CHAPTER II.
These are a few things better managed in Ireland than in England, and
one of them is the starting of important railway trains. The
departure, for instance, of the morning mail from the Dublin terminus
of the Midland and Great Western Railway is carried through, day after
day, with dignity. The hour is an early one, 7 a.m.; but all the chief
officiate of the company are present, tastefully dressed. There is no
fuss. Passengers know that it is their duty to be at the station not
later than a quarter to seven. If they have any luggage they arrive
still earlier, for the porters must not be hustled. At ten minutes to
seven the proper officials conduct the passengers to their carriages
and pen them in. Lest any one of independent and rebellious spirit
should escape, and insist on loitering about the platform, the doors of
the compartments are all locked. No Irishman resents this treatment.
Members of a conquered race, they are meek, and have long ago given up
the hope of being able to resist the mandates of official people.
Strangers, Englishmen on tour, are easily recognised by their
self-assertive demeanour and ill-bred offences against the solemn
etiquette of the railway company.
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