When it was
devised the method seemed fair to all, and had the consent of all. But
the best of theories do not always stand the test of practice and so it
was found in this case. It did not suit Ireland. We discovered that the
Irish railways were, in equity, entitled to more than the scheme awarded
them, and Mr. Alcorn, the Accountant of the Great Southern and Western
Railway, discovered the way to set the matter right; but it could not be
righted without the consent of the Parcel Post Conference, a body which
sat at the Railway Clearing House in London, and was composed of the
managers of all the railways parties to the parcel post scheme, some
eighty or so in number. On the 10th November, 1892, we brought our case
before that body, and Colhoun, Robertson and I were the spokesmen for the
Irish Railways. On the previous day we had met Sir George Findlay (he
had been knighted this year) and had satisfied him of the justice of our
claim. He promised to support us. The meeting commenced at 10 o'clock.
We made our speeches, which were not long, for our printed statement had
been in each member's hands for some time.
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