One hundred years ago
SIR John Lubbock succeeded on Tues- day in inducing the London County Council to pause in carrying out one of the most unwise of their projects, that of excavating a tunnel under the Thames at Blackwall. The project was to have cost £1,500,000 or more probably much more — and to be paid for by a rate levied on all London, though it would benefit only part of the population living on one side of the river, the other being a marsh. It had been inherited from the old Metropoli- tan Board, which loved big enterprises; but a part of the new Council had taken it up very warmly. Sir John Lubbock, therefore, proposed to spend some money in getting a little more informa- tion as to the "nature and difficulties of the soil," and was supported on a division by 57 to 48. The sum was afterwards limited, on a motion by Lord Lingen, to £10,000. The decision shows sense in the Council, and a disposition not to be carried away by the new passion for engineering magnificence. There is no evidence that a good ferry will not do for the present, and if it does not, the project can be taken up at any time, and after a new election has made the Council more strictly representa- tive. The Councillors must not forget that they have much to do besides improving communication, and that, though the credit of London may be inexhaustible, the patience of its citizens is not. They cannot wish to see all improvement stopped by a revolt against the rates.
The Spectator, 29 March 1890
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