Such differential rates exist--and the circumstance is not unimportant--in all countries in which railways have been developed; and it will be found that, here as elsewhere, they have been adopted, not solely or even chiefly with a view to benefit railway companies, but mainly to meet the not unreasonable demands of traders and consumers. The following are a few instances of special import and export rates charged by the railway companies in this country, viz.:-- -----------+-------------+-----------------------+----------+---------- | | | Import | | | | and | Local From | To | Article. | Export | Rates | | | Rates | per Ton. | | |per Ton. | -----------+-------------+-----------------------+----------+---------- Manchester | London | Cotton Goods in Bales | 25/- | 40/- | | | C. & D. | C. & D. ” | Southampton | ” ” | 25/- | 45/- | | | C. & D. | C. & D. | | | | Birmingham | London | Hardware | 25/- | 27/6 | | | C. & D. | C. & D. ” | ” | Bedsteads | 22/6 | 28/4 | | | C. & D. | C. & D. | | | | London | Plymouth | Newspapers and | 24/2 | 37/6 | | Periodicals | C. & D. | C. & D. | | | | Leeds | Hull | Woolen and Worsted | 12/6 | 16/8 | | Goods | C. & D. | C. & D. | | | | Manchester | ” | Bale goods | 17/6 | 31/8 | | | C. & D. | C. & D. | | | | Liverpool | ” | Salt Provisions | 12/6 | 20/- | | |Carted in | Hull. ” | London | Fresh Meat | 25/- a | 50/- a | | | C. & D. | C. & D. | | | 30/- b | 55/- b | | | C. & D. | C. & D. Bristol | ” | American Provisions | 20/- | 27/6 X | | | C. & D. | C. & D. ” | ” | Fresh Meat | 20/- a | | | | C. & D. | } 40/-