Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-01-14
COMMUNICATED.

COMMUNICATED
I found the following interesting article in
the New York Journal Of Commerce, copied
from the Utah, Desert News Truly, in this in
stance it can be said, "a prophet is not with
out honor save IN his own country and in his
own house." Mr.. French, Of this city, has in
vented locomotive OF a peculiar construction,
adapted to all railroads. the Cheap and narrow
gauge roads especially; an invention that bids
fair to cause Il complete revolution III the build
ing and management Of railroads, yet his very
important invention has not received the atten-
ton of his fellow citizens that has been given
to the casting of small bell for the Columbia
engine house, and not oue-tenth part the IN
terest paid to the new town clock. at seems the
miners and people of the Far West have taken
interest sufficient in Mr.. French invention to
order locomotives to be used on road now
being constructed over grades from 1913 to 4jO
feet to the mile. Mr.. French contends that
his improved driving wheels will force Il train
over grade Of | 200 feet to the mile. l trust
the day is not far distant when Mr.. French will
receive the reward he deserves for his mcchan-
ica skill and perseverance. (.
A Mountain RaiLroad-Work has al last be-
gun in good earnest on q narrow guuge railroad
to connect the mining district of Little Cotton
wood with the Utah Southern. The practical
bility of such a road has elected considerable
discussion. and has been doubted by many; but
the report of the eng necrs who have been en-
ployed by the new corporation sets all doubt; ut
rest. From the initial point at Sandy Station TO
the mouth Of the canon the grade is l4G feet to
the mile and very gradual. Up the canon to
Alta it varies from 100 to 3S3 feet to the mile,
which is to be considerably essene1 by back
switching. Several miles will thus be added to
the length of the line which will be abundantly
compensated by the lessened grade.
The road bed up the canon will be generally
elevated above the wagon road, and Will be con-
structed chiefly on the north side of the dcfle TO
secure the benefit of sunshine in keeping the
track clear of snow in winter. Sheds will also
be employed wherever necessary. By these
means it is expected to keep the road open for
traffic through the severest winters
The locomotives ordered are of peculiar con-
struction, having great steam capacity with loss
than the usual weight of IRON sln these ma
chimes mechanical adhesion or traction takes the
place of adhesion induced by the weight Of the
locomotive This is effected by the application
of very simple. and ingenious device the in
vention of Col. james 5. French, formerly pres
ident of the Washington and Alexandria Rail
| road, running over the Long Bridge from the
District of Columbia to the Virginia side Of the
Potomac. A third or supplementary pair Of
nary drivers, and connected with the latter so rs
to revolve ut the same rate of speed. These adj
ditiOnsl drivers have Il gr0ved tread, and arc
hung in such manner rs to be lifted from con-
tact with the track nj the Will of the engineer.
In climbing grades or starting trains the groves
sit astrde the rail and compel advance motion
with each revolution Of the drivers instead Of
allowing the wheels to slip rs is ordinarily
tho case with heavy trains and steep grndcs.
Numerous vexatious delays are thus avoided
and greater rapidity of transit i secured. The
invention has been tested on the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad with very satisfactory results.
INTERESTING DECISION The Supreme Court
has made decision which will be of interest to
certain class of discharged soldiers \ Fede-
raj soldier in the late war, deserted, but after
wards returned to his regiment and was rcstor-
ed to his rank without trial. At the end of
the war he received an honorable discharge but
the Pay Department refused to pay him S40O
bounty accrued subsequent to his descrtion.
He appealed to the Court of Claims and was
awarded the full amount and an appeal being TAX
en- the Supreme Court affirmed the Judgement
of the Court below. The Supreme Court held
that the restoration and honorable discharge
was final judgment by the Government that
the soldier had left the svryicc in status OF
honor, and removed any barrier to his recovery
of the bounty allowed by law. But -4m"icnh.