The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-11-01
MISCELLA EO U s.


ImpoRrAnr rsyENrrox--We see by the Illinois
papers that General James Semple, senator IN Con-
gress from that State, has succeeded IN his new IN
vention of prairie steam-car The Alton Demo-
cratic Union says that il succeeds as well as the
general anticipated it would. This is gratifying IN
teigence indeed. The car it is supposed VIII be
able to travel at the rate of ten twelve miles an
hour over our common praires with ease and safety
The value of this invention cannot be properly est-
mated II is destined measurably to supersede the
necessity of railroads, and will effect great revolu-
ton in the internal commerce of our State. we
have not the car but are informed that 1t is Of
a very simple construction; and the general opinion
of those who saw it run was, that It would fuily
answer the purpose designed.
We have not time this week to notice this inven-
ton il deserves but will notice 1t more at length
hereafter The following notices oft we lind IN the
State Register, Sangamon Journal, and Alton Tee-
graph;
"Many of our citizens went, on Saturday last,
out on the Waverly road, to witness an expert
of this State Some of them who came out were
disappointed, in consequences ofthe breaking OF one
of the iron cogs Of the old locomotive, by which the
car is temporarily propelled.
s'We examined the car very attentively-so have
the most of citizens-and the general opinion is,
that the experiments successful. II is constructed
as to run without rails common road, tolera-
bly, level and it is contemplated to run between this
city and Alton, over route well known to our hunt
ers, heading Lick, Sugar, and Macoupin creeks,
the route being about 25 miles longer than the usual
route. But, of course, if the experiment succeeds,
twill be very easy to build few bridges, and thus
shorten the route. Distance, however, is not so
much an object now. The great desideratum is the
running Of the car in the manner contemplated by
the inventor, which we do most confidently believe
will be successful. II cannot be expected, at first,
that everything will be perfect Experience is a
great teacher. II was so with Fulton, who, for
many years, failed in giving speed to his steamboats,
Further experiments on the "prairle car" we have
no doubt, will result in giving to it speed, power
and safety. ".Staie Register.
General Semple made an experiment with his
"prairie car" on Saturday last Many of our citi-
repaired to the place. and were sadly dsoppont-
ed that important part of the machinery had bro
ken. When this accident happened, II was In the
act of making circuit Of three quarters of a mile
in circumference, and had actually performed bet
ter than six hundred yards Of the circuit. A day
or two previous to this experiment. il was run some
mile or more, in order to try the machinery. Those
present were firm in the belief that when this prairie
steam-car is properly geared it will work well, and
60 at the rate of ten or twelve miles an hour.
We learn that it is the intention of General Sem
pie to perfect the machinery, that in future ex-
pertinent no similar accident will occur; and as
soon the praires are burnt over, will make trip
to Acknowledgment Journal.
General Semple made two trials his steam-car
on the prairie near Springfield a few days since.
We learn by letter from friend, as well as by in
formation furnished by the engineer who construct
ed the machinery, that it met their most sanguine
expectations. General Semple expects to be able
to make the trip from Alton to Springfield and back
daily. Should he succeed in this the advantage
that will from the invention in both this city
and Springfield, will be Standardization Tsla-
graph.