The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1882-09-01

lines, and out Of the development Of the
country they penetrate, 70 draw new
business. Independent OF this, tho adj
yancement of the country sdiately
upon It's line has swellcd its local business
IN greater proportion than any effect OF
competition. lis grand position along and
ncar the water courses Of the Braaos, Trim.
ity and Colorado, and through the heart
OF the central region, alike genial to cotton,
corn and wheat, and on the shortest posi-.
BILE line to the Gulf of Mexico and the
mouth Of the Mississippi. will DO as fully
recognized when Texas is covered with a
network Of railways. as 1t has been during
the infancy of her railroad progress, or as
il is to-day. Along its line and within
easy reach, lie millions OF acres OF fertile
lands yet to be brought into cultivation.
Tits estimated that its support Is drawn
from less than ope-sixth of the agricultural
capacity of the splendid region through
which IL passes. II is upon the climatic
belt, where uniform seasons, and uniform
rainfall ensure never failing crops.
international & Great Northern.
Stretching from Longview in the eastern
portion of the state to the Mexican border,
with an extended branch from Palestine to
Houston. and with a half dozen minor
branches, the International Il Great North
ern railway is one of the most important
| lines in the Gould southwestern system.
The main line within the last twelve or
eighteen months has been extended until
| il now reaches the Rio Grande at Laredo, y
m ain line passes through tie counties of
Gregg, Rusk, Smith, Cherokee, Anderson,
Leon, Robertson Milan, Williamson,
| Travis, Hays, Comal, Bexar, Atascosa, La
SeIle, Encimal and Webb. Along this
route are such important towns and sta
tions as Longview, Overton, Troupe, Jack
sonville, Palestine, Hearne, Hilano, Tay-
Tor, Round Rock, Austin, San Marcos, New
Brsunfel., San Antonio and Laredo, all.
growing and prosperous towns and cities or
important as railway functions with other
roads. The counties through which the
line passes are among the finest in
Texa, and present great vari:
productions. The first Ave or six
mentioned are well watered and densely
mbered, and belong 10 what is known as
the timber belt of the state. From these
counties immense amounts of timber OF
mary varieties are annually shipped north
and south, though agricultural products
are also plentiful in the section referred to-
Coming farther south the next six or seven
counties constitute as magnificent an agri-
cultural and stock country combined as can
be found in America, producing all manner
of crops beautifully, and affording splendid
nutritious grasses The remaining section
O, country extending from Be1ar county to
Laredo is the great pastoral region Of the
southwest, and as yet stock ana sheep rais-
ing are the only industries. In each OF these
divisions that we have Just made OF this
country, through which the main line of
the International passes the climate is diff
fsrent-moistin the eastern dryer in the CEN
trail and in the southern portion very dry and
hot. All along the line, however, the health
of the country is fne. At Palestine
branch runs Offsouth to Houston and Col
umbia, through the counties OF Anderson,
Houston, Trinity, Walker, Montgomery,
Harris, Fort Bend and Brazoria, terminal
ing at Column bis, in the latter county. The
length OF the line from Palestine to Column
bia il sl2 miles. On this branch are tho
towns Of Elkhart. Crockett, Trinity Phelps,
Houston, Arcoln and Columbia. This line
runs almost exclusively through . timber
country, with numerous sawmills along the
route. bat a country rich and productive
also In the usual crops of Texas, such as
oot ton corn cereals, frUits and vegetables,
and in the southern portion sugar and
molas.es. Bottom and uplands are both
plentiful and both of the best quality along
this branch The timber is principally oak,
nine and hickory here and there, though
slona the route are some splendid patches
NJ prsirie. The International through
these two long lines thus reaches almost
eyery character Of country found in the
ststs Of Texas. Aside from these two
m Ain lines the company has q number of
minor branches, among which are the fol-
lowing: From Temple to Mineola is the
most important, As miles in length, form
ing the connecting link. between the Deni- \
son and southeastern branch Of the Missouri
Pacific and the International, and tapping
thn maia line of the Texas Il Pacific at
Hineola. 1t traverses the county of Smith,
crossing the Texas & st. Louis Narrow
Gauge ct Tyler. Another branch extends
nom Rofnd Rock to Georgetown, dis
lance of 10 miles only, but through one Of
the prettis.t and most fertile stretches Of
country in Texas. In addition to these are
two other short branches, the one from
Oyertop to Henderson. 10 miles, and the
other from Phelps to Huntsville, 8 miles.
The total mileage of the International Il
Great Northern, therefore, is at present 7S5
miles. The rolling stock and road bed are
in excellent condition, and both freight and
passenger traffic are very heavy. Sew
crsl important connections are made
nv the International the hrst of
which is at its initial point, LoDgview,
where connection is made with the trains
east and west on tho Texas d Pacific road.
At Hearne the Houston & Texas Central is
crossed. and at Taylor the Missouri Pacific
/. met Az Austin connection isnade with
the Texas Central again, and the Austin d
Northwestern, and at San Antonio with the
Sunset Route. The international owns
many thousands of acres Of land donated
by the state, and which are scattered over
=; IN. -h;ch thee lands arc situated 4, rapidly
hlliug up and acquiring railroad facilities,
and the opportunities for obtaining cheap
and desirable homes are many. All these
lands owned by the railroads are thrown
upon the market in either large or small
quantities, at reasonable figures and upon
favorable terms. The shops and principal