Page:The Czechoslovak Review, vol4, 1920.pdf/229

 A similar law was passed in England, but there the government favors only the export of manufactured articles.

Our government which followed the development of American financial policy with steady interest is negotiating with American financial circles. The negotiations are proceeding favorably and aim principally at securing the necessary cotton to enable our mills to resume.

It is certain that through re-export of cotton goods, for which plans have been worked out in detail by our cotton industry and the necessary organization completed, we shall easily secureforeign money to pay off gradually the credits and make a sizable profit.

From the textile industry we shall pass to other branches of our industry and effect renewal of production in them. That is the only means to restore our economic position and improve the foreign exchange situation.

We do not doubt that the time will come, when our factories will look as before the war, when every worker will be employed at full time, and when our products will compete on equal terms with the products of other countries in the markets of the world. In these times of restrictions and regulation the unwary traveller might easily be caught napping. Even the experienced globe-trotter will find the steps demanded by the powers that be in Europe more intricate of execution than the evolutions of the homely fox-trot. An interruption of the train-service in Austria, a missed connection or the omission of an indispensible visé on his passport are apt to ruffle the best of tempers, especially if the traveller’s mental eye sees in the distance the steamer depart on which he has booked, and partly paid for, his passage to the States. That his recollections, as related on his return, are not of the brightest goes without saying. Yet, a little care and foresight these unpleasant happenings can be avoided.

If all roads lead to Rome, but a few lead now-a-days to and from Czechoslovakia. In this respect the man who looks at a map and figures out the shortest way may find on having to pass a whole night at an out-of-the-way railway station that he has to learn a new lesson in geometry. In travelling the shortest cut may be the longest way. In some cases it is far preferable to make a detour touching principal railway centres than to take the shortest line traced on the map. The hitherto most favored route from the west was that from Paris by the Entente train to Prague. This train has lately been demilitarised, and the Compagnie des Wagons-Lits is in charge. The fare Paris-Prague is about 450 fcs. The service being limited to three days a week the available accomodationaccommodation [sic] is naturally somewhat short of the requirements.

Another route from Paris is via Vienna for those who have business to transact in the Austrian capital. The Entente train passes through this city on its way to Warsaw. The same remarks apply to this route.

The third and by no means an uncomfortable way to getting to Prague is via Berlin. travelling in Germany being not only cheap but without the usually supposed inconveniences.

Lateral communication is afforded by a direct train service between Vienna and Berlin via Prague on three days a week. At Prague seats on these trains may be reserved in either direction.

A commercial train between Paris and Prague via Strassbourg and Nuremberg has for some time been forshadowed without, however, having materialised by the time of going to press. This would form the shortest and most convenient route, cutting the journey down to about 25 hours, as compared with the present route thru Switzerland which takes about 40.

In view of the prevailing restrictions and the risk of loss travellers are strongly advised to confine their luggage the the least possible dimensions. The prescribed limit of luggage registered on the Entente-train is 50 kilos, or about 100 lbs. On other trains more may be taken, but the risk of losing all or part of it had better be taken into consideration. All luggage, whether registered or not, should be insured for its full value at the place of departure, which may be done not only for a particular journey but for a specified time, say three months, on all railways which the traveller is likely to use. The various customs regulations need hardly be mentioned here since they differ almost in every country.

Equally as important as the procuring of a passport is to get it viséd by the authorities of the countries of destination, as well as those traversed. Besides, in certain countries, for instance France, the visé of the French or British military authorities may be required. Without the necessary visé a passport is a mere scrap of paper whatever nationality its owner may belong to.

All visitors to Prague should make a point of calling on their arrival at the Foreigners Office (Mikulandská ul. 7). a Government Institution established for the convenience of visitors. There every available information is courteously given, the visés on passports obtained, seats on trains reserved, hotel accomodationaccommodation [sic]—a very difficult item—procured, in short, every assistance is gladly extended, and all free of charge.

Visitors to Prague are earnestly requested to personally report their arrival at the Head-Police station within twenty-four hours and in case of a longer sojourn also their departure. Reporting by proxy is inadmissible.