Railway Rates: English and Foreign

by James Grierson

“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.