The San Francisco call., 1897-06-06
PRESIDENT McKINLEY'S NEW SPECIAL TRAIN

novel but what railroad men term an en-
tirely practicable feature. In other words,
twin cars are proposed for the purpose of
obtaining more space than is practicable
in any single car not of such dimensions
as to preclude the possibility OF its gen.
eral movements over the roads. The two
halves being within reason bile limits of
size would admit of a structural design of
maximum strength within a minimum OF
weight, while the additional points of
support for a given length would tend to
give steadiness and desirable riding quail
lies.
Never before in the history of railroad
building has anything been planned
which will even approach in magnificence
the ideas which it is believed will be car
ried out in the construction of this rail-
way train for President Mckinley. Presi-
dent Mckinley viii be the first chief
executive of the United States to enjoy
such luxury. OF conrse Mr.. Mckinley
will not travel extensively. in all proba-
bility while he is President, but he will at
least have the satisfaction of enjoying
every possible comfort that can be imag
ined TO AID in making railroad travel q
pleasure.
The fittings of the car will be gorgeous
/ n the extreme. The finest Wilton velvet
or Moquette carpets will be utilized. Tn e
woodwork will be inlaid with moth her- Of
pearl. 1t is intended that the wood itse II
shall be representative of all the differ ent
woods of the world which are used in the
construction of furniture. Wherever there
is a point against when President NJ c.
K:nley might be thrown by jar of the
train delicate piece of upholstery is visi-
bic, for the purpose of rendering the inn
pact harmless. On entering the car one
will be amazed by its beauties. We are
used to luxury on trains. We know that
scores of clever brains are studying to find
new ways in which to make railroad travel
something to be pleasantly remembers d.
Presid Mt McKinley's train, however,
will be the first exposition of what artistic
ability and practical common-sense COM
bined can accomplish. 1t will show the
people of this country and to all those
from abroad who have the pleasure of in
specting 1t that the United States, whe n
it comes to railroad travel, can so far dis
count European effort as TO make the
comparison odious. The Mckinley train
will IN word be the railroad wonder of
the century. The plans, if carried out i,
will certainly result in a splendor that
will fairly dazzle the eyes of even those
who are accus toned to every luxury.
Edward A. Phillips OF the Railroad Car
Journal has been largely instrumental in
presenting this idea to the railroad men of
the country. He believes that the plan is
not only feasible but that there is no
question OF its being carried out. There
is, he says, nothing which the railroads OF
the United States cannot accomplish if
they so desire. President McKinley's
train, Mr.. Phillips believes, will be sur-
prise to even car builders and fur mis- hers.
The number of cars has not be- definitely y
decided as yet.
1t ls suggested that two cars OF the twi
variety would be amply sufficient for the
train, as the half of the second car could
be devoted to purposes of baggage, etc.
Thomas Anderson, NJ. C. B., of the Pitts
burg and Western Railway, has prepared a
design for one car of the train, to be used
by the President. He denominates it the
residential car. His plan calls for car
90 feet inches long and feet 8 inches
wide. In one end are the heater, range,
sink ard all that goes with the kitchen,
| together with a refrigerator, etc. In The
| same portion OF The car is the section
where the cock, porter, etc., would lodge.
| A small baggage-room fanked by the
toilet-room on one side and a locker on
the other come next. The succeeding
space is occupied by private room ex-
tending almost the entire width of the
| car, narrow aisle at one side just permit