Railroad Companies Justified Their Heavy Subsidies from the Federal Government

Railroad companies justified their heavy subsidies from the federal government on the grounds that

A) railroads were essential to the national defense.
B) returns on railroad bonds would help finance the federal government.
C) railroad building was too costly and risky without government help.
D) railroad subsidies were needed to get pioneers to settle the West.
E) the federal government had already financed the Pony Express.