necessary to encounter so extraordinary a strain, had its working axle-tree broken the second time it crossed the stones.
The purpose of laying down the stones was not to be mistaken; and the proprietor of the steam-carriage was strongly urged to adopt some legal mode of redress against the parties wilfully committing such an act for the purpose of obstructing him. In reply, he stated that he would decline any hostile proceeding, and that he "felt only pity and contempt for those who could resort to such means for preventing a great national undertaking."
He, hereupon, determined to strengthen the wheels of his carriage, so as to be enabled to encounter any similar obstacle which public or private malignity might throw in his way. His proceedings, however, were speedily arrested by the discovery that "an immense number of turnpike bills had hastily passed both Houses of Parliament, imposing on carriages worked by machinery prohibitory tolls. In some cases the tolls imposed amounted to 40s, at every gate; in others to 48s.; and in some to 68s.; and as if it were a national object to prevent the possibility of such engines being used, one of these acts applied to the road between Cheltenham and Gloucester."
"Hitherto," says Mr. Gurney, "we had met the objections and difficulties proposed, by physical demonstration; but here was a moral difficulty that could not be removed except upon full investigation. I, therefore, in August petitioned parliament; a committee of the House of Commons was, in consequence, immediately appointed to enquire into the subject. The committee, like all parties unacquainted with the real merits of the question, at first. I believe, considered the subject more visionary than real: how differently their minds were affected in the progress of enquiry may be judged of, when it is stated, that they soon applied for further powers, and deemed the matter worthy of close and deliberate investigation for
