Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-11-30
Kansas city Railroad.


A trip over the Kansas City railroad to
Jonesboro, sixty-seyen miles distant, re.
veals the fact that for almost that entire
distance the road lies through a swamp
and is built either on embsnkments or
trestles. Alongside the track in an almost
unbroken line are the deep excavations
made to get earth for foundation for a
road bed, as well Is 10 raise il above over.
Aow. The trestle at St Francis river
is four miles long and it is said cost $780,
600 II Is piece Of fine work, as the cars
move over it more smoothly than on
many other portions Of the road. Forces
Of men are scattered along the track
strengthening embankments and doing
other necessary work TO improve the
road. The successful building Of this
railroad through swamp Of sixty miles,
all of which overHows in high water, was
a herculean task, and presents the strong
est evidence Of enterprise and skill; Joined
to large capital,
The land on the borders Of this road is
covered with heavy timber and thick
cane, which is an evidence ofthe immense
richness Of the soil Should It ever be re-
deemed from overflow, it viii become the
greatest garden spot in the world, requir-
ing several railroads to transport its pro-
ductions 10 market. Efforts should be
made to secure government aid to redeem
this land.
Yesterday being Thanksgiving, gene
raj holiday, a number Of amateur hunters
and fishermen went out on this road eK-
peeting to find a comparatively new field
of sport where the game had not been
thinned out by the successful sportsmen
Of Memphis or driven away by the heed
less unsuccessful ones. The less said about
the game brought home by this crowd
the easier they will escape the jokes and
sly fun oftheir acquaintance A num-
Der Of these amateur hunters were
required by the baggage master
to put their guns, whether loaded or not,
in the baggage car in his care, and fee
Of twenty-five cents was charged as
freight or baggage or care or response
bility, or whatever other term the bag
gageman might apply to his temporary
possession Of the guns. One hunter, es-
pecially, who rejoices in the ownership Of
an imported $3.50 gun, surrendered it TO
the lordly, but immoyeable baggage man
with pang and sigh that would have
been laughable to looker.on II it were
not believed the demand for the gun was
an imposition. A number of railroads in
Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and
other States make no charge for guns,
dogs, fishing tackle, fishing boats, or camp
equipage, and as a special inducement to
secure the patronage Of sportsmen,
not only give reduced rates, but also
agree to stop the trains anywhere in the
woods to put them of or take them on.
In all probability the officers of the Kan
sas City road are either not aware Of this
petty imposition practiced by one Of their
employees, or if aware of it, have been
too busy with matters of Importance to
order ITS discontinuanee, 1t is TO be hoped
they will issue an order on the subject
before the season is over.
The first regular station going north is
Jonesboro, which is sixty,seyen miles
from Memphis. 1t has depots, telegraph,
express offices, etc. 1t is only three miles
from the bottom, is situated on high,
rolling ground, has about fifteen hundred
inhabitants, and is healthy and thriv-
ing place. Many new houses building
shows an enterprise and thrift that be-
tokens prosperity. It is at this place that
Paramore's Texas and St. Louis narrow
gauge crosses the Kansas City. The en-
ployes of this road are on q strike for back
pay, and large number Of them crowded
the depots discussing the situation. A
locomotive without steam and train on
the main track showed these men were in
earnest, The number of these men was
swelled somewhat by the depot loafers
who are always seen at small railroad
town, and whose loud laugh, vulgar talk
and rough horse play are characteristic
Of this well known animal How they
liveis mystery that is never unfolded
in this world, even to a patient indefati'
gable investigator,
A good joke was perpetrated by the
Postmaster at Jonesboro, who kept hii
little country store open for the sale o.
various goods, but informed callers witt
an official air that it being Thanksgiv-
ing Day the postofice was CLOSED" The
wandering Memphian wondered how
many letters and papers were officially
locked up in the little boxes which constl
tuted this backwoods postofice. In the
name Of the prophet-ags.
The trip homeward was not 81
pleasant as the one going out
ward, as the train was delayed, and rat
Ting through dismal swamp on darl
night is not very cheerful at best, A trip
over this end of the road however is en-
joyable to dweller of the bluffs whost
eyes rest daily on brick and mortar.
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