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 adoption 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 shareholders and low prices for the public ; hut we suspect some colourable compromise 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 travelling third-class. If the system is extended to England, we fancy we shall see "invalid com- partments," or "family coups," 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 kindliness, but on a clear perception that, with all who work, sickness is the greatest of life's dangers. If you are too ill to move without help, the roughest porters turn angels.
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