On January 7, 1832, a new Stage-Coach Act came into force. It had been passed specially to permit omnibuses and short-stage-coaches to take up and set down passengers in the streets. CHAPTER III Shillibeer runs omnibuses in opposition to a railway--Extraordinary action of the Stamp and Taxes Office--Shillibeer is ruined--He appeals to the Government for compensation--Government promises not fulfilled--Shillibeer becomes an undertaker. Shortly after dissolving partnership with Morton, Shillibeer relinquished his metropolitan business and began to run omnibuses from London to Greenwich and Woolwich, placing twenty vehicles on the road. It was a very bold step, considering that a railway from London to Greenwich had been decided upon; but there were many people who believed that the railway was doomed by his action. In fact, the following song, entitled “Shillibeer’s Original Omnibus _versus_ the Greenwich Railroad,” which expressed that opinion, was sold extensively in the streets. “By a Joint-Stock Company taken in hand, A railroad from London to Greenwich is plann’d, But they’re sure to be beat, ’tis most certainly clear, Their rival has got the start--George Shillibeer. “I will not for certainty vouch for the fact, But believe that he means to run over the Act Which Parliament pass’d at the end of last year, Now made null and void by the new Shillibeer. “His elegant omnis, which now throng the road, Up and down every hour most constantly load; Across all the three bridges how gaily appear, The _Original Omnibus_--George Shillibeer. “These pleasure and comfort with safety combine, They will neither blow up nor explode like a mine; Those who ride on the rail-road might half die with fear-- You can come to no harm in the safe Shillibeer. “How exceedingly elegant fitted, inside, With mahogany polished--soft cushions--beside Bright brass ventilators at each end appear, The latest improvements in the new Shillibeer. “Here no draughts of air cause a crick in the neck, Or huge bursting boiler blows all to a wreck, But as safe as at home you from all danger steer, While you travel abroad in the gay Shillibeer. “Then of the exterior I safely may say There never was yet any carriage more gay, While the round-tire wheels make it plainly appear That there’s none run so light as the smart Shillibeer. “His conductors are famous for being polite, Obliging and civil, they always act right, For if just complaint only comes to his ear, They are not long conductors for George Shillibeer. “It was meant that they all should wear dresses alike, But bad luck has prompted the tailors to strike. When they go to their work, his men will appear _À la Française, Conducteur à Mons. Shillibeer_.