Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-07-19
A MODERN RAILWAY
Safety and Comfort Of Passengers the
End Ia Wew.--Rapid Transit
Between the East
and West. 0


1t is evident that the present man
ayers of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati and
st. Louis Railway Company. whose
lines are Familiarity known under the
title Of the PAM Handle route. are
unceasing in their efforts to bring the
road. bed and equipment up to the
standardO Of perfection already reached
by the Pennsylvania railroad, which
no less an authority than Charles
Francis Adams recently pronounced
"unapprOachable in its condition and
management by any railroad in the
civilized world"
Such progress has been made TO.
ward perfection hat the Pan Handle
route is not unjustly entitled to rank
high in the list of transportation lines
which can lay claim to be regarded a.
strictly frst-class.
Of the many improvements which
have been adopted, with the view of
ensuring the safety Of promoting the
comfort Of the patrons Of the Pan
Handle route, the limited a at
our disposal will only permit a brief
allusion to the most salient features.
In order to secure the shortest prac-
tlcable route between the East and
West, it was found necessary to cut
a way through the intervening noun
tain-like hills of Western Pennsyl-
vania and Eastern Ohio. For a be-
Rod the tunnels and cuts were a
source Of great expense and trouble.
frequently obstructing travel and
otherwise iDiuriOusly affecting the
reputation Of the liue. These are
now securely arched, and solid mason
ry enters into the construction Of all
%culverts.
The bridges are thoroughly tested
and strengthened at stated intervals
OF time, That over the Ohio river at
S%teubenville being one of the finest
specimens Of iron bridge architecture
in the country.
The entire line is being ballasted
with stone, and the elevation of
curves determined under the imme-
date supervision of experienced ex-
perts.
Steel rails have SUPERSEDED iron on
the main line, WITH improved raid
Joints, which prevent the unpleasant
Earring and disagreeable sensation in
evitably connected with a trip over a
poorly constructed railroad bed.
While the maintenance of a good
way is Of paramount Importance in
the operation of railways, much de-
ponds upon the condition Of the roll
ing stock. This fact has received due
recognition from the managers Of the
Pap Handle route.
Driver brakes on all passenger en-
gines, with automatic brakes ON all
coaches, give the engineer as perfect
control Of his train as it is possible to
obtain.
The introduction of the block sys-
tenn Of signals, on both single and
double track, aud the adoption of the
safety switch and distance signals,
enables those charged with the duty
OF regulating the movement of trains
to discharge their duties, by the aid of
these appliances, with confidence in
themselves and security to patrons of.
the line.
Passenger coaches run ON express
trains are supplied with the Janney
platform and coupler. They are
models Of neatness, and were built
with exclusive reference to the com
fort and safety of passengers.
So much is said concerning the
advantages Of one line over another
that the occasional traveller. not
posted in regard to the merits peculiar
to each, is confused and, in conse-
quence, just as liable to select an
indirect route, by which there are
frequent annoying changes of cars
and uncomfortable omnibus transfers.
as he is to %patronize the direct line by
which through sleeping cars and
coaches are run, making prompt
connection in union depots.
The intelligent traveller will not be
misled SO easily. He will take a guide
book, in case of doubt, aud satisfy
iilIhsell OF u correctness OF pub
llshed statements. The Pan Handle |
route desire that a comparison be
made. 1t can only result in oo%nvinc-
ing the most skeptical that it is the
shortest line between the East, West
and South.
The Pan Handle is anxious that its
time be compared with the schedule
of other roads, This can only result
fayorably to its claim-that the time
via Pam Handle route is the quickest.
not on account Of excessive speed be-
ing maintained, but simply by reason
Of its having the shortest lines.
The Pan Handle route would be
glad to have its equipment examined.
It will be found toho superior In dura-
billy and all the requisites necessary
to the comfort of passengers.
information respecting routes, time,
rates and conveniences Of travel. will
be cheerfully furnished on application
to Sidney B. Jones, general South,
western passenger agent, Cincinnati.