The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1880-07-29

ONcT the
On Friday the reporter visited the Of
fees and works OF Ross & Harris, the con-
tractors for extending the International to
San Antonio. Down about the depot
there is an immense supply of material
for carrying on the work which is now
progressing fayorably. There are several
ware-rooms filed with bolts, spikes, nails,
bridge irons, and indeed every article of
iron needed to complete n railway, while
the yards outside are heavily stocked with
bridge timbers, ties and other material.
We visited the boarding cars, which are
kept remarkably clean and comfortable.
Mr.. J. c. Scott has charge of the
CoMAfIssARY DEPARTMENT.
and he supplies the men with an album
dance Of food, consisting of the best of
bread, beef. bacon, ham, cabbage, Irish
potatoes, tomatoes, beans, onions and
ed and placed on the tables ready for the
men who arrive at the boarding cars at as
near II NJ. as possible. In addition to the
above bill of fare, the reporter noticed on
the table at which he sat, different relish
es, such as worcestershire and pepper
sauces, etc. He also noticed water
melon, and when he left the table he
heard one of the polite cooks say
he had gone of without getting any
pie. The cOmmissary is supplied with
clothing, boots, shoes, tobacco and other
articles needed by the men. There are
about 100 of them in the gang laying
track, and they appear to be a jolly, hard
working set. After eating dinner we eX-
amined
THE BRIDGE,
which is temporary affair, but exceed
ingly well built, and would do service for
years if the river were to conclude not to
go on regular bender during that time.
Work on the permanent bridge, which
will be some distance between the tempo
rary structure, is progressing rapidly.
The south pier is about half fin
ished, while preparations are being
made to sink caisson preparatory to
putting in the foundation of another.
The caisson is of peculiar construction,
gotten up by Ross & Harris, and is be-
narily used. Its dimensions are 31x63
feet, which is near the dimensions
of the base of the piers. The masonry
work is being done by Mr.. r. G.. Reed,
who has the contract for nearly all the
stone work on the entire line. He is a
and symmetry, can not be eXcelled.
The permanent bridge will be of
iron, with six spans of two hun
dred feet each. 1t will be a beautiful
structure, and possibly one of the most
costly and substantial bridges on the en-
tire line of the I. & G.. N. Ry. 1t will be
completed during the year.
At 1 o'clock the reporter boarded the
engine of
THE CONSTRUCTION
train, which is under the control of Ed.
Burns, one of the most careful and gen.
tlemanly conductors, and the way he
manages that train is marvel. The re-
porter found on the right of the foot
board Charles Hodges, who manages the
throttle and controls the iron horse
with ease and skill rarely equaled and
never exceled. We were soon moving
along over the rails, passing over the
bridge, from which we have a magnifi-
cent view up and down the river.
After crossing and ascending a steep
grade, to where the permanent track is
reached, the engineer gave cher little
more steam," and we were soon speeding
doll ie,
SPAWNED by neat bridge, which is sup
ported by massive stone pillars. 1t is
crossed several times within a mile. After
leaving the creek bottom there is gentle
incline out four miles to where the men
are at work laying track. Near Bouldin's
creek large rock quarry has been opened
from which the massive stone that are to
be put in the bridge piers, are taken.
ALL THE BRIDGES
along the line will be of iron, and all the
streams out twenty-five miles have their
stone piers completed ready to receive
them. Onion creek has four which are
forty-five feet high and built exceptionally
strong to Withstand the powerful current
of that highly scented and very eccentric
stream. Out thirteen miles from the city
is the most difficult piece of work on the
entire line. Here large force is at work
day and night eXcavating through solid
rock for some distance, and rare engi-
neering skill is being shown in the way it
is conducted. Giant powder is used and
a large number of charges are prepared
and fired off by an electric battery. The
charges are fired simultaneously, and
the report is heard great way off, while
the conclusion is felt a long distance.
Grazing is progressing out as far as fifty
three miles, or few miles beyond
NEW BRAUNFRLs,
and every effort is being made to reach
San Antonio as early as possible. Prepa-
rations have been made for bridging all
streams Immediately on reaching them,
and a large force is at work along the en-
tire line. By the end of this week ar
engagements will be perfected by which
mile of track will be laid. The track
as far out as laid, and over which
the reporter passed yesterday, is
remarkably smooth and well balanced.
The oscillation of the ponderous engine
was very slight, which is something I'M
usual on new work. Messrs. Ross & Har-
ris have few curious specimens of min
erals in their office, taken out of the
quarry near Bouldin's creek. They also
have fossils from the cut near Onion
creek. One of the fossil bones measured
eight feet in length, and is evidently the
bone of mastodOn. 1t was dug out of
a clay strata thirteen feet under the sur
face. For courtesies shown the reporter
thanks are due Messrs. Ross & Harris,
Messrs. Scott, Burns, Hodges and others.
The Most Marvellous Event of Modern
Times.
Dallas is not the only town in the state
that is reckless about her sanitary condi-
ton. Some time ago the city fathers of
that mossback village on the Colorado,
called Austin. refused to suffer the gov
eminent ofthe United States toput down
an underground earthen pipe, to lead
from the new postoffice and United SQUIRT
building to the Colorado. The city faith
ers, instructed by a pair of venerable
Texan doctors. insi sted TINT the water If