Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-02-17

Denver, Col. February 18.-The spe-
cial train from Chicago over the Chi
cago, Burlington and Quincy and the
Burlington and Missouri railroad. char
tered by Henry j Mayham, a Denver
mining investment broker, reached
this city at 3:52 a. m. to-day, having
run 1,026 miles in Is hours and 81 min
ute3.
This journey goes into history as the
greatest railroad feat ever accomplish
ed. The best previous railroad long
distance record was 19 hours and 81
minutes for 1854 miles over the New
York Central and Lake Shore railroads
from New York to Chicago.
Mr. Mayham, who left New York
Sunday on the Pennsylvania Limited,
chartered a special train at Chicago in
order to reach the bedside OF his dying
son. William b. Mayham, as quickly as
possible. The Burlington officials
agreed to take him to Denver in Il
hours. II was at first thought the trip
might be made in u hours Every
resource Of the Burlington system was
brought into play, and over two hours
were clipped of from the best running
time was thought TO be possible. On
straight stretches OF track the train
covered more than 90 miles an hour.
The mountain climb from Akron Col,
10 Denver 1l6 miles, was made in l24
minutes. the train running an even
mile a minute much Of the distance.
A. Lincoln Neb.. Travelling Engineer
Dixon. OF the Burlington. entered the cab
of the engine and remained with each en-
ginecr as he came until the train reached
Denver. No SPECIAL train bearing high or
iicials OF the nation ever attracted more
careful attention from the officers Of the
railway. Telegrams from all parts Of the
United States inquired concerning the
progress of the train and the pos
sibility of Mr. Mayham reaching the side
Of his son I'm time at least 90 grasp his hand
before he was beckoned across the dark
river. At the Burlington passenger ONCE
in this city the representatives were Kept
busy answering questions from friends and
we'll wIshers OF the family But m spite
Of the Burlington splendid record. ST..
Mayham arrived 1 Deuv 400 safe 10 Sc
his son alive. tn young man died snort
~ after midnight.
Mr.. Mayham w1s .onstauti sl--iiii's- -
SON telsgrams as O. nearri Denver. Bee
fore reaching CoorauU ne SEQ, ...-ee mes-
sages i'm succession each Of which was 70
the effect that when VIII got well they
would 20 to California TO hasten the sons
recovery. As he neared this city the mes
sages became more frequent and at the
moment when his son was lying dead the
father. half crazed with fear was stll
sending messages.
Mrs. Mayham mother OF WIN. and her
daughter were I'm New Orleans when ap-
prised OF his illness. and they also hurried
homeward
VIII Mayham was q years of age and
was married but a few months ago. Last
Friday morning he appeared I'm the best
OF health but later ln the day be- became
i'm and appendicitis iu the most violent
form quickly developed. The deceased was
one OF the most promising young business
men i'm Denver.
Referring 90 The burlington record
breaking run between Chicago and Den
yer. General Manager Brown said to-day:
1T is not exactly correct TO ruppose that
the Burlington company may not achieve
still better results under more favorable
circumstances. The facts are that mo
company had only thirty minutes notice
from Mr. Mayham TO prepare for the rum
and the train started out OF Chicago IN
binding snow storm. taking the first eA'
cine that was at our disposal"