taken into custody. He turned out to have been a track walker in the Taggart Terminal in New York!

On February 22, 2020, John Galt was actually taken into custody. He turned out to have been a track walker in the Taggart Terminal in New York!

For about a week, Mr. Thompson kept John Galt in the penthouse of the Wayne-Falkland Hotel, trying to cut a deal with him. Jim half suspected that Galt wouldn't bite, and he didn't. Even when Mr. Thompson had Galt appear on [[television]], Galt took the opportunity to tell everyone to "get out of [his] way." (He also moved so swiftly when his turn came to speak that the bodyguard, with his gun, was revealed to the camera.)

For three weeks, Mr. Thompson kept John Galt in the penthouse of the Wayne-Falkland Hotel, trying to cut a deal with him. Jim half suspected that Galt wouldn't bite, and he didn't. Then on March 20, 2020, Mr. Thompson had Galt appear on national [[television]] to announce "The John Galt Plan" for the economy. Instead of cooperating, Galt took the opportunity to tell everyone to "get out of [his] way." (He also moved so swiftly when his turn came to speak that the bodyguard, with his gun, was revealed to the camera.)

Finally [[Floyd Ferris]] suggested something that Jim considered sensible: to take John Galt to the installation of "Project F" of the State Science Institute, and there subject him to electric shock until he agreed to cooperate. Jim, [[Wesley Mouch]], and Ferris were selected as the three who would conduct the session. Jim loudly told everyone present not to be "sissies" about it. Mr. Thompson threw up his hands, said that he couldn't help it, and told them to do whatever they wanted.

Finally [[Floyd Ferris]] suggested something that Jim considered sensible: to take John Galt to the installation of "Project F" of the State Science Institute, and there subject him to electric shock until he agreed to cooperate. Jim, [[Wesley Mouch]], and Ferris were selected as the three who would conduct the session. Jim loudly told everyone present not to be "sissies" about it. Mr. Thompson threw up his hands, said that he couldn't help it, and told them to do whatever they wanted.

== Aftermath ==

== Aftermath ==

The novel says nothing about what happened to Jim Taggart after that. Perhaps he was taken to a mental institution, but that would have availed little. Eventually even institutions like that couldn't help anyone, because all the power on the Eastern Seaboard failed permanently. Very likely, Jim Taggart ended up in the hands of a regional [[militia]] company. Eventually, he might have faced trial for some of his darker activities, with [[Ragnar Danneskjold]] prosecuting, after John Galt had declared the strike over.

The novel says nothing about what happened to Jim Taggart after that. Perhaps he was taken to a mental institution, but that would have availed little. Eventually even institutions like that couldn't help anyone, because all the power on the Eastern Seaboard failed permanently. Very likely, Jim Taggart ended up in the hands of a regional [[militia]] company. Eventually, he might have faced trial for some of his darker activities, with [[Ragnar Danneskjöld]] prosecuting, after John Galt had declared the strike over.

{{endspoiler}}

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