The Washington herald., 1908-02-16
INTERuRBAN ELECTRIC ROADS.
Remarkable Development of New
Methods of Communication.
McGowan. in Municipal Engineering

Methods or Tod fss uHtcutt0n.
Hugh J. Mc6owan. in Municipal Engineering
The growth and success OF interurban
railways is not confined to any particular
section of the country They flourish in
New England and the Middle Atlantic
States as they do in the Western and Pa
cifc States They were early known in
the South and were welcomed in the
North But may be pardoned in stating
that it is believed by many that they
have reached their highest efficiency in
the States OF Illinois. Indiana. and Ohio,
which may be characterized as "The Big
Three" The total interurban railway
mileage in this trio of States approx
mates $500 miles. representing an invest
ment of many millions OF dollars. As an
indication OF the possibilities of through
travel. if may be mentioned that upon
the completion of gap Of fifty miles. one
may journey IN interurban cars from East
St. Louis to Chicago and upon the build
ing of a short connecting link between
Danvile H., and Crawfordsville, Ind,
1t will be possible TO go from ST. Louis
to Buffalo by electric traction At pres
ent the interests which represent own
a through line in fuIl operation between
Paris, H.. and GAINESVILLE, Ohio, a distance
of over 800 miles and will ia the near
future install through service between
indianapolis and Toledo, as well as be-
tween Cincinnati and Toledo. thence to
Cleveland and Buffalo
indianapolis is located in the center Of
this great network of electric lines, and
occupies a unique position IN the trac-
tion world. From the middle of a large
block owned by the traction company.
situated in the heart Of the city. on one
side OF which IS the State house and on
the other the most beautiful and lofty
soldiers and sailors monument I'm the
United States rises the now famous
Traction Building. erected three years ago
at Il cost exceeding 81, ,000.000 with its spa
cious and handsome terminal station ad-
joining. conceded TO be the finest in the
world. Nine tracks enter this station.
accommodating twelve interurRan lines
and divisions. which run in all directions
-Four hundred cars on an average arrive
and depart daily, which, on a steam rail-
road. would equal 100 trains OF four cars
each. In 1906 more than 100000 passen-
gers were carried 10 and from this ter
minal station. and Il is estimated that I'm
1907 the number will reach 100000 These
figures do not include passengers carried
between points outside OF the city limits.
The benefits resulting to the people OF
Indiana, with its 1500 miles Of lnterurban
roads controlled by various companies.
are duplicated in every other State Of
the Union enjoying a like means Of trans
pOrtation Employment has been created
for thousands Social conditions have
wonderfully improved Crowded cities.
thriving towns and villages. Eamlets. and
rural districts are all happily united. and
share alike the advantages Of interurban
lines. There is an awakening and thrill
Of life never felt before in every town and
village through which an interurban
line runs. Commercial opportunities which
lay dormant are made possible and be-
come profitable realities. New markets
are opened. The reciprocal relations
which develop between city and town.
and between the village and farm are
beneficial 10 all The dWeller In the small
town, while escaping the expense OF liv-
ing IN a big city. may still enjoy all its
advantages. He receives by means Of the
interurban cars his morning paper every
day before breakfast, and his afternoon
paper before his evening meal. and is in
touch with the news of the world. The
weekly newspaper is getting to be q thing
OF the past. His sons and daughters may
attend the institutions Of higher educa-
tion in the city and return 20 the parental
freside every evening The theaters and
grand concerts are likewise available. No
longer is the narrow view entertained
that iUteTurban roads benefit the large
cities at the expense of the towns.