The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-12-24
Tho IouisR naa

From the st Louis Republican Dec. 81
The iron horse" has been harnessed on the west
side Of the Mississippi, and yesterday morning, at
seven o'clock, his first loud and shril whistle was
heard It vas cheering sound to those who, for
years, have desired to see q commencement in Gin
ternal improvements in Missouri Long and eagerly
have they looked for this PERIOD and st last it has
come Probably we entertain more lively feeling
in regard to the event than others; but to every
we'll wisher Of our country-to every one who de.
sres to see the wealth Of our State developed and
our city rise to the Importance and eminence which
it is defined to occupy-this occasion will be one
of rejoicing and qualification It is true that it is
only commencement; but it is the beginning Of
an end" which we cannot foresee or foretell.
The Pacific Railroad has been commenced, and
has 50 far progressed that the locomotives, with
burden and freight trains, are running upon it.
True, only few miles are yet in use, but who an
predict how long or short the period when the loco
motive win start from the Mississippi and ter.
inmate it's fight on the shores of the Pacific!
Yesterday morning, beautiful, and We trust ia
train. The locomotive. with the tender, had been
backed down nearly to Fourteenth street, and after
three heavily laden cars of iron and ties had been
attached-just rs the shrill whistle announced an
from the mist that hung ever the horizon, suddenly
burst forth, showing his full, round disc through
smoky atmosphere. AT ,be moment, a facetious
friend remarked, :" Old Sol is disposed to give US
race for the Pacifc-we can't beat him to day, for
eur track is not in order; but we will give him .
tight show for it in . short time"
The opening Of o short distance Of this road, 80
far as any immediate result is invoed, is unimper.
tant, but it affords qualification from the fact that
it Is the first railroad with locomotive running on
it, west of the Mississippi 1t is the opening Of
new era not only in our city and state but to the
vast territory which lies vest of the Father Of Wa
ters lima gination is lost and bewidered in every
attempt to look into the future of which this is but
the pioneer movement We could indulge in many
pleasing speculatlons on the contamination, but it
is not necessary There are those now in active
life, and who were startled from their slumbers yes
terday morning, by the clear shrill whistle Of tho
locomotive, who will live to all the hopes and ex
psctations Of the most sanguine among realized
in q railway communication between 81. Lou,
and the Pacific ocean.
The starting of the 6rst locomotive, on q new
and untried track requires care, and freedom from
q crowd To test the track and new machinery, as
well as to avoid the possibility of accident pub.
Lefty was given to tho event But yesterday morn
ing, at seven o'clock the s.Pacifc No 3" locomo
tive gave the first whistle, and soon after was in
motion This was tho frst locomotive landed in
city, and until the night previous, water had
been placed In her boilers At the appointed hour,
however, she vas ready and imp stent for the trial
In o few days the road will be opened to Cheten.
upon TIE track for the accommodation of passsn-
gers In few moro weeks it will be opened tho
eptfre distance Of line now under contract, and
will run regularly every day. The amount of labor
and money expended will greatly astonish those who
have not visited the road In the erection of machine
shops, station houses, SO and yet this is but the
beginning. Yesterday must have been gratifying
day to the President Of the company. If he has
not seen oil his hopes realized, he has ct least wit
messed Q co nmencement of the work, upon which
ne has iabored with an energy and judgment which
Qra 0f tho ktcAo VAakt