"Mr. Stephenson," said James, "is the greatest practical genius of the age. His fame will rank with that of Watt."
Mr. James lost all hesitation now about speaking his mind. "Puffing Billy" had driven the backwardness out of him, and he was willing, at all hazards, boldly to advocate railroads and the steam-horse. No more tramroads; steam or nothing. This was in 1821.
Mr. James entered heart and soul into the new idea of the age. On his return to Liverpool it was everywhere his theme; and wherever he had influence he tried to stir up men's minds to the benefits and blessings puffing out in "Puffing Billy."
Stephenson rejoiced in such a friend. It was just what he and "Billy" most needed—somebody to introduce them into the great world. And Stephenson and his partner offered him a share in the profits of whatever business he could secure to them.
But what can one man, or a few men, do in an enterprise like this, depending upon the verdict of that important power—Public Opinion? And public opinion had not yet made up its mind to it.
A thousand difficulties bristled in the way; there was both the indifference of friends and the opposition of enemies at home. In addition to this, a violent opposition was foreseen in Parliament, which it needed all the strength and courage of a united constituency to meet.
Under these discouraging circumstances there were not enough men of courage to push the matter through.
So everything about the new road was laid on the shelf, at least for the present, and Liverpool and Manchester trade jogged on as before.
