Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-04-28
ESTABLISHED 1850.

Mary's, and Messrs. McClenney, McMurray
q, Upton of that portion from st. Mary's
river to Jacksonville, Col. j. G. Reynolds
having entire supervision of the engineering
work, with NJ. w. B. w. Howe as office AS
sistant Engineer. There are several small
trestles on the road but they are to be filed
up, as 1t Is the Intention to make perfectly
solid bed as far as practicable. The longest
trestle is at Boggy Creek which is z, 100 feet
in length. This, however, is to be filed
ap to length of 600 feet. The second and
only other long trestle is one over st. Mary's
swamp, which is z, 800 feet, and this is also
to be reduced. The bridge, a magnificent
iron structure which spans the st. Mary's
river, on firm stone foundation, is near the
scene OF an historical event. Flowing into
the river is little creek called Broadway,
in commemoration of Captain Broadaway,
who was killed on the spot In a desperate
conflict between the English and Spanish,
the latter attacking an English camp there
located.
The road is handsomely equipped, all the
rolling stock being new. The cars, paSsen-
ger coaches and elegant parlor dining cars,
have been previously described in the
NEWS, and 1t is only necessary to say that
the travelling public will endorse everything
that has been said about them. The road
will be operated under the management of
the Savannah, Florida and Western Railway
Company, who In addition to the lands and
depot buildings and the town to be
erected at Wsyeross, have secured q
large site at Jacksonville at an eligible
point on the river, aud have already made
arrangements for the construction of a
commodious depot and substantial wharves.
The completion of this road makes the
distance between Savannah and jackson
vile one hundred and seventy miles, gain
of ninety odd miles on the old line, aud a
saving of eight hours in time,
as the new schedule, which goes
into effect on Sunday next, provides for a
Iun Of six hours, and even this may be
shortened. There will then be two trains
daily With this quick communication and
the facilities OF the superior accommoda-
tions offered now by the new line, 1t may be
reasonably supposed that travel and traffic
will be greatly increased ,and the rejoicing OF
Jacksonville and the satisfaction of Savan-
nah are not surprising. Col. Haines, the
interchangeable and energetic President OF the
new line, and the General Manager of the
Savannah, Florida and Western Railway,
under which it will be operated, has cause
to feel gratified at the successful and salts
factory accomplishment of the work. His
excellent wife who, as stated, was on the
train, felt such deep interest in the new
road that she ventured to take short ride
on the engine as soon as the main branch
was left on Tuesday.
In concluding this we do not feel 1t amiss
TO pay deserved compliment to Colonel
Haines, who has been untiriDg and energet-
ic in this enterprise, of which he was a
moving spirit. His thorough ability as a
railroad man is attested by the admirable
system which marks his management. A
far less observant person than the writer
would easily preceiVe this in the admira-
ble system which characteriZes everything,
and is perceptible to even casual traveller.
Merit should never be too modest to re-
ceive its just reward, and it should be
awarded when occasion offers, for the i'm
mortal bard truly speaks of "the spuns
which merit oft OF the unworthy takes"
and to this metaphor may be likened the
criticisms Of many who censure railroad
matters concerning which they know
naught. Hence | deem it appropriate to
pay passing tribute to one eminently
worthy OF any praise that may be bestowed.
Personally feel deep appreciation for genial
courtesies extended with that suavity char
acteristic of the true gentleman. | am pen
ming this letter in his private car, at his
desk, which was kindly placed at my dis
posal, while the train is bowling along at the
rate of forty miles an hour. The excellence of
this manuscript, which | am sure the com
positors Of the NEWS will admit is nearly as
good as that usually furnished by the writer,
from the stationary table in the quiet sane.
tum, best demonstrates that the track is
smooth, the travelling easy, and the time
has come when one cannot only eat at a set
dinner on the Savannah, Florida and West
ern Railway, bat may write with compare
tive ease at table In the General Managers
car, and may these facilities increase.
B.H.R.