Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 November 1892 — Curious Railway Relic. [ARTICLE]

Curious Railway Relic.

Among various trophies secured by Chief Smith of the Transportation department, during his recent visit to Europe, is a small brass pocket piece resembling an ordinary baggage check, which is worth a great deal more than its weight in gold. It is of octagon shape and on one side is stamped the Inscription “L. and S. Railway,” “Bagworth No. 29." On the opposite side the number is repeated. This fortunately preserved relic represents the kind and form of ticket in use in 1832 for “open carriage passengers” on the Leicester and Swannington Railway.’’ , The distance covered by the main line was a trifle over sixteen, miles, and the passenger fares charged were one and one-quarter pence per mile. There was one class only, and passengers stood up in an open carriage, generally known as a tub, which was nothing better than a high-sided goods wagon, having no top, no seats, %o spring buffers. These brass tickets were used to the various stations, the guard of the train carrying a leather bag something in the style of a collection box, having eight separate divisions, one tor each station. At the end of each passenger’s journey his ticket was taken up and placed ip the bag by the guard, to be returned, recorded on the hooks, aid again used.—Chicago Times.