Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-03-25
Comfort on Russian Railways.

The Russians, however, altogether declined,
to their infinite honor to recopy that absurd
Old pattern Of narrow chair which has in
fcted suiferings upon so many generations Of
travellers The train from Moscow to St.
Petersburg which runs on the first line ever
laid down in Russia, usually consists Of half
a-dozen cars Of immense length. Entering
/ by broad, easy staircase and convenient
platform, the astonished and delighted Briton
finds himself in a saloon, with table in the
centre, surrounded by sofas and divans
| Opening from one side of this saloon is
passage leading to the further end Of the caT.
riage, and passing on to an iron platform out
side Neither height, stoutness, crinoline nor
other moderate majesty of human proportions
or ornament, creates any obstacle to the free
movements of the passenger. Heavy curtains
when pushed aside, however, reveal three
pleasant private apartments if he desires re-
pose. Each is furnished with six cosy easy
chairs. Another passage leads to similar
apartments reserved for ladies. A pretty
winding staircase shows the way to sleeping
saloon above. The view from this upper
floor is quite charming in fine weather, and
enables the traveller to observe the general
aspect of the country for miles around in
every direction. Every thing is admirably
arranged. The doors fit closely, yet open
easily and as on entering the carriage it is
necessary to pass several, of which one shuts
as the other opens, there are no draughts
/ from the wintry air outside. Over the pass
age is a loft, in which may be slowed away,
within arms reach whatever reasonable
person can expect or desire to have with him.
Double windows exclude the bleak air of the
steppe from rushing directly in upon weak
lungs but there is so good system of ven-
tilation through the roof that the cars are
never unpleasantly close Lastly, there are
washing places, dressing-reoms, and other
conyenences, handsomely fitted up scrupu-
lousy clean. The amusements in this Tray
elers Paradise are numerous and varied.
I They begule the tedium of journey so eff
! fectively that it seems like holiday iaunt
rather than the usual term of Imprisonment
such journeys are in Britain. Portable card
tables, wax candles, chess, draughts, cards aud
books are to be had for the asking. Cheer
/ ful games and good reading are agreeably
varied by festive stoppages, the speed being
about twenty miles an hour, and frst-class
station every fifty miles. Here is to be found
at rational price, tea such as scholars love,
true nectar for philosophers while the rudsT
sons of Adam may choose other drinks from
divers rows of curiously- y-shaped bottles Of
wonderful wines and rich-colored iiqueurs
There are bon bons and beef ducks and
geese, partridges and venison, mighty stur-
ge.n. and the doubtful Russian delicacies, of
cariare aud geieRottes There are even clean
walters, white linen, flowers and bright lights.
The cheer is so good that parties Of fine la
dies and smart officers travel from st. Peters,
burg and Moscow expressly to dine at these
refreshment stations. When the traveller has
plentifully RECALLED himself, according to his
eating, and the night wears on, he has only
to tell the railway servant that he is ready
for sleep, aud before he need take his place
in the train again he will find his bed ready.
The berths ON this railway are superior even
to those on any American railway. They
are as good as the berths in the state cabin of
an American river steamer. Finally, on the
new railways, made by military convict labor
under direction Of Baron Ungern Siernberg,
there will be no occasion for the express train
to stop at all because to the conveniences
already mentioned, the Baron has recently
added locomotive refreshment department.
Surely when our railway shares recover from
their depression, and get into the hands Of
holders who have not paid too dearly for
them, We may hope to enjoy some OF the
comforts here described.- L0ndoR Post