Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-07-23
TIE GREAT BRIDGE.

THE GREAT BRIDGE.
No visitor to St. Louis can afford to leave
before first taking a birds eye view of the
great bridge destined some day to span the
Mississippi at this point. This bridge has
now been in course of erection for four years
past, and it is thought will be completed in
the course Of another year. In the con-
struftion of the piers and other masonry
work much of the stone used has been
brought from Richmond, Va, the hard
granite to be found there in abundance be-
ing deemed preferable to any stone in the
country. 1t is estimated that the bridge,
when fnighed, will cost upward of $7,000,-
600. 1t is being built sy a stock company,
and for ages TO come will stand as a mon
ument to the enterprise of those who put
on foot structure so imposing and stupen-
doGs. The people of st. Louis are looking
forwardto its opening With great deal of
interest, and the event will no doubt be
celebrated in grand and becoming style.
Nothing like it is to beSseen on this CONT
rlent, and we doubt if its equal is to be
found in the world. A bridge across the
Mississippi here has long been a necessity,
but how to commence the work was the
problem which required years to solve, and
lllS SClAACSo VI A4AdsosCl 4llNs NC4C Ac1Qcu W
find substantial base at the bottom of the
Great Father Of Waters. 1t is estim tied
that there will be a passing train on this
bridge every minute during day and night.
There are sixteen different railroads which
now have terminus in East st. Louis, and
ali passengers and freight have been trans
ported to the other side by tie large num-
Der of feFryboats constantly in use.r In adj
dtion 10 the sixteen roads on the east side,
there are as many more already tinishe
and under contract on the st. Louis side of
the river. The bridge is to be of double
tier, the upper to be used by foot passen-
gers, street railroads and vehicles genera,iy.
We hope we may be one OF an excursion
psrty from Nashville to celebrate the opan-
ing Of this important enterprise. When
that agent transpires, the time between
Nashville and st: Louis viii probably be
reduced to nine hours. Every year Of this
progressive age marks some improvement
in travel, and brings oar own attractive
CITY of Rocks IN closer connection with
tie rest Of the word.
SHAW's GARDEN.
The stranger who visits st. Louis with
- .;-"rdine an evening at shaw's Botani-
ou' SP-, L.. .i.,o ono of the giandest
cal HIS IUISoClA 49,
sights that this country affords. Upon en-
tering this famous garden, the mind is at
once transported to tropical climes and fairy
regions. At first it seems difficult which
to admire most, the beauties of nature, or
the sublime works of art--Whether It's bet
ter to take in the briliiance of the flowers,
in odoriferous fragrance, or the messy bank
by the way side, rendered so attractive by
the skillful hand that devised it. The eye
follows for a moment beds rich with the
perfume of exotics, and then turns to the
artistically formed walks, bo-dered with
ferns and plants of every conceivable varie-
ty. 1t is a combination of the beautiful in
nature and art satisfying us that the love of
nature prepares the way for the apprecia
ton of the fine arts. In hurriedy written
epistle, we have only time to touch
upon points Of interest, and therefore
must be excused from going into
detail upon a subject of which columns
could be written. We believe our entire
delegation visited this garden during their
sojourn, and will have muchto say respect
inc it upon their return. Mr.. Shaw, the
owner, is slime old English gentleman,"
who commenced his garden about Is years
ago, and since that time has constantly been
making additions of plants from all portions
of the wor,i. This garden is open free TO
all, and the proprietor Is glad 20 receive Wis
itors. He never was married, and in his
will provides that the garden shall become
the property Of the city, provided the latter
shall expend the necessary amount in keep
ing it up its present standard. In addition