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the line of conduct which his Lordship recommended. It might be of some service to state, that a Railway passed through an estate of his own; that at first he was opposed to it, but the benefits, the pecuniary benefits, arising from the enhanced value of the property, had been such as to convince him that in opposing it he opposed his own interests, and he was satisfied that in the event other landowners would come to the same conclusion. This observation of course did not apply to cases in which the ornamented domains—the pleasure grounds—the privacy—of gentlemen may be invaded; their comforts or even their feelings disregarded. On the proposed Railway from London to Birmingham he believed not a single instance of this nature occurred. No pains, no expense had been spared to effect so desirable an object. Were all the facts which had been given in evidence, as to the increased value of lands from improved modes of communication, collected and laid before the opposing proprietors, he was satisfied that time and consideration would convince them that, in opposing the Railway, they were influenced, in the language of the Resolution, by "ill-founded apprehensions."
Colonel Torrens, M.P. My Lord. I entirely concur in the judicious remarks which have been made with respect to the necessity of avoiding intimidation, and I beg leave to say one word, just to express my own opinion, that every species of intimidation would not only be improper, but entirely unnecessary, because the utility of a measure of this kind rests upon grounds so plain and so easily made out, that it only requires a little time and a little plain statement of the question to convince the landed proprietors on the line, who are now averse to it. It is my opinion, and an opinion formed upon some reflection, that every thing which has a tendency to diminish the cost of carriage of goods or agricultural produce, must have a similar effect to that which would be produced by increasing the fertility of the soil itself, and therefore the landowners in this kingdom in particular are the persons most interested in every thing that tends to cheapen and quicken carriage. (hear, hear.)
Lord Wharncliffe. I entirely concur in what has fallen from the gentleman who has just spoken. In my judgment, there cannot be a greater mistake, on the part of the landholders, than to think a Railway through their lands would improve injurious to then. On the contrary, it will tend to increase their conveniences and their rentals. I am convinced the promoters of this measure, in its future progress, will take care it shall interfere as little as possible even with the fancied comfort of proprietors. I add, that during the course of the proceedings on the Bill, and since its failure. I have observed a disposition
