Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1883-08-30
CHICAGO RAILWAY EXPOSITION
HOW IL Looked to the London EN-
giueer."

HOW 1t Looked to the London EN-
gineer.'
The London Engineer OF August 10th
publishes concise account OF the |
National Exposition OF Railway Appli-
auees, recently held at Chicago, which, |
II says, "was probably the most complete
collection of the varied apparatus used III
the construction, working and main
teuanoe OF American railways that had
ever been brought together, and the pro-
moters are to be congratulated thft,
while little was omitted 10 make the
show complete, still lePs was included
that WAS foreign to the subject In hand"
"The protective policy of the United
Ststes,' it continues, probably deferred
many English manufacturers from ex.
hibiting, the heavy duties rendering 1t
difficult and in most cases impossible to
sell imported productions at profit,
while the high price of American manu-
features forms an effective barrier to their
importation into this country. 1t Is to be
regretted that no relaxation Of this tariff
was possible, as much might be mutually
learned from even partial intercourse
between the two countries. For instance,
locomotive built by an English railway
company might have been exhibited snd
retained by an American railroad, which,
in return, would send mogul or con-
soliiation to England and thus much
might be learned by direct comparison OF
the results OF working under similar cou-
diiions."
The marvellous growth OF Chicago,
from village of IL houses to city Of
$50, 900 inhabitants within half cen.
fury, and the enormous facilities OF COM
nunication afforded by the II railway
| lines centreing there attract the special
attention OF the Engineer. 1t is probable
| that, as regards mileage and tonnage,
these railways surpsss those radiating
from any other great city on the globe.
The exposition building is described
and due credit given for the improve
ment in American taste, which has sub.
stituted locomotives OF artistic design for
the confused masses of bright vermillion
and brighter brass, the cars despatched
with meaningless gliding and the ma
chine tools more remarkable for the
number of eagles painted on them than
for the strength of their framing which
were characteristic Of the American
manufactures some years ago.
The simplicity of our modes of signalling
as compared with those used on English
railways leads to their being criticised al
extremely crude and defective, though
this evil is somewhat mitigated by
the clearness of the atmosphere, tn,
intelligence Of the drivers and the very
general use made of continuous brakes
1t was therefore satisfactory to observ'
, such very large display of signals ant
| aiu al
belief that great improvement will tax
place in this direction within few years
! The use of glass oil cups OF
engines leads the Engineer to re
mark upon the superior defines
picture the establishment of an Englis
+ driver at the sight of an American COL
, frere on an express train, seated in
/ comfortable arm chair and equipped wit
i neat pair OF stout gloves.
When the car department is reached
i, Wilmington carries oil the honors. Wit
!, the exception of the work OF the Pullma
Palace Car Company, the Wilmingto
! makers are the only ones mentioned
Following are the Engineers tributes
this city
1.-THE Jackson & Sharp Compar
exhibited trst-olass or ordinary passe
a gar car, which, without the elaborate il
aid work so often seen, was model
Il good taste and workmanship, and d
! servedly obtained gold medal. The il
r., terror was paneled with bay wood
, light colored mahogany, hand carv,
I with flowers. leaves, &c, in relief, eve
! panel being different. The car was lit
ID compressed gas, and was fitted with maj
no little contrivapces 10 increase the comic
~ and convenience of passengers, and ,
Il hope to illustrate it and describe it
II greater length in an early number.
i. "The Chicago, Milwaukee & st. Pa
"a railroad showed two cars, built by t
q, Harlan & lIollingsworth Company, fit
"A up and decorated with an amount
~ luxury and good taste which we'll 4
m served the name of Palace one beine
H. parlor car fitted with revolving cha
he and furnished with anterooms, lay
tories, &c., aud the other hotel CT
N. fitted with a complete little kitchen, wi
Inv and coal cellars, ice house, wine cool
n. and every possible appliance to serv,
IN. luxurious and we'll cooked meal"
Al. of interest is also the following
nj. tract "a careful examination OF I
for various products in steel and iron CT
IA veys the impression that America
ara very little TO learn from this country a
II. that her natural disadvantages in
a great distance apart of iron ore, coal a
IL. iluX alone prevents competition with
ipe ii the matter of prizes. The wag
He though higher per man, are no more
No ton, while as usual in America, an en-
ian nous product is turned out with OF
= | pAratiysly small plaut' ~