Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1842-08-06
Vol. 3.

Inc original OBJECT OF the tunnel was, to
convey cattle, passengers and general traf.
fic from the rich countries on tie Kent side
to that great mercantile region Of the me-
tropolis--the London and East and West
India Docks. How far this will be now ef-
fecied, is question which remains to be
decided by experience. There can be no
doubt that if the traffic be not impeded by
the fear Of passing under the river, it must
be immense. The convenience of escaping
the long circuit up to London Bridge,
which, from the val ious distractions in the
streets, and the general difficulty Of passing
through the most crowded part Of the city,
must now occupy many hours, would obvi-
ously direct the whole current OF the traffic
into the Tunnel.
Hitherto, no expedition has been adopt.
ed TO shorten the passage of the traffic;
and the contrivance by which 1900 clear
feet are substituted for at least three miles
OF the most encountered thoroughfare inn
aginable, must be adopted as matter Of the
most palpable advantage. Still there may
be difficulties in the waywhich practice
only can exhibit. But any fear of the
structure itself we should regard as altogeth-
err visionary.
The building of the Tunnel seems as
hard as a rock. During the whole period
from the commencement, we have not heard
of single instance of its giving way, vast
as the pressure was from above, and trying
as were the damps, the grounds springs,
and the extreme difficulty Of building un-
der water.
At this moment the roof is obviously as
as free from damp as the roof of St. Paul's!
and unless an earthquake should burst it,
the whole fabric seems much more likely
to last than were exposed to the diversitles
OF temperature, the heats and frost above
ground. The especial advantage of the
system of the Tunnel is, that it, can be
adopted in any part, flor few European riv-
ers exceed the breath of the Thames at
Rotherhite, unless where they spread into
marshes or lakesO and yet offer no impedI-
ment to navigation.
But we regard it as having still higher
character; we consider it as a noble and
essental!adjunct to theirail way system, and
to have come exactly at the proper period
for completing system which is spreading
over Europe, which is obviously meant as
a great instrument of civilization, and which
without it must suffer full stop at the
banks Of every great river. For we can
not look to any resource in the clumsy anc
always insecure contrivance of bridge o
boats or masonry, incuring great loss o
time, requiring change of engines and car
riages, with hundred other disadvantages
while by tunnel, the whole train nigh
sweep along wholly unobstructed, and be
many league on the course before trav
eller could have crossed by the bridge
We shall thus probably see the Rhine, the
Danube, and the Rhone passed below thei
beds, if the government Of their countrie!
shall have the funds or the common sense
to follow W their present projects for the
rail roads. Our impression decidedly is
that the tunnel is essential as part of thu
rail way England has right to prid
, herself alike on the scientific intrepdit,
) and the palpable value Of the undertaken!
: to mankind. Brunei has been knighted OIL
} the completion of his more productive dis
nnction. We hope that he will give US
history of this great, new and decisive tri
umph over nature.