Chapter XXV: Introduction: The principle upon which Rates should

be based--Cost of Service--Equal Mileage Rates--Differential
Rates--Grouping, here and on the Continent--Differential
Rates on the Continent--The Interest of Consumers in
Rates--The real Basis of Rates--New Classification--Terminal
Charges--The Construction of Railways in England and
on the Continent--Working of English and Continental
Railways--Comparative facilities afforded by them--High Rates
and their effect on Trade--Proposals for fixing Rates by Railway
Commission--Conciliation Courts--Railway Amalgamation--Railways
and Canals--Conclusion--Appendices--Comparison between English and
Foreign Rates--Comparison of Railway receipts from Merchandise
and Mineral traffic--Tariffs and Conditions for the conveyance of
Merchandise traffic in Holland, Belgium, Germany and France--Toll
and maximum rate clauses in Railway Acts.

LONDON:
EDWARD STANFORD, 55, CHARING CROSS, S.W.
1886.

PRICE 5s.

* * * * *

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

“There may be a difference of opinion as to some of the conclusions expressed in Mr. Grierson’s interesting book; there can be but one opinion as to its value and its opportuneness.... The vast foreign literature relating to railways, of which too little is known in this country, has been made use of. Obviously, the volume is by far the best statement of one side of the railway problem; it is in every respect the clearest and ablest exposition of the railway companies’ case.... To members of Parliament and others interested in this subject the volume will be very valuable. It may not alter their present opinions; but henceforth the subject must be discussed with somewhat new arguments and in the light of new facts.... It is enough to say that the book will probably be consulted by all persons claiming a right to speak on these questions; that the critics of railway administration in England will be ready to own that they have profited by it; and that the case of the railway companies has never before been stated so clearly, consecutively, and reasonably.”--_Times, December 14th, 1886._

“To an economic question which yields to few in its pressing importance, a valuable contribution has been made in a work by Mr. Grierson, General Manager of the Great Western Railway Company, entitled ‘Railway Rates: English and Foreign.’ (Edward Stanford.).... Whether in regard to argument or statistics the volume is one which no railway reformer can afford to neglect.”--_Daily Telegraph, December 10th, 1886._

“Certainly no better contribution could be readily made from the side of the Railways, so clear is the writing of this little book, and so well arranged are the facts.... On the whole, the book will no doubt serve its purpose of hastening a reasonable settlement. The sooner the public understand that the point of view of the directors is tenable, the sooner will the inevitable compromise be sanctioned.”--_Daily News, December 15th, 1886._

“It would be an advantage if, before the question of railway rates is again brought before Parliament, as it will be in the course of next session, all who are to take part in its discussion would read with care the case for the railway companies as it has been presented by Mr. Grierson in the book now before us.... Mr. Grierson writes with such an abundant knowledge of his subjects, and sets forth so clearly the difficulties attending any attempt to regulate rates, that no one who reads it intelligently can fail to rise from the study of his book with a better understanding of the complex problem with which it deals, and better able to assist in its solution.... Of Mr. Grierson’s book as a whole, it may be said that, although it is not a vindication of the railway companies, it shows that, in the main, they are serving the country well, and abundantly proves that any active interference by outside authorities in the details of their management is far more likely to prove harmful than beneficial.”--_Economist, 18th December, 1886._

“As the best that can be said on behalf of the Companies, this volume is invaluable: it is the ablest statement of the case which we have seen.... It is full of useful information, and by reason of its facts, figures, and appendices, it is a volume which we cannot too highly esteem.”--_Bullionist, 25th December, 1886._

“Mr. Grierson’s book on ‘Railway Rates: English and Foreign,’ cannot be regarded as other than a valuable contribution to a most important subject. The book bristles with facts and figures, that are of unquestionable interest.”--_Scotsman, December 20th, 1886._

The much vexed question of terminals, mileage and uniform rates, differential and other charges in connection with railway management are discussed from a thoroughly practical point of view, and the facts and conclusions brought forward cannot but have a most salutary effect in removing unfounded prejudice, and creating a sounder public opinion with respect to the railways of the United Kingdom.... The work now before us will, at all events, leave the critics without excuse if they are not better informed on the subject upon which they speak and write with such copious fluency and limited knowledge.”--_Railway News, December 11th, 1886._

“In the mass of publications on the subject of railways, both at home and abroad--the magnitude and character of which tend to bewilder rather than enlighten--this book of Mr. Grierson’s, although conceived in a spirit of defence simply, has developed into a powerful instrument in the cause of justice--a careful compilation of facts, many of which have hitherto been inaccessible, and an exponent of opinions which cannot fail to carry weight, even though it may be said that they emanate from an interested source. Such is the wide survey which the author makes of the situation, that although he disclaims any idea of removing the many misconceptions in circulation, or of affording an answer to all the charges which have been made against railway companies, he has taken a step which will go far towards accomplishing both these objects.... We may commend the work with its appendix to the careful reading of all who are desirous of arriving at a sound and equitable solution of the great railway problem, which at this moment is a matter of importance and interest to all sections of society.”--_Railway Times, December 18th, 1886._

