Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1859-08-13
The Sleeping Cars-MOdel Rolling
Palaces for the Sunny south"

In obedience to a curiosity which prompts III
to see, IL possible, every thing really attractive
we went down to the depot yesterday to max,
an inspection Of two sleeping cars which
we were told were Just built at the Factory o.
Barney, Parker 4 Co Of this city, for the
Memphis & Charleston Railway, and were "open
to the public" Our attention was at once or,
rested by the very fine exterior of the cars,
which present the finest appearance Of any
rolling material" we ever saw. They are got.
ten up in Gothic style Of architecture, with deep
pannel, and painted "siraw color" aud striped
with bright red; the centre,sides Of the cars are
"set Off with landscape scenes, In ore of which
is our banner tree--the Buckeye-in full bloom.
| (This, we learn, was put in as an offset TO a
car which was furnished the Mississippi Cen.
trail r. r. last Spring, by B. P. d Co.,, in one
Of the landscapes Of which was the noted "Pal.
metto." y The top Of the cars are studded with
ventilators, which are projected above the
"berths." On either side of the top Of the cars
il an eave-trough to catch all the water which
falls upon tho surface and at either end Of these
caves, are pipes which lead the water down
through the corner Of the car, so that It can.
not pass down on the outside to damage the
painting, or decay the woodwork The whole
Of the outside work is "secured" by the best
yarnish coating known, and presents finish
almost equal to mirror.
Passing into the interior, our gaze was met
by scene Of comfort, elegance and magnf.
cence which far surpassed anything Of the kind
we had ever seen. The work inside was on a
similar style of finish with the outside On
either side the seats, which were splendidly
upholstered, wereranged wide apart, and were SO
arranged that they could be made, in a twink
ling, the base for beds, on which mattresses
are placed, covered with damask spreads, com.
Portable covering, and tipped off with pillows.
The wanscotting, which is light aud finely
finished, is 30 arranged that two berths can be
placed above the double berth on the seats; or
by lowering one of the single berths upon
"clete" intended for the purpose, the single
berths can be made into one, at the option Of
travellers. Curtains Of damask are placed in
front of the berIhs, and the sleepers can be shut
out from the observation of the curious, A
large curtain placed across the car effectually
screens the end devoted to the ladies' sleeping
rooms" When these berths are not needed,
they are taken down in an instant, and,
with the upholstery, are packed away above
the seat, at the top Of the car, 30 snugly that we
are not aware Of their presence. As day cars,
they are also superior to any we ever saw
These cars are capable of accommodating IS
persons with berths.
At one end of these sleeping cars" is
water closet, containing two water tanks-one
for drinking and the other for wash water
which are most ingeniOusly provided with con.
veniences which have to be tested 10 be appre
ciated; marble basin, with vent for carrying
of water, ls set in a beautiful marble table, and
all the appointments of the room are complete.
These cars are probably superior to any made
for the purpose anywhere, and are the best pos.
sible recommendation Barney Parker d Co.,
could possibly send out to the inspection Of
the world. They are, in all respects, perfect
institution, and will attract the admiration Of
all those who see them. They are built for
Paine d Co., Of Memphis, and are private en-
terprise upon the Memphis Il Charleston
Road. We learn that the Company have made
the sleeping cars profitable. They cost about
$500 apiece.
Last spring Barney, Parker 4 Co., filed an
order of the Mississippi Central Rond for 8 first
class cars. The company were so highly pleased
with them that they have sent another order
which is being filled. They have just compile
ted baggage car, with post office, ETC., and
a second class car, for the above road, which
will be sent to their destination to>dsy. The
sleeping cars" were ordered on the reputation
of the work sent to the NJ. O. R. r. last Spring.
We are justly proud of our manufacturers, and
their fame is being car ried to the four corners
of the earth.