The Arizona sentinel. [volume] (Arizona City [Yuma], Yuma County, A.T. [Ariz.]) 1872-1911, 1876-05-13
CENTENNIAL.
Our Philadelphia Letter.
ReSpecCiuHy,
H. G. HODGE.

PHILADELPHIA, April 22, 1876.
On the eleventh instant, the
Centennial grounds were finally
closed to all visitors until the Off
cial opening. For several days
previous, all the street cars and
avenues leading to the Park were
crowded to the limit of their capa-
city, and it is estimated that 200.-
900 persons must have entered
the grounds within the forty.
eight hours.
AS much lumber is being haul
ed to the grounds daily for the
completion of the various pavil-
ions and for finishing work gen.
orally as the hauling capacity of
the lumber yards in the city will
permit, and almost every depart
ment of trade is strong indirect
impetus to its business through
the influence of the approaching
celebration.
Hundreds of temporary struc-
lures of all kinds, but particularly
large hotels and restaurant are
rising in a day along the confines
of the parks; so rapidly in fact are
the booths and smaller shops
springing into existence, that the
Building Inspectors of the city
find it impossible to keep track of
them.
According to the contract be-
tween the Centennial authorities
and Mr.. e.. III. Corliss, Monday
evening, at half-past six, at sign
from Director General Goshorn,
the giant engine which is to fur
nish muscle for all the machinery
in Machinery Hall and adjacent
buildings, started under a pres
sure of only fourteen pounds.
This engine weighs over 800 tons,
and will drive eight miles of shaft
ing, having capacity for $500
horse power. The fly wheel has
a diameter of 80 feet. and weighs
20 tons. Each of the walking
beams weighs % tons, and the
10 inch crank shaft is IL feet in
length.
There are two 40-inch cylinders
with a stroke of ten feet, which
with but one or two exceptions,
is the largest of any engine in the
world.
Twenty-Five boilers, each of 70
horse power are employed to fur
nish steam. and having connect
ing pipes running under ground
so that the effect is the same as if
there was one huge boiler.
The census Of the city which
wrote last week was being taken,
has !seen completed, showing a
population of ST, 448 souls, this
being an increase of 143, 416, with
in the last six years. There are
1000 more females than males,
and 374, IA persons are less than
81 years of age. Two tons of blanks
were used, and the total cost was
not more than $4,000.
The blanks have all been filed
away in the most convenient or.
der, forming the most complete
directory of the city possibly ex-
cept that the occupation of the
heads of families was by mistake
omitted. Communication with
the East and West, North and
South, is being facilitated as much
as possible, a new railroad line
has been arranged between this
place and New York, by which
the fares on both lines will be
greatly reduced; 81 line of steamers
will commence running on the
first of May to Fail River, and al
so to New York. There will be
two lines between Philadelphia
and Washington. A through line
has been established to Montreal,
and the Pennsylvania Central has
made preparations for carrying
and depositing comfortably in
their new depot or upon the Cen
tennial grounds all who may
choose to patroniZe their route.
'HOw much is my billy" inquir-