“The publication of a volume entitled ‘Railway Rates: English and Foreign,’ by Mr. J. Grierson, the General Manager of the Great Western Railway, in which the case for the Railway Companies is fully and ably stated, is a matter for genuine satisfaction.”--_Manchester Guardian, December 21st, 1886._

“On all such points as terminal charges, high rates, and their effect on trade, railway amalgamation, equal mileage rates, grouping here and on the continent, Mr. Grierson’s volume will be found of much value, while it will undoubtedly help to clear up certain misconceptions, and ought to prevent the adoption of theories as to the fixing of rates, which could only be injurious to trade, as well as contribute to an equitable and satisfactory settlement of many railway questions now much discussed.”--_Liverpool Mercury, December 25th, 1886._

“Mr. J. Grierson, General Manager of the Great Western Railway, has just rendered a really excellent service to the mercantile community and to those outside that category--if there be any such--who are interested in the question of railway rates and charges and the numerous cognate subjects which evolve out of that vastly important question.... To appreciate the work that the author has accomplished, the book requires to be studied in its entirety, especially by all who aim at thoroughly comprehending one of the most important subjects of the day.”--_Glasgow Herald, December 17th, 1886._

“Mr. Grierson’s book will be useful to all who desire to understand what can be said in favour of the existing system,”--_Bristol Evening News, December 10th, 1886._

“Under this title Mr. Grierson publishes an exhaustive, able and dispassionate _resumé_ of all the conflicting statements, claims, and interests verging round the much vexed question of Railway Rates.... We have drawn freely on the materials which Mr Grierson has so seasonably brought together, and we can only hope that the many who take an interest in the question will thereby be tempted to seek the further information at first hand.”--_Herapath’s Journal, December 11th, 1886._

“No doubt he will fail to satisfy all who believe that the present rates require revision, but he must convince every reasonable person--everybody who is not blinded by ignorant prejudice--that there is a great deal to be said on behalf of the railway companies.”--_Figaro, December 25th, 1886._

“This is not an attempt to prove that all is for the best in the best possible of railway systems; but simply to shew that some of the charges brought against the companies are erroneous, others exaggerated, and many of a contradictory character. We are further reminded that the question of reform is extremely complicated, and warned against that ‘vague, uninstructed notion’ that ‘something must be done,’ which has been the bugbear of statesmen as well as directors. Hasty legislation should the more be deprecated that there is ‘a fashion in so-called railway reform’.... As to details, Mr. Grierson certainly brings out a number of facts which make for caution in drawing conclusions. Thus the figures quoted on pp. 144-48 seem to offer reasonable evidence that the exportation of iron and coal is not prejudiced by the railway rates charged in England as compared with those charged abroad.... Another fact to be borne in mind: the average dividend on English railways amounts to no more than 4·02 per cent., or two-fifths of the dividend which in 1844 it was considered the railways should pay.”--_St. James’s Gazette, January 1st, 1887._

“His figures have been procured from many sources at home and abroad, and they are so handled as to afford very material support to the case of the British Companies. As a defence of these companies Mr. Grierson’s book is by far the best statement of that side of the question which has appeared, consequently it is entitled to respectful and serious consideration at the hands of those who are not counted amongst the thick-and-thin partisans of such companies as at present managed. In saying this, we do not desire to convey the impression that Mr. Grierson’s facts and figures represent solely _ex parte_ advocacy of the companies; on the contrary, the book contains a large amount of information as to foreign rates, which has not previously been succinctly presented to English readers.”--_Ironmonger, December 26th, 1886._

“In his able and exhaustive work just issued Mr. Grierson has stated the case for the companies completely, though concisely. He has, in fact, produced a book which must take rank as an authority upon the subject, and one with which it behoves everyone who pretends to an opinion upon the matter to be well acquainted.... There are in this book arguments which must be answered, and facts and figures that will have to be faced by those who urgently call for measures of railway reform and reduction of railway rates. The work, indeed, though full is fair, and its publication should and will do much towards settling a long-vexed question upon some reasonable terms of compromise.”--_Liverpool Guardian Society’s Weekly Circular, December 31st, 1886._

“The work which Mr. Grierson, the General Manager of the Great Western Railway Company, has just published on railway rates is a particularly able production, and its appearance now is very opportune.... Mr. Grierson’s contribution to the discussion of the question abounds in facts and arguments, stated with a clearness and fairness which do much to prepossess the reader in favour of the cause which is so ably and reasonably represented. Many people will on reading this book obtain for the first time something like a correct view of the position really taken up by Railway Companies, and the arguments with which they are prepared to support it. Many misconceptions will be removed, and the most energetic opponent of the present policy of the Companies will feel that there are, at any rate, two sides to many phases of the controversy.... On the whole a strong case for the Railway Companies is made out.”--_British Trade Journal, 1st January, 1887._

