Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1886-08-21

Berwick tho Conway and Britannia tubu.
lar bridges over the Menai straits the Vic.
torIa tubular bridge, about two miles In
length, through which have often crossed
the n. Lawrence river at Montreal and
certainly, not least his conception and de-
slgn Of that masterly and massive structure,
tho High Level bridge at Newcastle -on-Tyne.
These 1 consider TO DO more fitting, more
lasting and appropriate monuments OF his
skill than either the chisel Of the sculptor or
the pencil OF the artist could possibly pro-
duce. lie also constructed tho rail way be
tween Alexandria and Cairo, In Egypt, 40
miles In length, and on which there are
many engineering works Of the most Diff
cult character, including two tubular bridges
one over branch OF the Nile at Benha aud
the other crossing very largo canal at
Birket el Sabre. The main line is inter-
sected by tho Nile, on which he constructed
the largest steam ferry in tho world, by
means OF which the entire train was carried
across the river. The ferry Is now super.
ceded by q bridge designed by Robert Ste-
phenson, In which there Is tho largest swing
bridge ever built Since the unfortunate and
melancholy collapse OF the Tay bridge, the
Victoria one at Montreal may be considered
the longest vladuct in the world.
Robert Stephenson was offered knighthood
by Earl Grey, but politely declined the
honor. He was president OF the Institute OF
Civil Engineers, London, during the years
1856 and 1867. lie was an NJ. A. Of Durham
university and ID. &. l.. at Oxford. He be-
came NJ. i. for whtby in lSi7, and held the
seat until the time of his DEATH He died in
London, a comparatively young man, on the
18th OF October, 1859 His country learned
and acknowledged his great worth, aud he
now sleeps amongst the illustrious OF Eng.
lands dead within the sacred precincts OF
Westminster Abbey. The sterling qualities
OF the father were mirrored in the character
and career Of tho son, and are reflected in the
pages which record the history of both.
THE EARLY DAYS or RAILROADS.
When the first railway was opened the
public was far from seeing its Importance.
or ali the great revolutions of the age the
1925. Turnpike roads and canals are alike
antiquated even the Mississippi and the st.
Lawrence, much more the Ohio, the Danube
or the Ganges, have lost or are losing their
Importance rs highways of trade and trav-
elers in civilized countries hardly ever dream
Of spending single day on the roads OF fifty
years ago. As regards men OF business the
old stage coach has long since sunk into de-
suetude, though, perhaps, to the followers
of Mr.. Ruskip, to pleasure seekers and those
TO whose energies the world Is In no way in
Indebted for any advancement improvement
or benefit 1t may possibly yet be prefer
able mode Of conveyance. BY our improved
mode OF travelling we are freed from the dan
gers of the hghwayman, and are protected
from the inclemency of the weather we are
enabled TO journey much greater distances in
considerably less time : we can admire far
greater extent of country, and are afforded
more frequent opportunities OF change of air.
Thus we gain health, enjoyment, comfort
and time.