The life of George Stephenson, railway engineer - Lighthouse ...

182 LIFE OF GEORGE STEPHENSON. [chap, xvii
ing out the improvements in detail which he was constantly
making in his engine. He felt hampered by the want of efficieni
helpers in the shape of skilled mechanics, who could work out Id
a practical form the ideas of which his busy mind was always so
prolific. Doubtless, too, he believed that the locomotive manu-
factory would prove a remunerative investment, and that, on the
general adoption of the railway system, which he now anticipated,
he would derive solid advantages from the fact of his manu-
factory being the only establishment of the kind for the special
construction of railway locomotives.
He still believed in the eventual success of railways, though it
might be slow. Much, he believed, would depend upon the is-
sue of this great experiment at Darlington ; and as Mr. Pease
was a man on whose sound judgment he could rely, he de-
termined upon consulting him about his proposed locomotive
factory. Mr. Pease approved of his design, and strongly recommended
him to carry it into effect. But there was the ques-
tion of means ; and he did not think he had capital enough for
the purpose. He told Mr. Pease that he could advance a
thousand pounds—the amount of the testimonial presented by
the coal-owners for his safety-lamp invention, and which he had
still left untouched ; but he did not think this sufficient for the
purpose, and that he should at least require another thousand
pounds. Mr. Pease had been very much struck by the success-
ful performances of the Kilhngworth engine ; and being an ac-
curate judge of character, he was not slow to perceive that he
could not go far wrong in linking a portion of his fortune with
the energy and industry of George Stephenson. He consulted
his friend Thomas Richardson in the matter ; and the two con-
sented to advance 500Z. each for the purpose of establishing the
engine factory at Newcastle. A piece of land was accordingly
purchased in Forth Street, in August, 1823, on which a small
building was erected—the nucleus of the gigantic establishment
which was afterwards formed around it ; and active operations
commenced early in 1824.
While the Stockton and Darlington Railway works were in
progress, Mr. Stephenson held many interesting discussions
with Mr. Pease, on points connected with its construction and