Next stout Stephenson came on the
scene, and insisted on benefiting mankind in spite of themselves, and of
shallow legislators, _a priori_ reasoners, and a heavy _Review_ whose
political motto was, "Stemus super antiquas vias;" which may be rendered,
"Better stand still on turnpikes than move on rails."
His torments and triumph are history.
Two of his repartees seem neat: 1. To Lord Noodle, or Lord Doodle, which
was it? objecting haughtily, "And suppose a cow should get in the way of
your engine, sir?" he replied, "Why, then it would be bad--for the coow."
The objector had overrated the obstructive power of his honoured parent.
2. To the _a priori_ reasoners, who sat in their studies and demonstrated
with complete unanimity that uncogged wheels would revolve on a smooth
rail, but leave the carriage _in statu quo,_ he replied by building an
engine with Lord Ravensworth's noble aid, hooking on eight carriages, and
rattling off up an incline. _"Solvitur ambulando,_" quoth Stephenson the
stout-hearted to Messrs. _A Priori._
Next a coach ran on the Stockton and Darlington rail.
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