Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1873-06-13
For the Sentinel.
The Metropolitan Road.

In the building of railways through bro
ken country the poetic imagery Of the prophet
is realized, where we see valleys exalted, hills
made low, the crooked made straight, and
rough places plain. This is especially mani
fest on the line of the new Metropolitan road
between Washington and Point of Rocks, and
accounts for the time occupied in its compile
ton. The bridges and trestle-work are Of
the most approved construction. But the
most crooked thing that has thereby been
made straight, TO the delight of alfwho travel,
is the detour via the Relay House, whereby
more than sixty miles, and two hours time,
and some money are saved. And just here it
may be mentioned that the b. & o. r. X. is
now engaged in constructing another new
route via Washington, Pa, which will still
further reduce the distance via Wheeling to
the West. Thus with its double and triple
tracks this must become TILE route between
the east and the west.
1t is source Of qualification that this new
road has been opened as it approaches Wash
ington through more interesting and better
agricultural country than that on the Bati-
more road, and one that will now rapidly i'm
prove TO the great benefit of the Metropolis
In gliding SO pleasantly over the straight
stretches and gentle curves Of the Metropoli-
tan, so preferable to the short curves and
heavy grades on the tortnous Patapsco route,
the eye is refreshed with delightful landscapes,
and at this time with fields of waving grain
which promise good harvest few weeks
hence.
The B. & o. has for years been appropri-
ately styled the "historic route" and now be-
comes yet more SO in its Metropolitan branch,
which passes near Balls Bluff and other points
made famous during our late unpleasantness.
Among the humors of a ride over this new
road may be cited the groups Of natives main
ly colored, who stand staring in silent wonder
as the iron horse rushes by them with its train
of elegant coaches.
a large force of workmen is yet employed
along the route in fully perfecting all details
of construction. JUNE.
Washington, June IL.
THINGS TO DE REMEMBERED The following
changes will take place after June 80, 1873:
l-Franking privilege abolished.
2-Postmasters supplied with official stamps.
3-Oificinl stamps must not be used except
for official business.
4-Stamp of one department cannot be used
for correspondence of another.
5-No matter can pass thro' the mails free.
G-Postage must be collected on newspapers
published in the county where delivered.
7-EXchanges not free. Publishers must
pay postage on each exchange received.
8-Postal cards uncalled for are not sent to
dead letter Office.
9-Postal cards cannot be used a second
time.
l0-0rdnary cards can be transmitted thro'
the mails by affixing one cent stamp, provi-
ded the entire message is printed. The ad-
dress may he written.
Postage-Letters-T cents for each half
ounce or fraction thereof
Drop Letters-W here delivered by carriers,
two cents for each half ounce or fraction there
of. AT other offices, one cent for each half
ounce or fraction thereof.
Printed MatteT-One cent for each two oun-
ces or fraction thereof. Seeds, bulbs, cuttings
roots, scions, cbromos, and engravings are
classed with printed matter
Merchandise-Two cents for each two oun-
ces or fraction thereof, limited to 10 ounces.
When any of the above matter is mailed who'll
~ unpaid and by inadvertence reaches its
destination, double rates should be charged
and collected P0stoBice Gazette.