The Forrest City times., 1899-02-10
Improvements on the Cotton Belt.

The Cotton Belt has recently made some large additions to it's rolling stock. and will in a few days commence operating in it's trains some of the handsomest cars ever run west of the Mississippi river. The Pullman and the St. Charles Car com panies have just completed and delivered to the Cotton Belt four new parl0r cafe cars, ten new chair cars and six combna- ton express and baggage cars, all of which are models of beauty and convenience The four parlor cafe cars are the hand somest cars ever seen in the Southwest. and are the only parlor cafe cars in daily operation in that sectiou of the country. To simply say they are luxurious would be faint praise indeed. The cars are fin ished throughout with beautifully polished oak. quarter sawed, which is relieved by handsome beveled plate glass mirrors. The floor is covered by a heavy, dark green Wilton carpet of soft shade, and the ceiling is delicately frescoed in harmo- nious shade of pink. The main compart- ment contains two rows of large. high back revolving armchairs. upholstered in dark-green leather. the woodwork of the chairs being highly polished mahogany. The chairs were built with an eye to com fort as well as for beauty. and there being only nine on each side of the car. ample room is assured. The windows are large. permitting floods of light from without and an unrestricted view from within. Al the rear end of the ear there is smoking room, furnished with large couch aud three commodi0us armchairs. Here also is a stationary washstand, supplied with clean towels. soap, etc. and adjoining is a spacious lavatory. The other end of the car contains a feature which will appeal strongly to the ladies; it is large loungng room, containing couch and armchairs, where the ladies can retire for a nap or a place to rest. Adjoining this loungng room is the dressing room, supplied with all the necessities of such compartment. Besides caring for the comfort of the outer man. provision has been made in the cars to supply the wants of the inner man. A compartment is set aside for the porter, which is fitted up with three gas brolers and other cooking apparatus. besides large refrigerator and ample shelves and lockers for dishes. eic.--in short, a we'll equipped kitchen, reduced in size to meet the requirements. From this compartment tempting meal can be served, individual tables being placed before your chair. A choice menu has been prepared, from which the most exac;ing epicure could or der to his hearts content. Meals are served Ia carte, so that you will only have to pay for what you order.
 The cars are wide vestibuied, with long plate glass windows and extended plat forms, being in effect substantially an ob- servation end. These cars are to be placed in the daily runs between Memphis and Texarkana, and Texarkana and Waco.
 The charge for seat in these cars is merely nominal. being only twenty five cents for from 130 to l50 miles, and fifty cents for any greater distance. Meals will be served in these cars to the occu- pants of other cars in the train. kIt such persoss will be expected to retire after meal has been finished.
 The chair cars are likewise very hand. some. being finished throughout with highly polished oak and carpeted with heavy Wilton carpet. containing at one end a smoking compartment with station- ary washstand. towels, etc. and at the other a ladies' dressing room, also supplied with stationary ,washstand. towels, etc, and assuring complete privacy to those desiring it. These cars, like the parlor cars; arc Of the wide vestbue pattern with extended platform. and, like the par Tor cars, are also lighted by Pintsch gas and heated by the Baker system of hot water heat.
 One or more of these cars will be placed in each through train. and the patrons of the Cotton Belt will thus be assured every comfort and convenience ever supplied to railrbad traveller. No charge whatever is matie for use of these cars.
 This is certainly big step in advance taken by the Cotton Belt. and the travel. ing public should show its appreciation of the service thus offered it by making lib- eral use of it whenever possible