MR. MIDGLEY S ARTICLE.-^CONTINUED. 407 



for every ailment, the &quot; free and enlightened/ on the first 

 symptom, cry out for legislation as the unfailing remedy. 



The disposition to &quot; regulate &quot; the railways is not a new 

 manifestation. It began with the inception of the system. 

 Through all the years intervening, wherever railways have 

 been run, legislative control has been variously threatened. 

 In England, the results of these experiments are recounted 

 in more than a score of ponderous reports to Parliament, in 

 which are embodied the experiences of continental Europe ; 

 and it is significant that each Royal Commission, after un 

 wearied labor and exhaustive research, unanimously reported 

 against legislative interference with the railways. Perhaps 

 an ambition to succeed where older countries have invaria 

 bly failed, whets our appetite for coercive legislation. Of 

 one thing we can rest assured, that our statute books will 

 never again be clear of some attempt to regulate the rail 

 ways ; and as the repeal of each ineffectual measure will 

 only give place to new experiments, with a view to profit 

 by the lessons of history, an epitome of railway legislation 

 is herewith presented. The experience of Great Britain is 

 particularized, because railways there originated, and now, 

 as in all periods, their system most closely resembles our own. 



The first railway charter was granted in 1801, for the 

 construction of a railway from Wyandsworth to Croydon. 

 It empowered the company to adjust their tariff within the 

 maximum rate of 6d. per ton per mile for merchandise, and 

 4d. for coal, flour, iron, and corn. All persons were privi 

 leged to use the railway at the prescribed rates, with 

 horses, cattle, and carriages, subject to the regulations of 

 the company. Authority was given the company to acquire 

 the right of way on payment of compensation. At each 

 subsequent session new railways were chartered for the 

 transportation of goods at maximum rates. 



