LOCOMOTION. 239 



The present absolute insolvency of nearly 

 all the lines, and the state of the dividends, 

 give ample testimony to the truth of this 

 observation. Nevertheless, if ever that 

 common but cruel maxim, "The end jus- 

 tifies the means," is to be admitted, this 

 instance may very properly be set down 

 as one. 



The same stranger, with his eyes dar- 

 kened as to the origin of this vast monu- 

 ment to our riches and glory as a nation, 

 would also fail to perceive the great benefit 

 that would accrue to the revenue, or that 

 could be made available by a skilful and 

 experienced financier, were he to cast his 

 eye on the constant circulation the tide 

 of locomotion creates. 



In my despair of getting either corn- 

 issue of scrip for new undertakings, was not inaptly com- 

 pared, at the time, to the bursting of the South Sea bubble 

 about a century before ; but in its extent and magnitude 

 it bore the same relative proportion as that 



" To which Diana's marvel was a cell." 

 Or, to make use of a more homely simile 



" And Milo's ox a pigmy to the friar !" 



