The Express.
London, England, 1850-01-03 00:00:00

NIAGARA SUSPENSION BRIDGE.

Whilst public attention is properly directed to, and
interest. d in, the result of the great work of Mr. Stevenson
at the Menai Straits, it may be worthy the attention of the
Ilrittsh public to know that in other countries the works of
genius, by the extension of science, are prcgres,ing also to a
great extent.

- We consider the bridge across the Niagara F.lls of that
deseripti n, and the following account trout the Canada
papas will be read with interest. It is trout the &chest( r
Dasly Advertiser:

Editor,—Having seen several attempts at • descrip-
tion of the suspension bridge, and all more or less trroneou■,
I trust I shall be pardoned for a brief sketch relating to said
work as it now stands, being merely • temporary structure
as compered with the original design
Eany in the spring of 1847, while at dinner at the Eegle
Hotel, in the village of Niagara Falls, there were present
Cherie/ Elet, junr., the engineer of the bridge, the writer,
and weeral other gentlemen, when the subject came up
how the first wire was to be got over the river. One pro-
posed the steamboat—another, • smell boat to take • lint
across; another would throw a bomb-shell over, with •
cord attached to it, with several other equally practicable
projects, were advanced, when Mr. Elet himself suggested
the use of • rocket, by which he expected to threw his first
line across the gulf. This seeming to be the end of pruposi-
thins, Mr. Fisk, of your city, addressing Mr. Elet, said,
with your leave, and • promise not to ridicule the
idea, if it should prove a failure, he would, in
a more simple sod cheaper mode, attempt to get
• line across the gulf. This being agreed to,
those present desired to knew what method he should
pursue to get • line across. Well, gentlemen, I have not
the least objsetion to tell you all about it, provided you ad-
here to the promised conditions—not to laugh at me. Now,
gentlemen, says Mr. Fisk, my plan, and the instrument
used, will be the same kind used by Franklin to draw light-
ning from the clouds, an instrument that soy ingenious
sc►oolbo can make in en hour—a kilo.
Mr. Elet remarked that he did not see why it would not
succeed, and gave hie consent to have it tried. Mr Fisk
then called upon an intelligent boy by the name of Walsh,
woo soon had a kite 'constructed, and on the second trial
threw a iii.e across, making it fast on the opposite aide, by
doubling which a small rope was drawn over, and in six or
seven doubles etrength sufficient was acquired to take over
the first small cable of 30 wires. This was the one us d to
pass Mr. Ent s.ver in his little iron car, and next, himself
and lady, and many others passed over on this slight fixture.
Since which the present structure has been reared, renting
on wooden towers 60 feet high, over which pass 14 wastes
of the following dimensionc—vie. Five of 36 wires each;
fire of 72• one of 125; and threw of 150 wires-1,115
wires in all. _ . .

To these is the bridge suspended, and V capable of sus-
taining a weight of nearly one thousand tons, yet so slight in
ita appearance to strangers, that some will not piss it,
through fear of its instability, yet heavy teams pass at ; five
at one time were on it, of Colonel Mann. Circus, breldes
many choir, s of cattle have paired it. It is now perfectly
safe as a common thoroughfare; but will all give way to
one of the grandest structures in the world, as soon as it
is required tor railroad purposes, for which. from the exer-
tions now being used by the directors and people on both
siem, it creme likely to be required within a year or two.
The railroad structure will require 16 cable. of 600 wires
each, all laid straight—not twisted, as some have it—but
wooed with small wire. and when complete-el, with its mas-
sive stone towers, will sustain a weight of more than 6,000
tons beyond is own weight, a structure worthy, as one of
are, to stand by the side of Nature's grandest—the Falls el
Niagara. For this and other improvements contemplated or
finished are the public indebted to the liiv. Charles B.
St uert, to whims merit abler pens will yet render to maim tr.is
tonour due.

The II on. Henry Fitzroy had an interview with Sir
Osort, Uni yestmday at the Home-ottice,