The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1855-03-31
Opening of the Grent Railway Suspen.
sion Bridge at Niagara Falls.

UNION OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE
CANADAS.
A special train left Hamilton, G. W., yes
terday morning, for the purpose of crossing
the Suspension Bridge, being the first train
that has passed ever this magnificent triumph
of engineering skill. The managing Director
of the Great Western Railway, the Vice
President and the heads of several depart:
ments, with their invited guests, arrived at the
Bridge at about o'clock. The passenger
engine and tender, crowded with people,
crossed over to the American side, and after
returning, one of the mammoth English freight
engines made its appearance on the track,
gaily decorated with the British and Ameri-
can colors-hying in honor of the union of
British America and the United States-and
crowded with the novelty and excitement
seeking spectators. AT the moment that the
colossal engine entered upon the bridge, the
crowd united their voice in singing God Save
the Queen" and as it passed to the centre,
three hearty cheers were given and responded
to by the delighted multitude On both the
American and Canadian sides Of the river.
The train then proceeded o the American
side, when British mingling with Yankee vol
ces-Hail Columbia and Yankee Doodle were
sung with the same heartiness and spirit that
had characterized h, singing of Britain's
national air.
The opening of this mighty and magnf-
cent structure-well worthy of being classed
with the worlds wonders, really forms an
epoch in the history of the world. 1t unites
with strong iron bars two countries, to the
intelligence and enterprise of whose inhabi-
tants the bridge owes its existence, and stands
fitting monument. 3ar.,
The bridge proves to be all that its accom-
plished engineer, Mr. Robelin, has claimed for
it. Its strength, indeed, can never be fully
ing but a trife in comparison to its capacity
A train Of eight cars, filled with passengers,
two baggage cars, locomotive and tender,
weight but $50 tons; this being one sixth Of
its immense capacity.
The influence that this union of railroads
will have, both in commercial and social
point of view, can hardly be- over estimated
Judging from the enormous traffic that already
seeks this delightful and expeditions route I'm.
der the heretofore existing want of connec-
lions of the Railways terminating at the
Bridge. I. .e
The Railway portion of the bridge, is we
understand, leased and controlled by the Great
Western Railway Company, and has laid up-
on its tracks three different guagts, viz:
The n. Y. Central, feet IL.
The Elmira, Canandaigua and Niagara
Falls, 6 feet.
The Great Western, feet, 6 in.
Thus afording facilities for the transit of
passengers and freight from all the different
lines. - - sF sr1 s5.ss,---
The following statistics will give some idea
Of the bridge and its capacity, from which
some interesting calculations might be made;
such as total length of wires, etc. etc., etc.
But these must be reserved for a future &C.
casioD.
Length of span from centre to centre e22l
feet. Height of towers above rock on the
American side, SO feet. Ditto Canada side,
70 feet. Ditto floor Of Railway, 80 feet. MOI
Of iron cables 4. Diameter of each 10 inch
3. Number. of No, 9 wire in each cable
1858. Ultimate aggregate strength Of ca
,les, 12.A00 tons. Weight of superstructure
80 tons. Weight OF superstructure and
maximum load, l 1860 tons. Maximum weight
be stays and cable viii support 1900 tons
Height Of track above water, 234 feet
Height Of Railroad tract above wagon track
70 feet.-Bufdlo Erpress. -tc5t .jG~.oL