Brenham weekly banner. [volume] (Brenham, Tex.) 1877-1907, 1884-04-03
From Germany.
CAssEL, GERMANY, March 10.

CAssEL, GERMANY, March 10.
EDS. BANNER: By examlng q
railroad map of Germany it will
be seen that the whole cnuntry is
literally covered with q network
of railroads. They penetrate ev-
cry corner ofthe empire and bring
most widely separated points
within little more than a days
travel. There are some few lines
yet contemplated or under way OF
construction, but the system may
viewed as essentially complete.
As Is we'll known, the roads OF
Germany are the property of the
government. There are few pri-
waite lines, but they are uuder
strict government supervision, and
will no doubt soon pass into its
hands. 1t seems as natural to a
German that the government
should operate the railroads and
telegraph as the mail, and it is
generally looked on here as an
anomaly that in America one
should be managed by the govern
ment and the other not, In the ar
gument of the question In America
one side derives about as much
benefit as another from German
experience, and Ishall not attempt,
in what 1 have to say about Ger
man roads, to throw any light on
the discussion.
In a sense, railroad travel is
cheap here, and in a sense it is un-
reasonable high. There are four
classes of accommodations furnish
ed, and therefore ascends in regu-
lar gradations from one to four
cents. Fourth class passage is
certainly very cheap if, literally
speaking, you are willingssto stand
it." The coaches are open, Hnseat-
ed boxs. resembling cattle cars ; in
fact, they are used here for either
purpose, as convenience dictates.
Third-class coaches have the
toughest sort of wooden seats.
Second-class coaches are tolerable,
while Hst=class may be said, in
general terms, TO answer to ours.
Considering the population of the
country, it docs seem that better
accommodations could be furnish
ed in the lower classes of travel.
The apartment system is in vogue
here, and though it has some good
points, renders many convenien-
cies impossible. There Is no por-
ter. The conductor collects tick
cts at each station and is seen no
more. There is no newsboy, (per-
haps some may be inclined to
think this an advantage. Not ev-
en- drinking water is furnished. In
fact, the railroads seem to limit
themselves rigidiy to the task of
hauling people from one point to
another, and pay no attention to
persons welfare on the way. 1t
may be thought that l am too dis
posed to find fault, but, really, l
cannot think or a single point in
which railroad travel here can
compare in convenience with trav-
ell in America, unless that here
there is no liability of being over
crowded. Each compartment
holds some five six persons and no
more are allowed to enter. This,
too, is offset by the fact that one
cannot choose his companions, and
if you happen to fall in with disa-
greeahle company to get away
from it is impossible. Such is pas
senger travel in Germany. In
freight traffic it will compare much
more favorably with America.
Freight traffic Is very cheap here,
and transportation sure and spec
dy. The roads all being under
one management; there is, of
course no delay or trouble lie trans
ferrilg.
The roads of Germany are usu-
ally douhle-track and solidly built.
Extraordinary precautions are ia
ken against accidents, and they
are very rare. Watchmen are
stationed at brief intervals all
along the lines. 1t is almost i'm
possible for an outright collision
to OCCUR,
l promised to take no part in
the railroad discussion now going
on in America, and what l have to
say now l will not apply. There
can be no doubt that the possession
by the government of the railroads
is one of the most potent tools by
which Bismarck is enabled to re-
tam and extend his despotic pol
icy. The employees of the rail
road and telegraph are govern
ment employees, and of course up
holders of Bismarckic policy. The
lower house of the Reichstag.
which constitutionally possesses
the same functions as the House
OF Representatives, is elected by
universal suffrage. But what is !
universal suffrage worth where the
voters are dependents of the GOV.
ernment? 1t has been and is vot
the policy of Bismarck TO make as