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.