It is stated that the French Government has taken the
first step towards a radical railway reform. It has asked the Boards of the different railways to report whether they are willing to reduce the charge for passengers 50 per cent. and the charge for goods 20 per cent., and to guarantee the despatch of goods by the shortest routes. If they will consent, the Government will in return abolish all dues now levied on railway traffic. We do- not know the exact amount of the compensation offered, but it must be remembered that the Companies, by accepting the terms, will also escape compulsory absorption. M. Gam- betta and M. de Freycinet are both convinced that the first economic necessity for France is to facilitate communication.. M. de Freycinet proposed to multiply supplementary lines,. M. Gambetta to make them useful to all classes. The reduction would probably coat the railways nothing; but their managers will, of course, hold out for larger donations from the State.
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