One hundred years ago
IT IS reported, we see, that the first- class is to be abolished on all Prussian State railways from October 1st, and, the reporter, who approves the change, says that it is another step towards the adop- tion of the third as the only class, with, we presume, long corridor-cars. That system seems, on the whole, the one best adapted to secure profits for share- holders and low prices for the public; but we suspect some colourable com- promise will speedily be introduced. The class to which it is misery to travel in a crowd is much more numerous than is supposed — it includes half the refined women in the country — it has much command of railway shares, and, though it is always outvoted, it can make itself heard and understood, for directors, we notice, do not love travel- ling third-class. If the system is extended to England, we fancy we shall see "invalid compartments," or "family coupe's," or even the American ladies' cars — open to any man if he has a lady with him — speedily introduced. The contempt of the democracy for the wish to be alone is, of course, incurable, and does, we trust, help to sweeten over- crowded lives; but it yields readily to two counter-impulses, — profit, and the deep sympathy with the sick which we have never seen wanting, and which probably rests not only on natural kind- liness, but on a clear perception that, with all who work, sickness is the great- est of life's dangers. If you are too ill to move without help, the roughest porters turn angels.
The Spectator 2 September 1893
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