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The resolution was then put, and carried unanimously.
The Earl of Aylesford moved the second Resolution—
"That the Bill for effecting this important object having passed the House of Commons after a long and rigorous examination of its merits, it must be presumed that its failure in the House of Lords has arisen from apprehensions on the part of the landowners and proprietors respecting its probable effect on their estates, which this meeting firmly and conscientiously believe to be ill-founded."
This Resolution was seconded by Sir Edward D. Scott, Bart. M.P.
Lord Wharncliffe. Before I put this Resolution. I think it right to make a few observations. There can be no doubt that to this apprehension of the landowners the failure of the Bill must be attributed. The gentlemen who consulted me before I consented to take the chair in the Committee, will remember that I pointed out to them the difficulty which so great a proportion of dissentient landowners would offer to the passing of the Bill; and I begged it might be understood that I went into the Committee entirely unpledged.
I must now say, that upon hearing the evidence for the Bill. I was quite satisfied that this undertaking had the character of a great national measure—not a scheme, like many formed in 1825, for the purpose of profit and traffic in shares—though no doubt it was formed and prosecuted with a view of local benefit to the great towns of London and Birmingham. Having carefully sifted the evidence. I confess I was prepared to support the Bill, unless something should be advanced on the part of the opponents to alter my opinion. I think it right likewise to add, that of the many Bills of this description which have come before me in the course of my parliamentary life. I never saw one passed by either House that was supported by evidence of a more conclusive character.
Of the utility of such a measure no one in the least acquainted with the nature of trade can entertain a doubt—a speedy communication with the ports of shipment or places of consumption, is of vital importance to the manufacturer—there can be no doubt that such a mode of communication as this was proposed to be will be extended not only to Birmingham but to Liverpool, to Lancashire. Yorkshire, and all the manufacturing districts of the North, and will be productive of great national benefit. Still I must contend that it is the business of the legislature to protect the property of the parties through whose lands the line would pass, to assure itself that all practicable measures have been taken to satisfy those persons whose pro-
