The Directors of the Al iclland Railway met their shareholders
at.Derby on Tuesday, to explain their policy in abolishing the second class. They gave as their single motive that the measure would reduce expenses, refused absolutely to postpone it until other Railways had been consulted,. and intimated plainly that they should accept a defeat as a vote of "no con- fidence." After a discussion which is analysed elsewhere, and which seems to us very feeble, a motion approving the resolution of the Board was carried by an immense majority of those present, and it was stated that the Board had received 4,678- proxies, representing 44,305 votes and £6,735,000, while the proxies in opposition were only 423, representing 6,179 votes and a capital of £1,180,000. As soon as the result of the meet- ing was known, a conference of six other Railways was held, and it was resolved to follow the Midland in all reductions, but to make them first of all in second-class fares. The Companies will soon be able to decide which experiment pays best, but we recom- mend them strongly to reduce the third clam also for all journeys over thirty miles. The poor people do not look at the mileage, but at the total amount to be paid.
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