Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-12-08


and r. Saxton, the well-known Washington
contractor, was authorized to construct IL.
He began work some weeks ago with
large force of experienced men, which was
increased rapidly progress made,
and the small army of mechanics and labor
ers made the route one OF the busiest
scenes in Washington during the time the
excavation for the conduit and it's building
was being done.
Some Rapid Work.
Embedded in the solid earth and incased
In heavy timber and cemented frames are
1000 iron Jokes, each weighing $50 pounds.
Through these and seven inches below the
surface in a Z-shaped slot, 1900 feet of
wire rope will shortly be buzzlng along.
carrying the new cars now In course of con-
struction over the smooth rails above. Some
idea of the rapid manner in which the work
has been performed may be gained from
the fact that when the weather was good
and materials at hand the conduit was COM
pleted at the rate of 600 feet per day. The
system followed was perfect in the opinion
of engineers.
The work was assigned to different gangs
named and lettered from A to V, and each
under the direction of experienced fore
men and assistants. One gang took up the
paving: another did the eXcavating over the
full width of the double track to a depth of
ten inches. Then the trenching gang came
and prepared the way for those who cut
the chambers for the Jokes. The other
the concrete. and SO forth. Each gang was
provided with complete set of tools for
its particular work, which were kept ready
for use in mounted boxes that could be
run on the rails after the tracks were laid.
Vehicle and foot bridges were placed in
position at the intersecting streets, and al
night guard ropes were put up at the sides
of the work in progress and literally
strung with lanterns. In the evening the
small boys along the line had great fun
lighting these lanterns, and when darkness
came a glance down the line gave one the
impression OF seeing long and pictur-
esque torchlight procession. a temporary
double track was laid along the asphalt
for use OF the cars of the company and
many a bicycle rider came TO grief and
numberIess carriage riders were bumped
prOdigiously in crossing the L rails OF
which they were constructed.
Nearing Completion.
The conduit IS now virtually completed
frcm II street and 18th street northeast to
New York avenue and 10Th street north
west. and the paving between the tracks
OF hard paving bricks is being rapidly fin
ished At the termination of the line OH
New York avenue the transfer of cars from
one track to another Will be made by
ordinary crOss-over switch, such as is used
at the Baltimore and Ohio depot terminus
of the Washington and Georgetown rail-
road, but the company officials say that
precautions will be taken that will abso-
lultiy prevent udHSeF 10 PEDESTRIANS at the
always busy corner or TO passengers get
ting or off the cars.
The power and car houses and the offices
OF the company will be located at the IL
street terminus of the line. They are now
approaching completion. and were designed
by Washington architect, Mr.. Waddy b.
Wood.
The Car House.
The car house, which will also contain
the offices, Is lbs feet front by 40 feet
deep. the office part being lbs by 80 feet and
two stories high. 1t will be equipped with
every modern appliance for comfort and
convenience and will contain, besides the
offices OF the road, large vault lamp and
oil rooms, and conductors lunch and locker
rooms on the first floor. The second story
will be devoted to the board room. the
presidents office and other apartments