The morning call., 1894-05-05

stage coach, and that picturesque remi-
niscence of primitive days will be turned
over to the mercy of the elements and the
ravages of time as an object of curiosity to
future generations until its ultimate dissO-
luton.
Jim Meyers, who for twenty years has
been In the employ of the company whose
service he quits to-day, Is character OF
more than ordinary interest. He COM
menced staging in SO and his friends
claim he is the Oldest driver in continuous
service on the Pacific Coast.
There was something pathetic in the
manner in which he told the writer to-day
of his experiences as stage-driver during
the many seasons he has handled the reiDs
ard in the uncertain tone in which he spoke
of the future. "rhis is the second time the
railroad has knocked me out" said he.
'tThe first time was when / was over in Ne
vada driving stage between Carson City
and Virginia. | thought / had finally got
settled for life, but | find | must move on"
"What will I ?" he continued. That's
a pretty hard question to answer. but
expect the only thing left to do Is to go to
work for the railroad"
meyers I6lululoCouCcS VI iilo 40 oOoh
from a stage-box would fill book. He
has been held up nine times by stage-rob-
bers, and was identified with some of the
most stirring periods in the history Of Ne
vada and California.
"When first commenced driving from
San Luis Obispn." said he. I'VE ran through
to Oso Flaco. Subsequently the line ter
minated In Soledad. and we used to charge
$40 for ride between the two p0ints-110
miles,"
The route of the railroad between
Santa Margarita and San Luis Obispo is
several miles longer than the stage road,
the former distance being sixteen and a
half miles and the latter eleven. About
three miles out of the first named place
the fret tunnel is entered, it being 3616
feet in length. There are six of them
close together on the line, the last being
about five miles from the city. The lengths
OF the remaining six are respectively 400.
500. 600, $50, S75 and 700 feet. About mile
beyond the last tunnel and three miles out
Of this city an immense bridge spans
Steiner Creek. It is $50 feet long, 80 feet
high, and will be entirely free from wood
in its construction when completed, except
the walk 1t was built by the Phoenix
Bridge Company of Phoenix. Pa, and
shipped here and erected by the railroad
company.
The history. progress and com pletion of
this piece of railroad work is one which
reflects great credit upon the citizens of
San Luis Obispo. When the project was
first broached to C. p. Huntington and
Charles F. Cfocker it met with objection
from both those gentlemen. They admitted
that work should ultimately be pushed
through. but were of opinion that it
should be deferred for ten years. Their
objections were based upon belief that the
country was not sufficiently developed,
and also that 1t would prove an injury to
the Southern Pacific line through the San
Joaquin Valley.
A promise was finally exacted from
these gentlemen that if the right of way
was granted the road would be con-
structed, and the committee having the
matter In hand went vigorously TO work.
While all the gentlemen connected with
this body are deserving of praise. 1t is
nevertheless a fact to the executive CON-
mittee, consisting of G. Il. Phillips. K. b.
Jack and Levi Rackliffe, rightly belongs
the greater portion Of the credits.
After the deeds for the right OF way had