Page:Report from the Select Committee on Steam Carriages.pdf/190



Mr. W. A. Summers. 19 August, 1831.  carry as many passengers as he can, giving each passenger sufficient accommodation, and he should have a licence for that number and no more; each of the passengers should have the same quantity of space allowed them as they have in the present vehicles drawn by horses; it is my opinion it should be the comfort of the passengers which should be consulted.

Should you have no reference in the licence to the power of the Engine?—I think not; because the danger does not increase, as the power of the Engine increases.

How would you suggest that an equivalent duty should be placed on Steam Carriages, so as not to give them an unfair advantage over common coaches?—I am not able to give an opinion upon that subject.

Can you give any reason why the same amount of duty should not be charged on Steam Carriages as is charged upon the present Stage Coaches?—I cannot give any reason, except that I think it would be extremely improper to place such duties on Steam Vehicles, in their present infant state, as to crush so important an invention. 



you any observations to make, in addition your Evidence given last Wednesday?—With a view of giving my opinion upon the best method of collecting tolls from Steam Carriages, I will commence by stating, that Steam Carriages can be constructed upon three several principles; my object being to show this Honourable Committee the difficulty in collecting tolls from Steam Carriages, except by the number of wheels without stopping the progress of that improvement in which they stand so much in need. Steam Carriages can be constructed as follows: first, Steam Carriages which propel themselves, and carry the supply of water and fuel, likewise passengers and goods; second, Steam Carriages which propel themselves, and carry the supply of water and fuel, but draw the load after them in a separate Carriage or Carriages; third, Steam Carriages which propel themselves and partly carry passengers, 