From Russia.

On the 1st December, 1894, the Government of that country applied the Zone System to their railways for all distances exceeding 200 miles. For all shorter distances the old system was retained.

The passenger revenue of the Russian lines for the previous year had been £8,061,754, but the Russian railway "experts" calculated that the introduction of the new system would reduce the year's revenue to £6,167,552; it, however, wound up with £9,183,333, or £1,121,579 more than the previous year, and £3,015,781 more than the railway experts calculated on.

In the light of these indisputable facts it is difficult to imagine it possible to make a loss on our railways by introducing the Stage System.

I venture to hope. Sir, that you will be able to see your way to support me in my application. I have no end to serve other than the public good, never having asked for any reward. Having spent fifteen of the best years of my life, and a very large sum of money, in the effort to carry out this great reform, I hope I may, without presumption, say that I think I am entitled to some little consideration in this matter.

I know that sooner or later the Stage System must and will be tried, but my anxiety is that it should be tried while I am here to watch over it. Unfortunately, there is no one but myself who has sufficient knowledge of the new system to ensure a faithful trial. I know well that the superior officers of the department would