FIG. 80–SOME EARLY LOCOMOTIVES
The one on the right is Stephenson's "Rocket."
Photo by Claudy.
In order to build a railroad between Liverpool and Manchester for carrying both passengers and freight it was necessary to secure an act of Parliament. Stephenson was compelled to undergo a severe cross-examination by a committee of Parliament, who feared there would be great danger if the speed of the trains were as high as twelve miles an hour. He was asked:
"Have you seen a railroad that would stand a speed of twelve miles an hour?"
"Yes."
"Where?"
"Any railroad that would bear going four miles an hour. I mean to say that if it would bear the weight at four miles an hour it would bear it at twelve."
"Do you mean to say that it would not require a stronger railway to carry the same weight at twelve miles an hour?"
"I will give an answer to that. I dare say every person has been over ice when skating, or seen persons go over, and they know that it would bear them better at a greater velocity than it would if they went slower; when they go quickly the weight, in a measure, ceases."