First, they could have planned consumer boycotts, people on the streets protesting against the corruption and power of the railroads. Also, they have had to implement more regulations, laws or rules for the operation and expansion of railroads. Finally, they should have improved the prosecution of corrupt officials, people who committed crimes had to face justice.
In relation to the first amendment, your rights can be limited when it is causing danger to other people or society. For example, if you yell "FIRE" in a movie theatre when there was no fire and people get hurt you will get in trouble. That is not allowed
