The News And Herald

Barely in Time.
[From The Continent.]

"By the way, I was speaking to a very intelligent station-master the other day about the crop of holiday railway accidents. 'Do you think,' I said, 'it has much to do with the long hours?' He at once replied, with the utmost warmth and eagerness: 'Sir, you can take your stand upon that. If you are ever in company where that question is started you will be right in denouncing the hours. No one will be able to reply to you then. Undoubtedly, the men are worn out, oppressed and fatigued beyond all powers of attention.'

" 'Look at that poor fellow in yonder signal-box,' and he pointed to one hard by; 'he has been there for twelve hours at a stretch-every day it is the same thing. That man has not even time to snatch a quiet meal, no rest, dare not relax for a minute. Well, what's the consequence? Some break down and die off, others go off their heads, and you never can tell when the break down is coming. The men won't give in-it's their bread; the station-master daren't complain, and the directors know it. They don't care for the public safety; they can afford the damages. Human life is nothing to them, nor human hearts and brains either. The thing,' he added, 'is scandalous, shameful, notorious.'

"At that moment an express was sighted; his quick eye caught the pointsman flagging. 'John, look sharp!' and he hurried off. 'John' was in time, and only just. The train flew back like a hurricane, and 'John' lounged away languidly with his hands in his pockets, looking fit for the hospital."