MORE RAILWAY ASSURANCE,
We have received official information respecting a new bill about to be brought into Parliament, for the protection of Railway Companies. The following are among the clauses enacted:—
That the directors of any company announcing the departure of a train at any particular time, may start it an hour later—or two hours earlier—or when they like—or not at all.
That trains announced to contain third-class carriages shall consist exclusively of first-class carriages; and that any passengers made to wait by these arrangements, shall be compelled to pay for the use of the waiting-room.
That it shall be legal for the officials of any company to stop a train when half-way towards its destination, and refuse to take the passengers on till they have paid their fares over again—in which case the engine-driver need not proceed unless it suits him.
That in case of collisions, all injury done to the line, carriages, &c. shall be made good by the passengers—the train having been run for their accommodation. In case of fatal accidents, the directors may come upon the representatives of the deceased parties for damages, as compensation for the loss of traffic likely to be caused by the report of such unpleasant affairs.
That no passenger shall exercise any control whatever over his own luggage; and that no director, chairman, station-master, policeman, guard, porter, engine-driver, or stoker in any of the companies' employ, shall be responsible for anything whatever.