The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1864-11-02


long bridges, for the sum of 81 ,9S1 .260 q,
and completed their contract with the
close of 1855. In that year the line from
Erie to Warren was let. In 1858 the
corporation purchased the State canals,
and in December of the ensuing year the
road was opened from Erie to Warren,
ffty-fve miles. In 1861 the road was
renamed the Philadelphia and Erie, in
stead Of tie Sunbury and Erie, and per-
manently leased 20 the Pennsylvania Cen
tral Company for thirty per cent, of the
revenue, after the completion Of the road.
The last rail was laid in August of this
year, and the great project, after SO many
vicissitudes and perplexities, is an accom-
plished fact to adorn the annals of the
great civil war. That it has been CON-
pleted at all, considering the natural diff
fculties to be overcome, increased by the
troubles Of II and '46, is one evidence of
the steady growth in power and wealth of
the State, and a durable tribute to the
power of those who have had its manage
ment. Now that it is completed, and
added to the long list of iron bands with
which the good cid commonwealth is be-
ing girded, We may all indulge in a feel
ing of justifable State pride, and look
forward to brighter days in every depart
ment Of business.
The contest Of Atlantic cities is for the
commerce Of the grea: though undeTel-
oped west. For more than fifty years it
has been seen that the sccptre would fall
to whatever port controlled it. With a
foresight and energy which does Infinite
credit to her citizens, New York has
struggled to appropriate the bulk Of this
business by canals, railways and telegraph
lines. But no cunning can shorten de-
grees Of longitude. nor no skin overcome
natural advantages ftly improved. Bos-
ton is boring endless mountains TO attain
some share. New York IS turning every
corner for the whole. Baltimore has done
nobly. ButIthe shortest route from New
Iork to Erie, via Bethlehem and Mauch
Chunk, is four hundred ,and eighty-fve
miles, while Philadelphia is nearer Iy
Jorty-oue miles. Each city communicates
With Erie by FIVE several roads, and Bal
timore connects By two. Many Of these
are common in some parts, but they are
necessary rivals. Philadelphia having
the most natural advantages, now improv-
ed to the utmost, must enjoy an increas-
ing share of the business which comes By
water and rail to Erie.
THE FORMAL OPENING.
Tuesday, Oct. 1, j. D. 1864, a special
train of seven cars left Phila at an early
hour, and tarried that night at Lock Ha-
ven. There they were Joined by Gov
Curtin, and on Wednesday reached Erie,
about 6, P. NJ, where they were formally
welcomed and entertained Thursday,
they took an excursion beyond the harbor,
aud duly returned to Phila. without az
cident. This was the first Of the regular
excursion train on this thoroughfare
At "kane," Cor Lamont between
Wilcox and Sheffield, is the summit be- I.
tween the Clarion and Tionesta, and is
the highest point on the road, being 2004
feet above tide water. At this point the
Company intend erecting works similar
to those at Renova.
Had this road been pushed through .
when first projected, Erie wocld ere this
have outstripped Buffalo, and Phila. n
vailed New York. The numerous towns
and cities along the line of the n. Y. &
Erie, would haze been OF the line of the
Philadelphia and Erie, and the wilderness
part Of our State would hare been COM
populous and wealthy. The
drain upon our State to build up another
would have been reversed, and Penns7l-
7ania might now be the equal of New
York Stare. The work is now done, and
although New York has 15 to 20 years
he start, it is ours pow to make amends
'oc past neglect. Our trade and travel
~ way OF Llmira can now mostly seek q
. shorter route, saving both tine and mo1-
y. The lumber, coal, iron, and oil re-
.ources Of the region will be developed,
nd in return Central Pennsylvania pro-
luce will find 2 market, and our surplus /;
population 2 place for business nearer
lome. Oar Lewisburg schools will find
lew students, and our manufscrcries near
r fields for al honorable Efforts.
S0ccess, then, to the Phila. & Erie /;
Railway HonOrably and liberally con-
luc.ed, it can hardly fail of being good
tock and great public blessing.
The road is divided into three divisions, I
S follows: Il
1AsTERN-Scabury to Reuo7a, q miles
dIDDLE-Renova to Lament, 101 '' 4
y TEsTERN-La Mont to Erie, 81 +;
Distances AND STATIONS.
MILES MILES