One hundred years ago
The full operation of the remission of the passenger-duty effected by Mr Childers is not yet perceived. It will not only enable the Companies to improve third-class travelling, as long as the charge is kept below a penny a mile, but it will tempt them to do it. Trains heavily loaded with third-class passengers will pay, and we hope to see the order, which is the great want of the third-class traf- fic, fully established. This can only be secured by the introduction of the Swiss carriages, with their short benches and free gangway between them stretching from carriage to carriage, down which a conductor can walk, with authority to remove drunken men, prevent riot, and suppress foul talk. Such carriages will be eagerly sought, the seclusion which is desired by first-class passengers being just the quality which third-class passengers dislike. 'They like company,' and when assembled in large numbers will help to keep decent order. Female travelling especially would be doubled. At present a decent or feeble woman able to pay only third-class fare travels only when compelled.
Spectator, April 21 1883
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