Chapter 9

THE LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER RAILWAY PROJECTED.

Insufficient communications between Manchester and 146-172 Liverpool--The canal monopoly--A tramroad projected--Joseph Sanders--Sir R. Phillip's speculations as to railways--Thomas Gray--William James surveys a line between Liverpool and Manchester--Opposition to the survey--Mr. James's visits to Killingworth--Robert Stephenson assists in the survey--George Stephenson appointed engineer--The first prospectus--Stephenson's survey opposed--The canal companies--Speculations as to railway speed--Stephenson's notions thought extravagant--Article in the 'Quarterly'--The Bill before Parliament--The Evidence--George Stephenson in the witness box--Examined as to speed--His cross-examination--The survey found defective--Mr. Harrison's speech--Evidence of opposing engineers--Mr. Alderson's speech--The Bill withdrawn--Stephenson's vexation--The scheme prosecuted--The line re-surveyed--Sir Isaac Coffin's speech--The Act passed