Koll. For the last time, it is railway carriages that we are discussing!
The Mayor (overcome by his feelings). I have no more say. (Sits down.)
Koll. Mr. Alstad wishes to speak.
Alstad (getting up). The question before the meeting is itself a small matter; but it is the consequences of it that I fear. We may expect any proposal of the same kidney now. Never let it be said that our community was eager to range itself under this banner of "equality!" It bears too old and honoured a name for that! But there is one thing I want to say. We have always, before this, felt it an honour and a privilege to have the richest man in these parts living amongst us. But when we see him one of the most eager in support of a "popular" proposal of this sort, then it appears, to me at all events, to be absolutely unaccountable how—oh, well, I won't run the risk making what our chairman calls "accusations"; I will sit down and hold my tongue. I have the right to do that at all events. (Sits down.)
Koll. Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
Flink. Three cheers for Mr. Gran! (Almost the whole meeting cheers lustily. KOLL shouts at them and hammers on the table with his mallet in vain.)
Koll (when peace is restored). I must ask the meeting to show some respect for its chairman. If not, I will leave the chair.—Mr. Gran will address the meeting.
Gran. The plan that we are proposing is no new one. It has been in practice for a long time. In America—
The Priest, Alstad, and others. Yes, in America!
The Mayor (getting up). Mr. Chairman, are we to have politics, after all?