Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-09-14
~ MetropoIitan Railroad.

The Washington correspondent OF TIE balti-
more san gives The following paragraph rela-
tive to the road, the opening Of which to tho
Point Of Rocks viii be hailed with peculiar
satisfaction in this region 60
"Tbere is a growing feeling here in favor Of
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company,
now that il is seen that that company are
really aiming for an increase Of the railroad
facilities Of the national capital, according TO
the programme announced long ago. The
opening Of the Metropolitan road has con-
WINGED many Of those heretofore loud in their
condemnation that the Metropolitan railroad
has been pushed forward under especial di fiji
culties. arising from the nature OF the country,
50 that greater speed in its construction could
not reasonably have been expected. Instead
of following valleys, as railroads usually DO,
It's path lies across water courses and villages,
requiring heavy cuts and fills, attended. OF
course, with far greater than usual trouble and
cost, and nesdiug very much more time for
construction; but seeing is believing, and there
is little doubt that the people Of the district
viii now realize how valuable to their interests
have been the efforts Of the Baltimore and
Ohio Company"
The Washington papers give pleasing
sketches Of a pleasant excursion on Friday the
9th instant to Rockville, fifteen miles from
Washington.
The party under the care Of Mr. Geo. S
Koontz, Of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
consisted Of j. j. Stewart, Esl Of Baltimore,
Joseph II. Bradley, Esl, an eminent lawyer
formerly Of Washington, but now Of Mont
gomsry County, and representatives Of the
city and other presses, prominent among whom
was Col. Florence Of the Sunday Gazette. On
reaching Silver Springs, miles from Wash
ington, the party left the carsand prOceededtC
pay their respects to the venerable Francis P
Blair, who Joined them, aud gave them many
interesting "reminiscences. The ponderou,
swinging bridge over Rock Creek was exam
inej This structure was designed by and
built under the supervision Of Messrs J. j
Randolph and P P. cambridge, the latter a
native Of Jefferson County. It is 400 feet in
length, has two large abutments, three pier.
and four spans, and is So feet above the leysl
Of the creek.
So careful a manager as MAJ Koontz could
not fail to provide for the comfort of the in
herman, aud with Mr.. Blair aud Mr. Bradley
at the head Of the table the excursi0uists did
full justice to the lunch, and toasts and witty
speeches followed, under The inspiring infuen-
ces Of good wine. Nr. Stewart was particu-
arly happy in his excuses for the absence OF
VIM. Prescott Smith, Esq Mr.. Bradley and
Col. Florence followed in appropriate remarks
in regard to the advantages which Washing
ton and the country throaeh which it passes
would derive from the completion Of the road
The road through % the Point Of Rocks is
necessarily an expensive one. The rayines are
crossed on high entertainments. The road
crosses streams and ridges, instead Of follow
ins them as in most other roads.
The Seneca bridge is to be COO feet in length
and l2O feet In o,eyltion-tbat over M0nocacy
is 700 fee, ia length and 95 feet high.
Rockville the present termiuous, is said to
be 500 fee, higher than the ground on which
the Capitol stands. aud the air is sinsularly
pure aud dry