The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-21

ing among neutrality-suspicious. that the leaders Ia
the association are inclined to be arbitrary in
their rulings. and unless more generosity is
shown TO the members Of the fraternity the
chances are moro than even that the association
will go to pieces
It is said that as soon as the Transcontinental
pool went to pieces all of the warning railroad
men sent long kilograms to their colleagues in
the West. They not only explained in these
kilograms the reason for the smash up of the
pool, but outlined their policy for the Immediate
future, declaring that q bitter war of rates be-
tween all members Of the old pool must be waged
at once.
The Transcontinental pool troubles are the
chief topic OF conversation in railroad circles,
but are not really surprise. as tbs relations of
the transcontinental roads have been threaten
ing for some time past and il has been plain
that some radical Encouragement must be made.
After the excitement incidental to the breakup
OF the old plan has abated, we shall look for re-
establishment of the pool upon Arm foundation.
and better adjusted to the new conditions now
prevailing in the transcontinental business.
During the recent struggle of the Union Pa
cific with the snow blockade, newly appointed
official in the mechanical department. OF the road
found occasion to make Of himself stclass
butt for ridicaie. Hitherto it had been the Gus
tom to send out heavy trains, which had to break
the snow. with four or five engines coupled to-
gether in the ordinary fashion. The official in
question: after studying the problem. decided
that it would be fine scheme toshave the en-
gines coupled together by means OF long timbers
placed on either side, and riveted strongly to
each locomotive. In this way all the engines
would move at once against the drift and scat
ter it to the four winds of heaven. The scheme
was tried. Every thing went swinnmingly until
q sharp curve was met The engines being
coupled together ia manner which left no play
OF action. 1t was impossible to round the curve
Before the danger was noticed, however it was
too late, and every one Of the FIVE engines was
ditched.
An English paper states that there is now on
exhibition in the Birmingham Corporation Art
Gallery. England, the original model three
wheeled locomotive, made by William Murdoch,
in 1871. The model is the property of Mr..
Richard Tangye, who recently purchased it for
a large sum, and has now lent it for exhibition
This engine of Murdochs. although constructed
three years previously, was laid aside till 1884,
when Watts patent included it. Watt appears
never to have viewed the locomotive
with favor, as even long afterward he
feared that the high pressure of the
steam would be unsafe in such boilers
as were then possible. In 1884, however when
Murdoch was at Redruth representing the firm
prove and complete his locomotive, and the
story is well known how. one dark night he
took it out upon the highway, and, getting up
steam, Mortified the vicar and his wife, who,
turning from Redruth. were startled by fig
zing sound" and the sight of strange monster
rushing along the lonely road in zigzag way"
This model, made on the eve of such vast rail-
way system as now exists, is therefore singular
ly interesting, aud connected with it is the curl
Gus fact that Trevethickl, thirteen years later
also ran his first road locomotive at Redruth.