The opening of the Great Central Railway between Sheffield and
London, which occurred on Thursday, is an event of some importance. It is probably the last great railway which will enter London from the North, and if Parliament is wise and resists amalgamations, the new line will give an impetus to beneficial competition. Travelling between the North and London is still too dear, not only for the public, but, as we think, for the interests of the companies. We are happy to perceive from the speeches made at the opening that the directors perceive this, and are directing special attention to the third class, which they are making so comfortable with lavatory carriages, dining conveniences, and so on, that, as the Italians say, "only Princes, financiers, and fools" will travel by any other. There should, however, be great positive reductions. After all, the railways charge, speaking roughly, is. 3d. per ton per mile for carrying human flesh which does its now porterage, and that must be an extravagant rate. It is only custom that blinds us to it.
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