New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-11-09
NEW rHOROUGRFARE.

When the ClVll war enucu hc5o oii''"
States were still divided by vast tracts OF un-
occup cd territory, through which men OF SIN
gular courage were pushing the first Pacihc
railway. The completion Of that road was
hailed as a great event in the history OF the
Nation, and the remarkable development OF
the regions through which il passes has amply
justified the brightest anticipations OF that day
But that event was especially important be-
cause it bound together, by ties of iron, States
that had been widely separated. After more
than ten years of constant dependence upon
single trans-continental route, the completion
of another may well be regarded as worthy OF
especial mention. For experience has proved
that the Union and Central Pacific, though
constructed and defended with great engineer
ing skill. are liable at times 20 be interrupted
by the heavy suowstorms which sweep over
Western plains OF ill the gaps in mountain
ranges.
The second route across the continent, below
the line OF SHOWS throughout its length, will
soon be completed. Trains have been running
since the early part of this year, by way oil
the Atchis0n, Topeka and Santa Fe and the
Southern Pacific, but each of these roads is
building and will in due time complete an in
dependent line The connection between them
near FL Paso, therefore has not taken the
character of the permanent establishment OF n
new trans-continental route. Nor is the Afchi
son, Topeka and Santa Fe by any means free
from the difficulties in winter which the Union
Pacific has been obliged to face. During this
month, however, connection will be made be-
tween the Southern Pacific and the Texas and
Pacific, by which trains can be run below the
info Inv
Southern ports Ia California. IL is stated,
also. that agreements have been made between
these comuanes and the Galveston, Harrisburg
and San Antonio, under which trains will be
run and freight moved with pro rata division
of receipts Virtually, these roads will form
one line for transportation between New-Or-
leans, Ncmpbis, Cairo, and St. Louis on the
Mississippi. and San Francisco and San Diego
on the Pacific. For the owners OF the Southern
Pacific also hold controlling interests in the
Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio, and in
roads from that to Ncw-Oreans; while the
owners of the Texas and Pacific also have con-
trolling interests in the St. Louis, Iron
Mountain aud Southern, which reaches
Memphis, Cairo and st. Louis. On the Pacific
coast also, road is in progress from San
Diego to connect with the Southern Pacific.
These lines are not yet qnite completed.
! The San Diego line has been extended but
| twenty-five miles from that port. The Gal
| weston, Harrisburg and San Antonio still has
a gap Of several hundred miles to cover be-
! tween its line from San Antonio westward
and its line now in progress from FL Paso
eastward. But in these days, when railroads
! are Quilt mt the rate of more than mile per
! day, this portion of the line will not remain
| long unfinished. The Texas and Pacific, al
ready extended from TeXarllana more than
| 700 miles across that vast empire which we
call the State of Texas, viii probably meet
the line stretching southeastward from FL
| Paso within the next week, at a point where
| the two roads cross each other, more than 100
miles from FL Paso, and the running of
through trains by this line will be commenced
| without delay.
The completion Of a railroad line so close TO
the southern frontier of the United States will
| be of great Importance to the Government, AS
well as to commerce. II viii enable the Coy
eminent to move its troops aud to supply its
distant posts at n very great saving of money
and time, and will hasten the suppression of
| Indian disorders in Arizona and New-Alexico
Immense advantages viii be gained, also, in
trade with The northern States of the Mexican
Republic and in the development of the min
eral resources OF the region along orr
southern border. Great States and thriving
towns will spring up along the new route. as
| States and cities have grown along the CEN
| trail road across the continent
| --------