American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1825-08-19
RAILWAYS.


The fourth edition Of pamphlet entitled Facts
and Arguments in favor Of adopting Railways, in
preference TO Canals in the State OF Pennsylvania
has Just been published Since the appearance OF
the Sd edition Of this pamphlet, the Pennsylvania
Society for the promotion Of internal improvements,
have received from their agent In Europe, (Mr.
William Strickland,) report on Railways-rom
which the following extract is now submitted to the
public.
"As to the relative advantages of Railways and
Canals in mountainous or level countries, there up.
pears to be but one opinion among the ablest Enei.
neers in England both modes of transportation
have been practically tested, and although much
wealth and commercial greatness have been produc-
ed by canals, still railroads Offer greater
facilities for the conveyance oil goods, with more
safety, speed and economy.
II is matter of little importance whether the
surface of The country where they are introduced be
level or mountainous these objects are still attained
without difficulty; il lerei horses or locomotive en-.
glnes are to be used with great advantage; 1t noun
taih0as stationary steam engine or brake is TO be
applied on the summit while the ascent is to be
overcome at once, by means OF an inclined plane.
1t would not perhaps be proper for me to eulogize
this system Of internal improvement in repor,
which is solely intended to convey facts; but feel
it a duty which l owe TO my own Judgment as well
as to that Of the liberal Society whom have the
honor TO serve, to state distinctly my full conviction
of the utility and decided superiority OF Rdilrays
over other modes as a means OF conveyance and
one which ought to command the serious attention
and adoption by The people OF Pennsglsania.
have the honor to be, Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
WILLIAM STRICKLAND, Archt. s Engr
Edinburg, June 9Th, 1885.
Ertract from a report Of Mr.. Jessop; contained
an the same pamphlet.
"a locomotive engine Of ten horse power, will
draw 100 tons at the rate draught horse generally
travels so tons at the rate oi miles in an hour;
the engine requires the attendance OF only man
and boy at daily expense of shilngs The coal
consumed in 10 hours would be from 90 to so cwt.
therefore the expense altogether would be less than
80 shillings per day, Tor which 90 tons may be con-
veyed 60 miles in 10 hours which is less than ga
farthing per ton per mile; 50, that making ample
allowance for delays, the return OF the empty car
rages, the cost and maintenance of the engines and
providing The wagons the expenses are altogether
inconsiderable.
| 1t is TO be remarked that the rate Of travelling
may be increased to surpass that Of mail coaches;
and that locomotive engine will readily convey
IS tons (including its own weight a, the rate OF II
miles an hour, as double the weigh hi in twice the
Time"
/ Describing locomotive steam engines, he men
lions that Their present degree OF perfection has
DetH mus ETauu5lly ditailcu, = VI ySaio C"Pe
rence ia. folly proved their simplicity, chedpness,
and regularity"
Describing the proposed railway from Peak For
est 10 Cromford on which The ascent and descent
in miles is nearly 800, viz. the ascent 1000, and
the descent 500 feet, he remarks that "a canal to
form the same connection as is proposed by the rail.
way, estimated lin the year 1910. by the late
Mr. Renne, Engine, ~ TO cost 650o00t sterling: :"
the railway including ali the machinery will cost
only l49,2o6l SIS.
"A locomotive steam engine which is capable Of
performing the work of IL horses, costs 4o0t aud It
will last for many years.