The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-11-28
San Franc isco, August 5th.. 1889.
pm he southwest, and beat the waves with

from the southwest, and beat the waves with
such force against the cribbing that they washed
1t out for mile near Richmond Beach. On
March 10 another storm came from the north
west and washed out half mile between Ed
monds and Mukilteo 1t was then observed
that the action of the waves on the logs had
lifting tendency, aud would tend to open the
joints. For this reason at intervals of eight feet
strong tenders were placed, running perpendic-
ularly and bolted solidly to each log. This en-
tirely counteracted the tendency described, be-
sides affording sure protection from the dan
ger of logs and driftwood battering the crib to
pieces Since these precautions were taken
there have been three or four as severe storms
as any that had before attacked the work, and it
has stood the test, so that il is now considered
secure against all damage from the waves. The
washing out of the crib while under construe-
ton is even regarded as blessing in disguise,
since it caused these precautions to be taken,
and thus such disaster is rendered impossible
while the road is in operation.
Tracklaying was at last begun on May 80, and
was pushed rapidly northward until the Stilla-
guamish river was reached at Marysville, when
the machine was moved over the Fairhaven &
Southern road and track was laid from the
northern end while the Stillaguamish was be-
ing bridged. The delay in the arrival of rails
stopped this work for some time, but meantime
ballasting and surfacing went steadily forward,
and when the balance OF the rails at last arrived
the gap in the track was soon closed, and the
last spike was driven on October L. Since then
the ballasting has been finished, the trestle
along the Seattle water front has been COM
pleted to Yesler avenue, station houses have
been built along the whole line, and round
house and other yard buildings have been
erected, and mile of side track laid at Boule-
ward. A telegraph line has also been stretched
along the right-of-way to connect with the Paci-
fic Postal Company's line along the Fairhaven 81
Southern. temporary depot in this city has
been provided by an arrangement for the joint
OF the West Seattle ferry depot at the foot of
Marion street, and thus everything made ready
for the memorable event OF yesterday.
The advantage claimed for this line is that 1t
has an exactly level grade for stretch of forty
miles along the shore and across the Snohomish
fats. Across the mouths of the Stillaguamish
it is also on dead level, and the heaviest grade
between Seattle and New Westminster is 1l6 feet
on the Chuckanut heights. From Bellingham
bay for some distance across the boundary there
is also a perfectly level grade. Superintendent
Neff estimates that the run of ninety-ive miles
from Seattle TO Fairhaven can be made regularly
in four hours, as compared with eight to ten
hours occupied by the steamers
This road to Fairhaven junction has cost
about s., 100000 ready for rolling stock, which,
though high figure, is not in excess of the esti-
mates For the seyenty-eight and one-half miles
included IN this total the average is ISL 500
mile. 1t is expected by the officials that cheap
ness OF operation will fully compensate for high
cost of construction,