Conan Doyle Denounces English Railroad Methods

From The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia

Conan Doyle Denounces English Railroad Methods is an article published in the The St. Louis Republic on 1 october 1905. The article quote an opinion of Arthur Conan Doyle about the security of women in railroad carriages.


Conan Doyle Denounces English Railroad Methods

The St. Louis Republic (1 october 1905, p. 29)

London, Sept. 30. — Nearly a week has passed since the body of Miss Mary Money of Clapham Junction was found in the Merstham tunnel of the London and South western Railroad, but the mystery of her death remains unsolved. The outrage, however, has served to start an agitation against the continued use of the cell-like compartment cars on the British railroad, and at least one main line is said to have countermanded a large order for old-type cars in consequence of the crusade.

Sir Conan Doyle was asked to give his opinion of the tunnel tragedy. He declined, but warmly denounced the present style of car and lack of protection for women travelling alone. He said:

"I think it perfectly scandalous that such a state of affairs should be allowed to exist. Any railroad company not reserving at least one carriage for ladies on every train ought to be held responsible and pay compensation where a woman is murdered."