e of this
"equality" into which you want to plunge each and every one of us!
(Uproar.)

Koll. The honourable speaker appears to me to be trenching upon
politics--

The Mayor. Possibly I am, Mr. Chairman; but what honest man can shirk
the truth? Only compare the present state of things in this community
with what was the case when everything here was as it should be; when
the King and his officials were respected; when public affairs were in
the hands of those who knew how to direct them; when we used to have
singing competitions, shooting competitions, and other festal meetings
of that kind. And--yes--well--compare, I say, the conditions in those
days with our conditions to-day--that is to say, with all this talk of
"the people;" as, for instance--

Koll. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.

The Mayor. Quite so! But what is it that is at the bottom of this
proposal, Mr. Chairman? Does it not spring from that passion for
destruction, for a universal levelling which aims at abolishing the
monarchy, at destroying authority--

The Priest. And the Church too, my friend!

The Mayor.--and the Church, it is quite true! Yes, it is because they
desire the Church and--

Koll. It is railway carriages that we are discussing.

The Mayor. Exactly. But an old public official like myself, who once was
held in respect, when he sees the pillars of society tottering and feels
the keenest pang of sorrow at--

Koll. For the last time, it is railway carriages that we are discussing!

The Mayor (overcome by his feelings). I have no more say. (Sits down.)

Koll. Mr. Alstad wishes to speak.

Alstad (getting up). The question before the meeting is itself a small
matter; but it is the consequences of it that I fear. We may expect any
proposal of the same kidney now. Never let it be said that our community
was eager to range itself under this banner of "equality!" It bears too
old and honoured a name for that! But there is one thing I want to say.
We have always, before this, felt it an honour and a privilege to have
the richest man in these parts living amongst us. But when we see him
one of the most eager in support of a "popular" proposal of this sort,
then it appears, to me at all events, to be absolutely unaccountable
how--oh, well, I won't run the risk making what our chairman calls
"accusations"; I will sit down and hold my tongue. I have the right to
do that at all events. (Sits down.)

Koll. Mr. Gran will addre