The objections urged by the opponents of the railway were worthy their cause. It was contended by them that canal conveyance was quicker; that the smoke of the engines would injure the plantations of gentlemen’s houses; and one witness, more imaginative than perceptive, described the locomotives as “terrible things,” although, on further questioning, he admitted he had never seen one. It was boldly declared, that a gale of wind would stop the progress of the carriage; that there would be no more practical advantage in a railway than in a canal; that Mr. Stephenson was totally devoid of common sense; that the plan was erroneous, impracticable, and unjust; and that the tendency of the railway would be to increase the price of carriage. It was declared to be based on fraud and folly; that balloons and rockets were as feasible, and that the whole line would be under water for two and three weeks in succession. “It is quite idle and absurd,” said one, “to say the present scheme can ever be carried into execution, under any circumstances, or in any way.” “Whenever,” said another, with the authority of an oracle, “Providence in Lancashire is pleased to send rain or a little mizzling weather, expeditious it cannot be.” A third gave it as his opinion, that no engine could go in the night-time, “because,” he added, more Scripturally than soundly, “the night-time is a period when no man can work!” It was said that no one would live near a spot passed by the engines, that no houses would let near a station; and that all property on the line would be frightfully deteriorated. Not content, however, with proving the impracticability of the plan, the most frivolous causes were adduced to show why this, the grandest national project ever brought forward, a project which has changed the face and features of the land, the commerce of the country, and the social habits of the rural population, should not be allowed to pass. The public services of a railroad were put in competition with the annoyance which an individual would receive from the smoke of the engines coming within 250 yards of his house; and it was pathetically asked, “Can any thing compensate for this?” Gentlemen objected because it would injure their prospects, and land-owners because it would injure their pockets! Pictures of ancient family residences destroyed by the smoke were vividly drawn. The claims of unprotected females and reverend gentlemen were strongly urged; and pathetic representations were given of families, who had lived for centuries in their ancestral home, leaving the dwelling-place of their youth, and going to another part of the town. “Mr. Stephenson,” it was boldly declared, “is totally devoid of common sense. He makes schemes without seeing the difficulties.” “Upon this shuffling evidence, we are called to pass the bill.” “It is impossible to hold this changing Proteus in any knot whatsoever.” “It is the greatest draught upon human credulity ever heard of.”