Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-04-28

ceremonies, that have already been deScrib-
ed in your columns. The spike was pointed
out by one Of the contractors, and was in
spected with curious interest. As souv-
enir of the occasion the ladies gathered
some beautiful fern leaves found growing
near the spot.
At different points along the line were
seen gangs of cOnvicts working, who are
under lease of the company. Some are
from Georgia, but the majority are from
the Florida penitentiary, which is leased ex-
clusivelY by the Waycross and Jacksonville
Company. They appeared to be in excel
lent health and cheerful under the circum-
stances, and, we learn, are perfectly salts
fed with their treatment. This labor is re-
ported to be tractable, efficient and easily
controlled, the men preferriug work in the
open air to confinement in idleness in the
penitentiary. Among the conVicts were
seen a number OF white men.
On leaving Wavcross pilot was taken on
board the engine, who was thoroughly in
formed as TO that portion of the road from
Waycross to st. Mary's river, which was
laid by one gang, and knew the places over
which it was necessary to run slow on ae-
count of the filling in not being entirely
completed. At ST. MarY's another pilot for
the remainder Of the branch was secured.
These prec lutions were deemed advisable by
the efficient President, Colsnel Haines, as
the engineer had never been over the entire
road, and because no matter how well con-
structed it may bs there is always q pos
sibility of accident on the first trip over a
new line before the bed is entirely settled.
This act OF prudence was the part of wisdom, ],
and though the trip was made safely and
pleasantly, and the excellence and thor
oughness of the construction demonstrated,
no harm was done or delay OccesiOned, !,
and everybody was the more satisfied.
ARRIVAL AT JACKSONVILLE.
The train was due at Jacksonville, accord
ing to the special schedule arranged, at
5:45 p. M, and this time could easily have
been made, Notwithstanding the stoppages
at Boggy creek and other points, as forty
miles per hour could have been made
without difficulty. AS it was not neces-
sarY this was not done. AS the
town was approached a number of ladies
and gentlemen were discovered alongside
the track some distance out from the depot,
who greeted the train as it passed with the
waving of handkerchiefs, and assembled at
the wharf or depot were quite a crowd OF
persons, the arrival of the first
train over the Short Line being a
great event. AS your representative stepped
upon the platform he was most warmly
welcomed by Mr.. James G. Shaw, General
Travelling Passenger Agent of the Central
Railroad, and Mr.. John Il. Griffin, Freight
aud Passenger Agent of the Savannah,
Florida and Western Railway, who are in
Florida looking after the returning travel
in the interests OF their respective lines.
They are efficient and reliable, and are
doing good service for their lines
There was ample time to make q tour of
the city before dark, and after "clean up"
at the St. James, under escort | sailed
forth to see what was to be seen. The town
appears rather quiet and the tourists at the
various hotels are rapidly decreasing; the
parlors which week since were thronged
with the favored of wealth and fash
The st. James, considered the
most popular, has been crowded the en-
tire season, but now there are scarcely nine
tY people in the house. The hegira is
northward, and in few days there will be
few strangers in the city. The people, how
ever, anticipate much from the opening of
this Short Line, and very great increase in
Florida visitors the ensuing season is antici-
pated. Encouraged by the prospect it is
prietor of the St. James, is making
arrangements for extensive improvements
in his establishment by enlarging the parlors
and dining room, and adding some sixty odd
bed rooms. Similar increase of accommoda-
ticn is projected by proprietors of other
hotels, and Jacksonville, reconciling herself
to the temporary loss of her profitable float
ing population, lis pluming herself already for
the approaching season of '8l and 49, which
it is confidently expected will excel any
previous one since Florida has become the
winter resort for wealthy tourists, invalids
and pleasure seekers from the North.
Mr.. NJ. NJ. Belissario, formerly of Savan-
nah, is still in charge of the National He
informs me that he will be up to Savannah
shortly with some friends to visit the Ma
sonic Fair. In this connection it may be
stated that there is talk of an excursion
over the new line by our jacksonville
friends, who are anxious to visit the Forest
City and take in the Masonic Fair.
Prof. Henri Gwinn is promenade usher at
the st. James, and states that he has hand
some donation for the Masonic Bjzar,
which he intends to bring and present in
person.
ON THE RETURN TRIP.
Quite number of Northerners at the
several hotels who had not intended return
ing for day or two, were SO pleased at the
prospect of short trip to Savannah that
they determined to return by the Waycross
Short Line, and hurried up their prepara-
tions accordingly. The result was that there
was a lively exodus from the hotels on
Wednesday morning, and the passenger
persons. The train left the depot
at 7:30 a. m, and made the run
to Waycross in little over three
hours, including all stoppages-verY good
time on q new road. The passengers who
came up were delighted with the accommo-
dations of the passenger coaches, but when
they saw the new smoker their admiration
knew no bounds, and they expressed them
selves in the highest terms. Several gen.
tlemen, who had travelled extensively,
said they had never seen anything
to compare to 1t in point of elegance and
comfort. There are three of these "smokers"
on the line, aud they certainly have
no equal on any road. Those who have not
seen them may consider this praise extraya-
giant, but those who have will not They
are constructed from a design of Colonel
Haines' conception.
CHANGE OF ENGINES.
At Waycross the light engine was relieved
and the splendid new engine No. 81, which
brought the special train to that point the
preceding day, took her place. The main
track OF the Savannah, Florida and Western
was then entered, and No. 3d. opening her
mouth, sped over the rails as though chased
by witches. The run to Jesup was made in
twenty minutes, and the train was
again off on the fast schedule,
reaching Savannah prompt on time 2:50,
thus closing the opening trip of an import
ant branch, connecting Savannah by
closer ties with the charming city of Jack
sonville, aud which is destined to work
revolution In trade and travel to and from
the land of the cypress and the myrtle. A
trip which will long remain bright cn the
tablets Of memory of all who participated In
the Inauguration Of the Waycross Short
Line, as prolific of pleasure and enjoyment,
and which passes into history as the fastest
trip ever made Cup TO date) between Jack
sonVille and Savannah since their founda-
tion.
THE NEW LINE.
Having completed description of the in
augura trip, it is appropriate and interest
ing now to briefly sketch the history of the
road, It's commencement, completion and its
benefits and advantages.
The importance of a closer connection
with Jacksonville, the gate city, as it were.
of Florida, had long been recognized by the
authorities of the old Atlantic and Gulf
Railroad, but adverse circumstances prevent
ed anything being done. Immediately upon
the transfer of the property to the present
and the organic alton of the
Savannah, Florida and Western Railway
this enterprise, pet scheme en- paSso1t Of
Col. Haines, was determined upon. aad
looking 10 It's inauguration were
considered. The plans were perfected to
build the road under two charters. the Geor-
gia end from WaYcross to st. Mary's, a dis
tance of thirty-seven miles, under
the charter of the Way
cross and Florida Railroad Company.
and the other end, the same distance from
St. Mary's river to Jacksonville under char
ter of the East Florida Railroad Company.
The latter leased the Georgia branch, and
the name Waycross Short Line was adopted.
Colonel II. s. HaiRes being elected Pres