Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-04-29
Railroads..

uCCorunS 10 promise, TO nOtlCe tne IloSV lnteIes-
ting points in the report Of Mr.. Hayward, and
we do this mainly for the information of those
interested in the Vermont Central Railroad, to
which the Northern N. Y. or Ogdensburgh road
is destined to be an exceedingly important adj
junct. The line from Ogdensburgh, at the foot
ofnavigotion Of Lake Ontario, to Rouse's Point on
Lake Champlaiu, is but q fraction over 10 miles
The ascending grades going cast (the direction
Of the heaviest freights) are exceedingly favor
abe--none exceeding 264 feet to the mile; and
the grades westward average only 81 feet to the
mile, and none exceeding 39.G. There is but
one curve of less radius than 1000 feet, and
that occurs at a station OF the whole, IS per
cent is a straight line In short, this will be a
first class road for business and speed, at cost of
$2,229,270, or $4,000 per mile. In capacity for
business il is to the Western road as 100 to As,
and to the N. Y. and Erie road intended in some
measure to compete with 1t for Western freight)
as 100 to So in other words can do ticice the q.
mount of business of these roads at the same
cost.
1t will be observed that the line ends at Rous-
els Point, and here arises the important question
as to bridging the Lake. We quote from The re-
port on this subject
1t has been proposed to connect this road with
the railroads in Vermont, by ferry of from
twenty to twenty-five miles in length, extending
fiom Pittsburgh to Burlington. But on account
of the inconvenience, interruption, and expense
Of ferry of such length and the great superb
Ority of permanent road to ferry Of any length,
| have thought it necessary to seek for some other
place, some other method, for crossing the lake.
With this view, we have surveyed the two other
lines mentioned above: one to Cumberland Head,
and one to Rouse's Point.
In selecting the eastern terminus of this rail-
road, variety of circumstances were to be con-
sidered. A large amount of business will go
from this road through Lake Champlain to White
Hail. and through the Northern Canal to Troy.
Albany, and New York. This portion of the
business will, as we have before stated, require
a safe and commodious harbor, extensive wharves,
and ample ranges OF store-houses The other
portion of the business will seek connection
with Vermont, and the railroads leading to the
East and the South. This portion Of the bust
ness, wiki demand the most safe and eXpedi
tous crossing of the lake, at all seasons of the
year, and in all states of the weather. Such
crossing can be secured only in one iUdy,- by
permanent bridge. This is the great deSideratum.
In looking, therefore, to the accommodation Of
that portion Of the business which is destined to
the Vermont side of the lake, we have made ex-
animation of the lake shores and channels, with
view TO the construction of bridge across its
iouterS. In this inquiry we have been entirely
successful In the neighborhood of the Canada |
line, near Rouse's Point there is beautiful site
for n bridge at a very inconsiderabe expense
The whole distance across is $3.50 feet; the
length of way that has ten feet Of water, and o. |
yer, is only 1900 feet. The location is perfectly
protected by the projecting points of the oppo-
site shores. A bridge of less than half mile
in length, in len feet water at its abutments, and
less than ttcenty feet at its maximum depth will
carry our cars to the Vermont shore in Alburgh.
From this crossing there is very direct and
feasible route to the village of Swanton, crossing
the outlet of Missisquoi Bay at Hog Island
This line has been surveyed; the distance across
the Bay being about $500 feet the greatest
depth of water, only fifteen feet, and this only
for short distance, about two hundred yards
From the Bay TO Swanton village, there is moth
ing to inteicre with the location OF n railroad on
a nearly stright line of very gentle grades
Swanton is a manufacturing village OF evident
enterprise and thrift and lies nearly in the direc-
ton from Rouse's Point to st. Adams the shire
town of Franklin County.
AT Swanton we meet line surveyed from that
village to the neghborhood of Burlington, by
WIN. Beckwllh, Esq, under charter authori-
zing the construction of a railroad from Canada,
TO connect with each Of the two important rail-
roads now in progress OF construction through
the State of Vermont. These surveys show, that
there is perfectly feasible route for railroad,
at a reasonable expense, from Swanton village to
the Central Railroad near Burlington,-and
thence, of course, into the village; the whole
distance from Rouse's point 10 Burlington being
about 80 miles. | therefore, consider the ques-
ton of 4" Bridging the Lake" srttled, so far as
practicability and expediency are concerned.
This bridge at Rouse's Point will subserve other
important interests besides those OF the Northern
Railroad. 1t will connect all New England with
Montreal, as well as with Ogdensburgh and the
Lakes. Certain citizens of Montreal have given
notice in the public papers OF the Province, that
application will be made to the Provincial Par
lament, at its approaching session. for charter
to construct railroad to the province line on the
South; and we can entertain no doubt that the
application will be granted. The proposed loca-
ton of the bridge is but twenty miles from the
present terminus of the Montreal and 81. Johns
Ruiroad. The intervening country is perfectly
level; and there can hardly be a doubt that that
road will be extended to meet the New York
and Vermont Railroads, as soon as they shall be
completed
A bridge across the lake, at or near Rouses
Point, for the use Of the railroads which may
centre there,-with drdiv for the accommoda-
ton of the shipping which naygates the river
between that lake and st. Johns,--is not only
feasible, but it is neither difficult nor expensive.
And it is not to be believed, that, when this sub
iect shall be fairly examined by the Legislature
of either Of the States having jurisdiction on
those waters, such an application will be refused
10 the various public interests which ask for such
an improvement.
vAWith bridge at Rouse's Point, and the Mon
Teal Railroad extended to meet the New York
and Vermont Railroads, at this place, the steam
hors which navigate the lake would doubtless
stop at this new terminus of the Montreal Rail.
road, and thus relieve themselves Of some twen-
ty.fve miles of the most difficult part of their
route.
With the Montreal Railroad extended 10 this
point, the whole distance from the shore of the
river opposite Montreal, to Rouse's Point, may
be easily run in one hour. This would shorten,
by some hco hours, the passage from Montreal to
Rouse's Point, even in good weather, and
would add greatly to the facilities Of steam nav-
cation through Lake Champlain. 1t would short
en- the time from Montreal TO Burlington fur
Lours IN good heather. The difference in bad
weather would, Of course, be greater
| feel confident that the objection, that the
drawbridge obstructs the navigation, will not be
nIerposed to prevent the erection of a bridge at
that place, to subserve so important public i'm
provement; and that, if interposed by those who
mnptne thev have an opposing interest il will