The Marquis of Hartington, when laying the foundation stone of a public
hall to be erected in memory of the inventor and practical introducer of
railway locomotion, expressed himself as follows:—“That almost all the
progress which this country has made in the last half-century is mainly
due to the development of the railway system. All the other vast
developments of the power of steam, all the developments of manufacturing
and mining industry would have availed but little for the greatness and
prosperity of this country—in fact they could hardly have existed at all
if there had been wanting those internal communications which have been
furnished by the locomotive engine to railways brought into use by
Stephenson. The changes which have been wrought in the history of our
country by the invention, the industry, and perseverance of one man are
something that we may call astounding. There are some things which
exceed the dreams of poetry and romance. We are justly proud of our
imperial possessions, but the steam engine, and especially the locomotive
steam-engine, the invention of George Stephenson—has not only increased
the number of the Queen’s subjects by millions, but has added more
millions to her Majesty’s revenues than have been produced by any tax
ever invented by any statesman. Comfort and happiness, prosperity and
plenty, have been brought to every one of her Majesty’s subjects by this
invention in far greater abundance than has ever been produced by any
law, the production of the wisest and most patriotic Parliament. The
results of the career of a man who began life as a herd boy, and who up
to eighteen did not know how to read or write, and yet was able to confer
such vast benefits upon his country and mankind for all time, is worthy
of a national and noble memorial.”