The Way of Compromise

As the railway assault was mounted in late 1824 and early 1825 ‘great fear and confusion of mind fell upon canal proprietors.’ ¹ But the canal interests closed their ranks in good time. They were ready for the parliamentary battle against the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. It came in February 1825. This was regarded as a test-case. Elaborate preparations were made to defend the interests of the canal proprietors, many of whom believed that the railways could be snuffed-out once and for all.