The record-union., 1891-02-07
WITHOUT A HITCH.
The New Electric Railways TriumphaI
Trial Trip.
An Imposing Procession Down j
Street Last Night-It's a
Success.

ga success? Why it's out of sight, sir!"
was the characteristic reply of General
MARITIME last evening, VIII a RECORD
UNION reporter asked him about the new
electric road, which commences ''busi-
ness" to-day.
And no doubt the thousands of people
who turned out last night to see the first
downtown" trial trip agreed, from
what they saw, that the General was right.
The cars were first tried yesterday
morning and afternoon. Two of the
ears made regular trips from Oak Park to
Twenty-eighth and NJ streets during the
afternoon, and Mr. Henry, Mr.. Lewis and
other stockholders of the road who
watched the trials, were greatly pleased.
The electricians
WATCHED THE MOTORS
Carefully during the trips and pro-
nounceG the apparatus in perfect working
order. Only x-horse power was gener-
ated by the dynamos in the electric light
works, but it is the intention to increase
the current so that the power will run up
as high as twenty-horse.
The current in the overhead wire is
conveyed to the motor underneath the
car by means of trolley or rod sur
mounted by4a pulley. One end of the
trolley is attached to the top of the car and
the pulley runs along the wire as the car
is propelled, constantly furnishing the
power to the motor, On either end of the
car is box cylindrical in form on the
top of which is the crank or lever by
means of which the speed is controlled.
A slight turn of the crank will start the
car, and by gradually moving the lever
the desired speeo is attained. The car
was run frequently yesterday at the rate
of twelve miles per hour, and those who
enjoyed the ride We're unanimous in the
opinion that success will crown the efforts
OF the company in its venture, and that
the people of Sacramento viii show their
appreciation of the facilities offered them,
in the way Of modern conveyances.
FIRST ROUND TRIP.
Last evening, however, was the occa-
sion of the first grand promenade"
down street.
Mr. Henry and the directors of the
road had invited number of friends to
be at the stables at Twenty-eighth and J
streets, and upon their arrival they found
four of the new cars, brilliantly lighted
with incandescent lights and mounted
with "broomstickS," waiting for them.
First in line was the old car, which did
service on the storage battery system two
years ago. This car was reserved for the
directors and their ladies. Most of the
other cars were already filed with peo-
pie VINO were ueIeGlAllleO 10 nave IL 10
say that they rode on the first trip
Shortly after s o'clock the signal to
start was given.
The man who stood at the cylinder
simply turned his lever, and with whirr
the car was off. Electric sparks flew out
from beneath the car as the speed was in
creased. and the crowd of spectators could
not resist the temptation to give vent to 4
cheer. Then the other three cars were
started, one at time, and
THE PRosIENADE
Was under way. At Eighteenth street
the trolley of the first car slipped off the
wire, and the lights went out and the car
stopped. The little wheel was quickly
put into place, however, and the car re-
sumed its triumphal march, so to speak.
This was the only slip or hitch through
out the entire trip.
The street was lined with people
throughout the downtown portion of the
route, and everybody seemed satisfied
that the road was success.
Arriving at the depot the trolleys We're
reversed, and the return trip was made to
the stables.
Commencing this morning the cars
will make regular trips over the J-street
road, and will continue on out to Oak
Park. As some of the switches have not
heen properly adjusted on the M-street
division as yet, horse-cars will be run on
that line for several days