progressive conversion, by which
all the conflicting interests of society will be neutralized, and
the aggregate wealth, and prosperity, and happiness of the empire be
equalized.

If then _elemental locomotion_ can he made to substitute the
expensive, unproductive system of animate labour now in use, it will
indubitably be for the vital interest of all classes of society that
the substitution should be realized speedily and extensively. That
steam can be so applied has been _satisfactorily proved_. The report
of the Committee of the House of Commons establishes this. But the
evidence of several of the enlightened and practical witnesses who
were examined before that committee bears with too much emphasis upon
the detail of the commercial and economic advantages of the project
we have just been attempting to enumerate and advocate, for us not to
avail ourselves of it even at this early stage of our work. It being
quite decisive in support of the grand conclusion to which the
said committee came after three months of patient and thorough
investigation of the subject, viz. "_That the substitution of
inanimate for animate power is one of the most important improvements
in the means of internal communication ever introduced._"

[Then follow extracts from the evidence of Messrs. Torrens,
John Farey, Davies Gilbert, and Goldsworthy Garney.]

In viewing the moral advantages which must result from
steam-carriages, we find them of no less importance. There are but few
so constitutionally indifferent to acceleration in travelling as
the Hollander, who delighted in the "old, solemn, straight-forward,
regular Dutch canal speed--three miles an hour for expresses, and two
for joy or trot journeys." Acceleration in the speed of travelling, if
unaccompanied by danger, is eagerly sought after, because the period
of discomfort is lessened. But steam-carriages will not only lessen
the discomfort by shortening its duration; they can be so equipped
that positive comfort, nay, luxury, may be enjoyed. A steam-engine is
perfectly under control, and consequently much more safe than horses.
The life of the traveller cannot be jeoparded by the breaking of a
rein, horses being frightened, running off, &c. &c.; the steamer,
it will be seen, the honourable Committee report to the House "is
perfectly safe for passengers."

The actual casualties of stage-coaches, however, we may observe, bear
no proportion to the loss of lives from consum