The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-08-23

east but the South'S interests demanded the prevention of legislation favorable to the routes north of Mason and Dixon 8 line, and the south was strong in Con- gress.
 A Daring Business Venture.
 Notwithstanding that it was found im- possible" remarks the author, ito obtaln any subsidy from Congress, at that time, for the purpose in view, In the winter or 1S59-60, Senator Gwin and several capital ists of New York and MT. Russell of the overland transportation firm of Russell, Majors & Waddell, met in Washington city. and the result of that meeYng was the real start of one of the most roma n- tic and daring business ventures this country or any other country ever knew That was the Pony Express.
 By that the time of tranmitting news across the continent -~> reduced from 21 days to ten days. It is about 35v0 miles by our most direct railway route from New York to San Francisco, and it took seven days three hours and 45 minutes actual time to cover the dis tanee on our fastest express trains dur ing the first years of railroad history. In 1859 there was not a mile of railroad west of the Missouri river. St. Joseph, Mo- was the western terminus of rail- way communication, and between that city and the young city of the Golden Gate there intervened but one city. Salt Lake, and 20OO miles of wild, uninhabited country infested with warlike Indians. Through this uninviting region led the trails over which it was proposed to ride the flying ponies.
 Tn the spring of 1860 Boliver Roberts, superintendent of the western division 1f the Pony Express went to Carson City, Nev. to engage riders and station agents for the route across the great plains. In a few days 50 or 50 riders were gaged-men noted for their 1.-the, WHY physiques, bravery and coolness in mo- rnents of great personal danger, and en- durance under the most trying circum- stances of fatigue.
 Strain on Man and Horse.
 Particularly were these requirements necessary in those who were to ride over the lonely route. It was no easy duty. Horse and human flesh were strained to the utmost of physical tension. Day or night, in sunshine or storm, under the darkest skies, in the pale moonlight, and with only the stars at times to guide him, the brave rider must speed on. Rain, hail, snow or sleet-there was no delay-his precious burden of letters de- manded his best efforts under the stern necessities of the hazardous service; 1t pfOOkeO no QelenIlOn, OH He must Ilue
 Sometimes his pathway led across level pralries, straight as the flight of an arrow. It was oftener a zigzag tran, hugging the brink of awful precipices and dark. narrow canyons infested with watchful savages eager for the scalp of the daring man who had the temerity to enter their lsountain fastnesses.
 "The ponies employed in the service were splendid specimens of speed and en- sl, rI..t~ fad nd wifi the greatest care, for their mettle must never fail the test to which It was put. Ten miles distance at the limit of the animal5 pace was eXacted from him, and he came dashing into the station fiecked with foam, nostrils dlated and leeking with perspiraton. while his Hanks dumped at every breath.
 Delay Only a Second or Two.
 Nearly 2000 miles in eight days must be made, and there was no idlng for man or beast. When the express rode up to the station both rider and pony were always ready. The only delay was a second or two as the saddle pouch, with it's precious burden, was thrown on, and the rider leaped into his place, then away they rushed down the trail, and m a moment were out of sight.
 The mail bags were two pouches of leather, impervious to rain, sealed, and strapped to the riders saddle before and behind. The pouches were never to con- tain over 20 pounds in weight. Inside the pouches, to further protect their con tents from the weather the letters and dispatches were wrapped in oil silk and then sealed The pockets themselves were locked and were not opened be- between St. Joseph and Sacramento" In order to keep the weight at mini mum the arms of the rider were, as a l rule, limited to a revolver and knife. The riders received from $120 to SIPS a month, and among their number were skillful guides, scouts and couriers-men capable of giving good account of i themselves when they met hostile sav- i ages and road agents" The hazardous handed the services of men of good hab- l it's and the proprietors of the pony ex- press sought to have their employees oo- 1 serve high standard of integrity. Start of the Express.
 | MT. Visscher tells of the start of the | express, on April 1, 1S6O at noon: , Harry Rolf mounted on a spirited 1 half breed broncho. left tacramento on | his perilous ride covering the first 70 | miles, including one change, in 59 min utes. On reaching Folsom he changed | again and started for Placerville, at <he | foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, 55 ! miles distant. There he connected with | Boston. who took the route to Friday 5