Page:Passages from the Life of a Philosopher.djvu/329

CHAPTER XXV.

railways.

Opening of Manchester and Liverpool Railway—Death of Mr. Huskisson—Plate-glass Manufactory—Mode of separating Engine from Train—Broad-gauge Question—Experimental Carriage—Measure the Force of Traction, the Vertical, Lateral, and End Shake of Carriage, also its Velocity by Chronometer—Fortunate Escape from meeting on the same Line Brunel on another Engine—Sailed across the Hanwell Viaduct in a Waggon without Steam—Meeting of British Association at Newcastle—George Stephenson—Dr. Lardner—Suggestions for greater Safety on Railroads—George Stephenson's Opinion of the Gauges—Railways at National Exhibitions.

At the commencement of the railway system I naturally took a great interest in the subject, from its bearings upon mechanism as well as upon political economy.

I accompanied Mr. Woolryche Whitmore, the member for Bridgenorth, to Liverpool, at the opening of the Manchester and Liverpool Railway. The morning previous to the opening, we met Mr. Huskisson at the Exchange, and my friend introduced me to him. The next day the numerous trains started with their heavy load of travellers. All went on pleasantly until we reached Parkside, near Newton. During the time the engines which drew us were taking in their water and their fuel, many of the passengers got out and recognized their friends in other trains.

At a certain signal all resumed their seats; but we had