The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-09-16
SLEEPING CARS FOR RUSSIA.
Fast Trains Between Moscow and si- berian Terminals to Be Equipped
 in Modern Style.

R. T. Greener, commercial agent or the United States at Vladivostock, in con sular report, says that the Russian Nm istry of Communications has signed contract with the International sieepans Car Company to run weekly, beginning April 14, 1903, five lines of fast trains be- tween Moscow and the terminals or the Siberian Railroad; April 14. isoi seven lines must be run; January IA, lsoo' pe- sides the seven fast trains, special t.aihS de luxe express, from Moscow to NiaoFo- stock and return. The speed of the traihs de luxe between Moscow ana irku.sn must be greater than the speed or the usua, fast trains" For the express trains the International Company VIII pc allowed to charge for first class A-s cents additional per mile; second class, cents, including the government ra'e' The company must conform 10 ai custoiii house regulations and guarantee oassase and merchandise delivery at house ad- dress at an extra charge to be approved of bv the railway authorities. This con- tract will last for twelve years.
 The through fast trains began running May 1, with the following rates: First class tickets, Dalny to St. Petersburg. s1ss; second class s92; thirty-six pounds of baggage free; overweight charges, s1 .37 for every ten pounds (Russian.) The time is now scheduled at fifteen days; the average is seventeen. All fast trains have the movable seat, which serves for a sleeper; for these there Is no extra charge Each train includes dining car. where meals of good quality can be had at an average cost of q 50 per day; between Dalny and St. Petersburg-at Missovaia, eastern side of Lake Baikal. and at Moscow. From Vladivostosk there are two additional changes-at Grodekof and at Harbin. From Vladivostock to Grodekof accommodations are good, but from Grodekof to Harbin they are still poor; hence, travelers/who want comfort and safety should take the route from Dalny rather than from Vladvostock.
 At the present time the through fast trains leave Dalny only once a week-on Sundays. Passengers leaving Vladivostock can only make connection with this fast train at Harbin by leaving here on Tues days and Saturdays.
 The latest report of the committee of
 's the length ol the ron.4 as 2,066 miles, and contains the following information regarding the traffic in 1sol: : Trains in operation ............. 74,198 Average cars to train. .. .. .... 1854 Passengers carried, all classes
 Gin 1900. 926,97S). 7S)................ 1,124,30O Passenger fares. ...... .. ..N I19, 1s7. Go Amt paid for baggage carried 42,sOs % Average amount paid by each
 passenger for baggage .. .... 153 Amount paid for freight tran
 sportation; merchandise a.
 4o9.195 tons) .... .. ............s7, 713, 737 % Average per ton .. .. .. .. .. s. 20 Total income .... .... .. .... Ss1s, ,21s. .OO Total expenses (excluding ex-
 tra ones) .............. $9, ,6S9. .76S % Net profit .... .. .... ...........$ IFS, 456. co Extra and unforeseen expenses,
 force majeur .... ........N ,21S, ,252 co Actual deficit . .. .... s. .o39, ,796. .oD Actual deficit In 1900. .. .. 8, ,331, ,O24. .0O
 The income exceeds the estimate by g, 539 209; the total expenses exceeds the