Arthur Freeling

“ Men who propose and carry through, without regard to evil or to good report, such works as the Grand Junction Railway—who have overcome, not only the opposition which the stupendous operations of nature present, but the more stubborn and unbending resistance of haughty and interested minds—are far more worthy of the laurel crown than the victor of a hundred fights. ”

“ A slight sketch of the various applications to Parliament for power to complete the Grand Junction portion of the line will, however, not be uninteresting, especially as it exhibits the difficulties which invariably attend the promotion of a public good, when opposed to private interest. It is too often to be regretted, that the chief opposition to the efforts of those public-spirited individuals who originate such works, arises from persons whose real interests are not affected, but whose temper or caprice raise up a host of evils which exist only in their perverted imaginations. ”

“ Every railroad company which may in future exist is infinitely indebted to the Liverpool and Manchester Company; and if the feelings and principles which regulate the actions of individuals towards each other, when their own affairs alone are concerned, could be brought to bear upon their operations when incorporated in public bodies, committees, boards, &c., &c., the proprietors of every railroad would contribute handsomely to a compensation fund, to repay some of the enormous expense incurred, in their experimental outlay, by the shareholders of the Liverpool and Manchester Railroad ”