The history of the first locomotives in America. From original ...

58 HISTORY OF THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVES IN AMERICA.
lar among the people, and eventually proved so lucra-
tive and extensive, tliat the carriage could not contain
the number of applicants for a ride. Inside and outside
it was crowded, and every available spot was occupied.
The Experiment, however, was not worked by the
railroad company as passenger-cars are now, but was
let to other parties, they paying a certain toll for the
use of the road. It soon became a lucrative business,
and hotel-keepers and others embarked in the enter-
prise, and a strong opposition was raised up between
the rival owners or companies. The old carriage, the
Experiment, was found too heavy for one horse ; a new
one was placed in its stead, and the old pioneer was
afterward used as a railroad cabin near Shildon. To
the driver of the old Experiment the first introduction
of lights being used in passenger-cars, for the comfort of
passenger^, is due. This honest and considerate driver,
whose name was Dixon, nightly purchased a penny
candle, and when he was belated and it became dark in
the carriage, he would light his candle and stick it upon
the table running along the centre of the carriage, between
the two rows of seats, which added much to the
comfort of his patrons.
At that time the transportation of freight, like that
of passengers, was not confined to the company alone.
According to their charters, railroads were public high-
ways. Any individual or company had the right of
using the road with their own private wagons on pay-
ing a certain stipulated toll affixed by law. Like the
passenger-carriages, private individuals owned freightwagons
for the transportation of produce or their own
manufactures io market, and used the road for the pur-
pose. This traffic, like the passenger transportation,
soon led to confusion and delays. Being a single-track
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