and work-people, are sitting and standing about wherever they can find room. On the
right, large windows are standing open; through these another crowd can be seen,
listening from outside. GRAN is standing in front of the platform, speaking to the
meeting.)
Gran. And, as it was found impossible for the main 1ine of the railway to touch our
town, we determined, rather than allow all our exertions to be wasted, to construct a
branch line on our own account. I had the honour to be elected chairman of the board of
directors of this undertaking. No directors ever had more unrestricted powers than were
given to us--possibly because there were no two opinions as to the route the line should
take the natural formation of the ground indicated it unmistakably. It was only when we
approached the question of the purchase of our rolling-stock that any dissension arose--
not among the directors, but among the shareholders. As the majority of the latter are
farmers and work-people, we had decided on buying only one class of railway carriage of
a type slightly more comfortable than the ordinary third-class carriage. That is the extent
of our misdeeds! To-day's meeting will probably show what the general sense on the
matter is. Our powers being unlimited, we were under no obligation to consult any one in
the matter; but, notwithstanding that, we decided to call a meeting of the shareholders and
submit the question to them. And, on the directors' behalf, I must thank the shareholders
for having attended in such numbers; young and old, men and women, I dare say quite a
third of the total number of shareholders are present. The meeting will now proceed to
elect a chairman. (Sits down.)
The Mayor (after a pause). I beg to move that Mr. Koll, our chief magistrate, whom it is
a great pleasure to see honouring this meeting with his presence, have the further
kindness to take the chair.
Gran. The motion before the meeting is that the Chief Magistrate shall take the chair.
Shall I assume it to be carried? (Silence follows.)
The Mayor. Yes. (Laughter.)
Gran. The meeting should preferably elect some one who may be considered to be
unaffected by considerations of party.
Alstad (half rising, with his glasses in his hand). Then we shall have to send for some
one that does not live in these parts! There is no one of that sort left here! (Sits down,
amidst laughter.)
The Priest. All authority springs from on high. Obedience to those set in authority over
us is obedience to the Almighty. But it is against this very obedience that people are
rebelling nowadays.
Gran. It is precisely some one to be in authority over us that we want to elect. At present
we have no one.
