The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1888-12-14
Something New In Cars.
THE MANIToBA's TRAIN FROM THE
TWIN CITIES TO WINNIPEG AND IS
HELENA.


TWIN CITIES TO WINNIPEG AND +,
HELENA.
Possibly Mr.. James j. Hill, president
of the Manitoba railway, was one of
the large party of curious spectators,
who, on a cold day in December more
than thirty years ago, visited st. An
thony Hill In st. Paul to witness the
departure of young lady-the wife Of
an officer in the Hudson's Bay Coy
for winters journey Of more than
1000 miles. She had, the spring pre-
vious, been married in Scotland, her
husband Immediately returning to his
post on Hudsons Bay more than 500
miles northwest of Winnipeg, leaving
her in her native land. In the fall she
had sailed from Scotland, and the lat
ter part of December arrived in Mime.
sofa. where few days later she was
met by a party of sturdy half-breeds
with dog trains to convex her to the
home and arms Of a waiting husband.
The sleigh in which the little lady was
to make her long journey was marvel
of taste and beauty and comfort. 1t
was the lightest build of the dog-sleighs
of the period-formed after the pat
tern of the modern toboggans, ilooped
over and lined with the sOftest and
most expensive eurs, and with COM
plete fur suit of sable and mink,
trimmed with silver-gray fox, made
somewhat after the fashion of the Es-
quimeaux, which the lady dOnned be-
fore commencing her long journey,
made the prospective journey some
thing of pleasant picnic even for
those primitive days. 1t was learned
afterwards that the long midwinter
journey was accomplished in safety,
the lady reaching the outpost where her
husband awaited her in some 10 days
after leaving st. Paul.
This little Renaissance is recalled
for the purpose of comparing the mode
of travel in this Northwestern region
80 years ago with to-day. Yesterday
for several hours there was on exhibit
ton at the Union depot the latest mar
vel in the line of railway train which
has yet made its appearance in Mime
sofa. 1t consisted of two colOnists'
cars or family sleepers, dining car, a
day coach, and two sleepers, and is in
tended to he the regular train over the
road between Minneapolis
and St. Paul, and Winnipeg and Hele-
ma. The colonists' cars are of the reg
ulation pattern, with all the latest i'm
provements, notable conveniences be-
ing added in arrangements for privacy
equal to those of sleeping car, and a
large family range, which serves the
double purpose of a heater and family |
cooking stove. 70 those who have |
lived on "cold vittles" for long rail
way journey on a second-class coach,
he essentials to human happiness of
lot coffee, hot chop, and warm rolls
Tor breakfast will be remembered as
longed for. The Manitoba
las succeeded in filling the bill in her
,olonists' car.
The sleeper for Helena is named the
AssinibOine and is brand new, just
rom the factory Of .thnsBarney &
,mith Mannfactnri9aa is J
very modeBn convenience, Including
oot-rests and arm-supports, finished
n oak, plain but beautiful. 1t con-
aims two ladies' dressing rooms, a
moking room, and the customary bri-
al chamber or private state room.
he upper berths are fitted with the
asest improved catches, which prevent
hem from closing upon the victim and
him when the car playfully
oils down an embankment-a contin-
ency wisely provided for, but which
General Passenger Agent Whitney as
erts is never permitted to occur on the
danitoba lines. The Winnipeg car is
allied the 'Butte" and is modern
uffet car, combining the sleeper and
inch, with conveniences for hot coffee,
cups, etc. 1t is similar in it's general
lake-up to the "Assiniboine."
But the miracle of beauty and solid
omfort is found in the dining Car,
lhich for convenience, beauty and ar
istic taste seems to have reached as
ear perfection as may be possible in
obstruction. 1t differs from the ordi-
airy dining car in having more space
evoted to kitchen and storage facili-
les, and less room for tables in the
lining apartment; in light, movable
hairs instead of fixed seats, and in
reater room betw oen tables. 1t is car
eted throughout with Wilton carpets
f the most beautiful designs, fur
ished with imported linen, and the ia
lie service of the most exquisite pat
,rns-cut glass, silver soup tureens,
nd coffee and tea pots after the real
'elmonico fashion. There are silver
'ater pitchers, champagne buckets and
shakers to each car In short
le car is at once first-class hotel and
reputable bar-room, in which even a
could ride and enjoy :
imself without growing hilarious.
he kitchen is large and roomy, with ,
hotel range of the most complete ,
naracter, ice boxes, closets and con-
eniences for storage ad infinitum.
AS might be expected, the table SER 5
ice for these magnificent dining cars !
rarely beautiful, ane is unsurpassed :
Y any of the noted Atlantic systems. :
he elaborate service of silver is all ex 6
lisite pattern which has been ex- .
ressly executed for the Manitoba and 5
specially adapted to meet the require .
ents of dining car use. The glass $
are, all of finest quality and richly q
1t, as we'll as the appropriately deco 7
ted china, are in keeping with the
liver.
The entire outfit for the tables is fur
shed by Donaldson, Ogden 4 Co., of c
Doul and radOundS tO the credit of h