The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1881-04-29
sLEEPING-sEAT CARS.
A Possible Chance TO Break mp the OdiOus
Sleeplng-car Monopoly.

A Possible Chance 10 Break mp the OdiOuS
Sleeplng-cAr Monopoly.
From the Philadelphia Record.
Jay Gould's latest exhibit in railroad
ventures Is the introduction upon the
western roads of a new cGr-seat, which
may result in revolutionizing the whole
system now in vogue. The new idea
known as A. j. Smiths reversible sleep
ing-car seat, was brought to the notice
of Mr.. Gould q short time ago. The
principle adopted is the same as that en-
ployed in the ordinary iron-car seat, &C.
cupying no more space than the COM
mon seat, and therefore can be intro
duced into old as well as new cars. The
reversible upholstered backs are high
and soft, and consequently are very COM
Portable for reclining upon when sitting
up during the day. Each seat has a
double cushion, which makes it more
desirable for day travel. Under the
cushion is folding box, giving ample
room for bedding of all kinds, curtains,
head and foot board, other paraphernalia
incident to railway sleeping accommO-
dations. An adjustable table is provided
for each seat, which, by the use Of q
neatly executed bracket, fastened upon
the side OF the car, can be used for sim
| gle or double seat, so that one, two, three
| or four persons can sit at the one table
at will When the berths are to be made
up the box below is unfolded and sup
ported by movable rods, to form the
bottom OF the lower berth. The cush-
ions are then opened, placed upon the
foundation, and the berth is complete.
The backs of the seats are next turned
up, each over its own seat, and, being
brought together on a horizontal line in
this elevated position, are Joined togeth'
| 49, N,..IN sk..na If aaSA hanh h.
ing fastened securely at the same time
by an automatic spring bolt or sleeve
The partitions are made Of fixed wood
en- fields, those for the upper berth drop
ping from the ceiling and those for the
lower berth being drawn horizontally
from the side of the car. The curtains
for each berth are seperate and distinct
whereby all passengers above desiring
to retire can draw his curtains without
incOnveniencing the fellow traveller be
low. The change from day car to {
sleeper isvcomplete, and were ali OF
board TO retire At the same time, tina
. change would be almost instantaneous
so simple and easy Is the continuance
The bed of the lower berth when made
up is ten inches, and the upper bertl
, three feet and eight inches from the foo
of the car, bringing all the weight be
low the middle line Of the car and near
er to the truck, and lessening the sway
ing motion which is 50 annoying to III.
travellers The occupaRt enjoys the ad
vantage Of being able TO sit upright II
either upper or lower berth. Every per
son occupying q seat Is supplied will
sleeping accommodations, and on receip
OF a comparatively nominal sum a com
( pany could supply passenger with
single berth to himself, should he desir
il.
Under orders from Jay Gould the In
; ventOr is shipping from this city a nun
5 Der Of the new seats To the Missouri Pr
cifc railway company for use in frs
class cars, while lot IS also being mad
= for trial on other western roads.