The Life of George Stephenson and of his Son Robert Stephenson Comprising Also a History of the Invention and Introduction of the Railway Locomotive

CHAPTER XVI.

Chapter 1978 wordsPublic domain

GEORGE STEPHENSON'S COAL-MINES--OPINIONS ON RAILWAY SPEEDS--RAILWAY MANIA.

George Stephenson on Railways and Coal Traffic.--Leases the Claycross Estate.--His Residence at Tapton.--His Appearance at Mechanics' Institutes.--His Views on Railway Speed.--Undulating Lines favored.--Stephenson on Railway Speculation.--Atmospheric Railways projected.--Opposed by Stephenson.--The Railway Mania.--Action of Parliament.--Rage for direct Lines.--Stephenson's Letter to Peel.--George Hudson, the "Railway King."--His Fall.--Stephenson again visits Belgium.--Interview with King Leopold.--Journey into Spain. 392