Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-08-29
MiscellaneoMs.
CROSSING THE TRAVELLER ROPE.
THE FIRST TRIP OVER THE EAST RIVER BETWEEN
THE BRIDGE TOWERS.


THE BhIDGE TOWERS.
The wharves and bulkheads in the
| neighborhO0d of the towers of the East
river bridge were thronged early yester-
day morning with people eager to witness
the first passage of human being from
Brooklyn to New York by the new route.
Some became exhausted or lost their pa
tieI ce and went away, but two filled the
place OF every one that departed, and by
IL O'Clock the spectators were almost
lnnumerable; the wharves were black
with people, and the rigging of all the
vessels was filled with sailors and persons
who gained permission to occupy lofty
and advantageous posts of observation
70 correctly estimate the number who
saw the passage made would be impossi-
BILE, but at least 10000 spectators crowd
ed the roofs of buildings, the wharves.
decks of vessels, and other convenient
places for watching the ropes stretched
from tower to tower. Through the morn
ing they stood patiently waiting the ap-
pearance of the daring man who was to
make the trip. The shout of jester,
"lere he comes" often caused the cram
ing of neclSs and impatient exclamations
| OF disappointment
At 20 d large flag, 30x20 feet, was
hoisted on the Brooklyn tower, and few
minutes later another was displayed from
the tower upon the New York side of the
river. In the mean time everything was
put in readiness on the towers and piers
for the attempt, and at 1.25 Master Me-
chanic +. +. Harrington, the person who
was to make the trip, took his seat in the
"boatswain's chair" which was made
fast TO the 'traveler rope" This chair
was board two feet long by ten
inches wide. 1t was followed out in
the middle SO as to make a better
seat. and in each corner was hole through
| which half-inch rope, four feet long.
passed upward. Knots on the ends of
these four ropes kept them from slipping
through the holes. land supported the board.
The ropes were tied together at their
upper ends, and were made fast to the
'traveler rope" The start was made
chair had been properly placed Mr.. Far
was given to start Chief Assistant
Engineer Martin, standing near the front
and on the top of the anchorage pier, con-
trolled the running of the engine in the
yard below by signals with red flag
which he held in his hand. He regulated
his signals to the man in charge of the
engine, by those which he received from
the towers aud New York anchorage,
made by men stationed on them for the
| purpose.
The starting signal was given at exactly
| - o'clock. and in another second Mr..
Harrington was swinging over the tops of
the houses between the anchor pier and
the tower Hearty cheers went up from
those assembled below, while handker-
chiefs were waved by ladies in windows
and upon the housetops. When about
half way between the anchor pier and the
Brooklyn tower. Mr.. Harrington raised
himself from sitting to standing posi-
tion in the chair. and taking Oft his hat
waved it to the people who were cheering
him. As he approached the tower the
speed OF the engine was lessened grad
ually until he was able to step upon the
tower, when it came to a full stop. and he
leit his seat by the help of two of the work
men. The first part Of his journey took
three and one-haif minutes. and was con-
cluded amid the enthusiastic cheers of all
beholders. Is successful termination was
announced by the firing of gun on the
New York bulkhead. Mr.. Harrington
was received upon the tower with con-
gratulations and expressions of admira-
tion. Henry c. Murphy, President OF the
Board OF Trustees of the Bridge, who with
several friends had climbed to the top OF
the tower to see the feat, pressed forward
and congratulated him heartily.
The workmen moved the chair over TO
| the river front of the tower and when it
was again in readiness Mr.. Harrington
embarked once more. ANY messages?n ?n
he asked. as the rope was set in motion
aad amid the good wishes and hand-clap-
ping OF those on the tower, he launched
into the space between the piers over the
river His appearance was the signal for
everything in the shape of a steamboat to
make all the noise in its power. The
shrieks of the whistles and shouts of the
spectators were deafening even to persons
at the great height of the SUBMITS OF the
towers, and Mr.. Harrington waved his hat
again in reply to them. The trip between
the towers occupied six and one-halt min
utes, and the reception OF the courageous
traveller upon the New York tower was
more enthusiastic, if possible, than on the
Brooklyn tower, while the people upon
the wharves joined in the vociferous well
coming. There were several ladies on
the New York tower. In few seconds
the third stage of the journey (from the
New York tower to the anchor-pieD was
begun. This occupied about the same
time az the first stage, and was equally sue
cessful, concluding amid renewed cheers
and the noise of factory whistles. The
people on the wharves and in Front street,
rushed up to the anchor pier to see The
landing, following and cheering MIR. Far
rington through the streets as he made his
way back to the tower.
At each stopping-pont Mr.. Farrington's
countenance was carefully studied by the
spectators to see if ii gave the slightest
sign of fear or nervousness, but he was as
cool and collected as if he had walked
across on the bridge which his hazardous
trip will forward in many ways. Al
though it was practically certain that the
rope would support much greater strain,
as it must, or it would be useless, it was
necessary that some one should go out on
| it., and the master mechanic thought it