“The most effective contribution to the controversy that has yet been made from the Railway Managers’ point of view, is a work on ‘Railway Rates, English and Foreign,’ by Mr. James Grierson, the General Manager of the Great Western Railway, recently issued by Mr. Stanford. Mr. Grierson, it is needless to say, is a skilled exponent of official views, and he has fortified himself with an immense mass of information drawn from Germany, France, Belgium and Holland, which he marshals in the most effective manner possible, with a view to rebutting the arguments of those who hold up the continental systems as models for England to copy, or who contrast continental railway rates with British rates to show under how much more favourable conditions continental manufacturers work than their competitors in England. It may be frankly confessed that Mr. Grierson shows that no close comparison can with justice be made between the charges upon railway systems that have been brought into existence, and are worked under conditions differing widely in every respect from those that have prevailed in England.... Mr. Grierson’s comments and criticisms are weighty and practical, and in the matter of differential rates and terminal charges, those who dissent from his opinions will not find his arguments easy to meet.”--_Liverpool Daily Post, 8th January, 1887._

“This is a very fine work by Mr. J. Grierson, General Manager of the Great Western Railway. It is essentially a merchant’s and shipowner’s book, and a copy of it should be in every counting house. If such works were studied by merchants and merchants’ clerks a little more, a good deal of ignorance which prevails on the subject of British and Foreign Railway rates would be cleared away.... We cannot too highly commend this work to the mercantile community.”--_Hull Times, 8th January, 1887._

“Now the public have the opportunity of hearing the Railway Companies’ counsel. Mr. Grierson’s position enables him to back his arguments with a copious array of facts.... On the _audi alteram partem_ principle all the assailants of the present rates and working should make it a point of duty to read what Mr. Grierson has to say, for those who undertake to judge a righteous judgment it is absolutely essential to be acquainted with his facts and references, and even for those who prejudge, it is convenient to know what is the line of defence.”--_Birmingham Daily Post, 7th January, 1887._

“Quite worthy of the position and traditions of the line he manages is Mr. Grierson’s recent book on ‘Railway Rates, English and Foreign,’ which from its admirable arrangement, lucid language and courteous if vigorous tone of controversy, deserves to become a commercial classic.”--_Birmingham Daily Gazette, 10th January, 1887._

“To an economic question which yields to few in its pressing importance a valuable contribution has just been made by Mr. Grierson, General Manager of the Great Western Railway, entitled ‘Railway Rates, English and Foreign.’”--_Wednesbury Herald, 18th December, 1886._

“Mr. Grierson now comes forward in a new character, the literary champion of British Railway Companies in reply to the severe criticisms on our own Railway Rates, in comparison with those prevailing on the Continent.... He has said much and said it well; and indeed he has shewn himself an able advocate for the great interest he represents. The volume is a complete storehouse of facts and figures.... He has clearly defined the lines of the controversy, he has told with admirable effect what the Companies have to say.”--_Weekly Bulletin, 25th December, 1886._

“Mr. Grierson’s contribution to the controversy respecting Railway Rates is of a valuable character, stating the case on behalf of the Companies plainly and clearly, and adducing very strong arguments and a vast array of facts and figures in support of the position they have taken up.... The subject of differential rates is treated most exhaustively.... The question of Terminal Charges is exhaustively discussed by Mr. Grierson.”--_Bristol Mercury, 8th January, 1887._

Mr. J. Grierson has written a most interesting defence of the present system of Railway Management.... It is seldom that so readable a work is issued on a subject so apparently dry.... There are many other interesting features in this work, and none more so than the comparisons of the workings of English and Foreign Railways.”--_Bristol Times and Mirror, 6th January, 1887._

“I should advise all who can to obtain this little work and read it. It is quite a text book of railway management, and I must say that while I sat down to read it with a strong prejudice against the railways, I found it had gone long before I had finished it. It gives, in very fair style, that ‘_other side_’ which Englishmen always like to hear.”--“_H. F. M. Farmer’s Column_,” _Bristol Times and Mirror, 15th January, 1887._

“Mr. Grierson has done excellent service to the railway interest as well as to the public, by the preparation of this very useful and complete work.... The opinions expressed as to the principle upon which railway rates should be based are indisputably sound.... For more complete information and facts upon other matters of great importance to the railway companies and the public generally, we commend to our readers--notably to those who profess to be dissatisfied with the present state of affairs--a careful study of this work. Some chapters on the comparison of the working of English and Continental railways are specially deserving of attention, and the facts given are well calculated to remove much misapprehension which appears to exist on the subject.”--_Railway Record, 15th December, 1886._

“Mr. James Grierson has laid the railway world under a deep obligation by the publication of ‘Railway Rates, English and Foreign.’ ... The facts and arguments, presented in clear, firm, incisive language, cannot fail to impress, instruct, and interest whoever this vast question in any way affects.”--_Railway Official Gazette, January, 1887._

End of Project Gutenberg's Railway Rates: English and Foreign, by J. Grierson