Perhaps they thought them so nearly divided, and so
almost evenly balanced, that the one neutralised the other. They may
also have thought that each Report made it clear that the Irish railways
were well managed, not lacking in enterprise or energy, were doing well
for the country; and that, therefore, the wisest course was to "let well
alone."
Were we living in ordinary times, had there been no world-wide war, with
its vast upheavals and colossal changes, it would be both interesting and
profitable to further discuss the Reports, their conclusions and
recommendations; but the war has altered the whole railway situation, and
it would be idle to do so now. Victor Hugo says: "Great events have
incalculable consequences," which is unquestionably true in respect of
the railways and the war. The vital question now in regard, not only to
the railways of Ireland, but to the railways of the whole United Kingdom,
is as to their future. It is, however, with the Irish railways I am
specially concerned, and of them I may pretend to have a little
knowledge, which must be my excuse for saying a few words more on the
subject.
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