SHALL WE HAVE A CHANNEL TUNNEL?
To this question I would reply "No," decidedly and emphatically "No," and for reasons which it is the purpose of this Lecture to point out and maintain. But before doing so, it will be desirable to make some preliminary observations bearing upon the subject generally.
(1) When I intimate, as I have just done, my purpose and intention of opposing any scheme for making a Channel Tunnel, I do not desire to preclude myself or my audience from either listening to or considering any arguments in favour of this scheme, which may be brought forward by any speakers at the close of this Lecture, and indeed I propose myself to bring before you some arguments and evidence in support of it. But I would simply desire at the outset to state my own conviction that the arguments against are overpoweringly greater than any that can be adduced in support of this scheme. But whichever of these two views may be taken by different persons, I claim a fair and patient consideration of the question in all its bearings. I deprecate most strongly the allegation which has been or may have been made against those who oppose the construction of the Channel Tunnel, that they are actuated by unreasonable, imaginary, causeless, and unworthy fears. I wish the matter to be looked at as one intimately connected with the prospects of Great Britain for good or for harm, as in fact a great National question of the deepest moment and concern. Any such arguments as those implying that the opposers of the Tunnel show fear and distrust of their neighbours across the Channel, should be
