Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1848-02-04
THE BRIDGE AT THE FALLS OF Nj.
AGARA

have been intensely interested to-day in
listening TO a description, from we'll inform
ed and competent source, of the great bridge
over the gorge that separates the dominions of
the Queen from that OF the President If any
thing could be wanting to turn thther the tour
OF the mutitudes in the pleasure season, this
bridge will supply it. Its thousand of tons of
the strongest iron cord that the ingenuity of
the iron master can devise, find safe support
in wrought iron anchors. built in the solid
rock one hundred feet below the surface, so
that before it could yield, the very rock bound
earth would forsake its tenacty. A large
wooden frame work is to be placed so that no
undulating motion can be experienced. In
full sight of the cataract, the surge Of angry
waters far beneath, the sullen orm-beaten
rocks all around, the quick locomotive will
put forth all its qulckness to rush beyond the
peril of its journey. This glorious work is
already begun, the money for It's cost paid in
and available, the excavations commenced,
and the contractor is to pass on horseback by
the middle of next June. It's tlrmness is to be
such that with all the burthen of a powerful
locomotive and long attendant train of cars,
it is not TO vbrate one inch in the centre. The
railway is to occupy the centre, two carriage
ways on either side, and two foot-ways.
What a magnificent spectacle this road in
full use will present! A road of this kind o.
yer the Menai Straits in Wales is famous for
the daring displayed in its construction That
over the Niagara will soon be world-famcd.
1t will be an IRON link of civilization between
the ruling powers OF the world, and will never
be severed.
One of the first thoughts that presents itself
| in reference to the construction is as TO how
| the wires are TO be thrown across. The steam
boat now used below the Falls is 10 take over
the two cables, to which strands of iron are
affixed. These are TO be drawn over till two
ropes OF iron are drawn over. on which tenn
| pOrary path is 10 be placed and when IN
qulTed where workmen could be found that
had nerve enough TO work efectually under
such circumstances, the answer, so character
istic OF American strength OF action, was, oh,
there are always plenty OF Yankees who have
both the courage % work there and the inge-
nuity 10 work we'll
The great railway in Canada, which is to
connect with this mighty work. presents some
admirable features Its grade is over twenty
feet, and very large proportion OF the dis
lance is on a straight line. On one line, per-
fectlv straight, ninety miles are laid out. All
the highways of the country are to pass either
over or under the road, by depression or ele-
walton as 20 be entirely removed, so that there
will be neither obstacle or hinderance 10 a
flight which will put more life into the pro-
vincial dominion of her Britannia Majesty than
it has yet seen. England expends millions on
sections OF her great dominion far less worthy
OF her notice and fostering care.
The last link is complete when this sIia a
I bridge of the cataract shall have been comP.e,
} ted From Boston and from New l Grk an
unbroken line is presented and lne I'd! ~ ~
yonrs will 5eIineate the incidents OF thirty
hours mr from the metropolis to Detroit
Such are the movements and the progress in
, snnnort of which all may unite, and which
mari no distant day.
''' N. Y. Courier 4 Enquirer.