The record-union., 1895-01-29
TRAVEL ON ALL LINES RESUMED.
A Short Blockade on the Hill Near
Blue Canyon.
Brawny Shovelers and Rotary Plows
Soon Break 1.-THE Road to DAVIS
VILE Open Again.

The subsistence of the gale from the
north has had q beneficial effect on rail-
road travel, and all the lines are once
more in full operation, the temporary
obstructions by snow and water having
been overcome by the energy OF the
railroad officials, seconded by the un-
finching courage of their employees.
The Central Pacific road on the noun
tains was block AIDED for the first time this
season on Sunday night between Blue
Canyon and Emigrant Gap, and for
twelve hours the Storm King had the
better of his human opponents.
In vain the force of snow shoyelers
attempted to force pathway through
the ever increasing drifts; their utmost
endeavors proved futile: the wind
driven snow accumulated faster than
human energy could remove it. and the
banks along the cuts were so high that
the rotaries could not be used to ad-
vantage Nevertheless, all the men en-
gagged in the battle had no thought OF a
cessation in their efforts, and they strug-
gled on. They all felt natural pride IN
the fact that throughout one OF the heaV-
lest snowstorms ever known IN the
history of railroad traffic on the Pacific
Slope they were enabled to keep the di-
vision intrusted to their care in running
condition.
A TERRIFIC STORM.
The power and velocity of the wind
kent steadily increasing, until at last 1t
was impossible TO initiate their lungs
without turning their backs 10 the icy
blasts. The force of the wind was so
great that the snow was scOOped up in
great blocks and hurled with terrific force
down the high banks. at times burylng
members of the working force SO deeply
that the aid of their comrades was requlS-
ite to exuicate them. There was scarcely
al exposed portion Of their bodies that
was not FROST bitten, and they were com
pelled to keep constant watch over their
comrades ears and noses and counteract
the effects OF the frost by occasional fric-
ton with soft handfuls Of the beautiful
snOW."
Eventually it became evident that the
struggle was altogether useless, and
orders were passed down the line Tor
them to withGraw-nor were the orders
unwelcome, as the sutferings of the men
had become unenduraDle.
AS the men, struggling through the
rapidly increasing drifts, arrived at the
comfortably heated ears that served as
their shelter during leisure hours, there
was not q single individual who was not
suffering more or less from irost-bitlen
SALI oulltitSs anu many were DD!lESu 10
remove their boots and chate the blood
into circulation before they daredto enter
the ears.
At an early hour Monday morning the
wind ceased blowing, and the entire force
attacked the drifts. Two hours OF brisk
work and the road was again cleared for
the passage of trains. In consequence of
the temporary blockade, the west bound
passenger trains, 20. : and No. t, arrived
IL Sacramento several hours late.
on THE OREGON LINE.
Trains are now running on time through
out the Shasta division, and the track is
rapidly being placed in working order.
ALL CLEAR IN YOLO.
The track between this city and Davis
vile was cleared of its accumulated mass
OF tuIe DEBRIS shortly after l. N. yester-
DAY, and trains are now running on every
line of road throughout the State.
4 large force of men is still employed
in filling sacks with earth 10 be used as
ballast where the wash from the Nolo
basin has been the most threatening TO
the road-bed, and train loads Of dirt are
being transported from distant points to
be used for this purpose; it is estimated
that at least $4,000 sacks will be used in
this locality alone.