class that pays for the first. But that some passengers
should travel comfortably at the expense of those who travel less
comfortably, is what we wish to avoid. (Applause.) An old resident of
the yeoman class has reproached us with wishing to alter our customs.
Well, if one of our old customs is the aristocratic one which makes the
gulf that separates masters and men wider than it already is, all I can
say is that the sooner it is abolished the better; for it is not a good
custom; it is even a dangerous one. (Murmurs.) And as for the political
aspect of the question--

Koll. Don't you think we should leave politics out of the question?

Gran (bows, with a laugh). That is just what I was going to say, Mr.
Chairman; that we ought to leave politics out out of the question. (Sits
down, amidst laughter applause. The audience, first the younger men and
then the older farmers, begin arguing the matter with one another, more
and more loudly.)

Koll. I must beg the meeting to keep quiet, as long as this business is
under discussion. The Mayor wishes to speak.

The Mayor. I admit that I am loyal--

Koll. Those people outside must be quiet!

Alstad (going to the window). You must keep quiet!

The Mayor. I admit I am loyal! I count it a point of honour, as a native
of the place, to show his Majesty that our first thought when we planned
this railway was, at that important moment, that his Majesty might
possibly be pleased to manifest a desire to pay us a visit. "Let him use
his own private saloon," we are told! No, Mr. Chairman, that is not the
way to speak when we are speaking of his Majesty! And what about his
Majesty's suite? Are they to travel third class? What I say is that we
are casting a slight on his Majesty if we cast a slight on his railway
carriage--I should say, on his suite. And I go farther than that. I say
that his Majesty's functionaries are his Majesty's representatives, and
that it is casting an additional slight upon his Majesty not to show
a proper respect for them. I know that this jars upon the ears of many
present; they do not consider that a man who holds a public office
should be shown any more respect than any one else. The majority rules,
and the majority only thinks of its own interests and those of its
servile supporters. But even in this community of ours there is a
minority that bears the burden of its affairs and represents its honour;
and we will never consent to be dragged down into the mir