Omaha daily bee., 1909-08-14

construction during almost the entire time
that the rest of the road was being built
Tunnel S,751 Feet Long.
The longest tunnel on che line is the one
known as the st. Paul pass tunnel in the
Bitter Root mountains, which is S,751 feet.
The st. Paul pass tunnel is near Taft,
Mont, a town that will call for more eI-
tended attention later. The tunnel was
worked from both end, of course, and so
perfect were the plans that the bores were
only 100 of an inch out Of the way when
they came together. Two other tunnels,
Of 206s and las feet, respectively are in the
Rockies.
Considering these obstacles, the rapidity
Of construction was truly remarkable. 1t
required about 10 years to build the Union
Pacific and Central Pacific, which to-
gether reach from Omaha to San Fran
cisco. and the distances that they cover
on this main line was not much greater
than that OF the Chicago. Milwaukee &
Puget Sound. Furthermore. they had
every incentive for rapid construction,
there being government subsidies with
bonuses for speedy work, But this
more recent road, of course, while lack
ing government aid. had many Other
advantages. TUT instance the InlOn-Cen-
trail Pacific was built from both end to-
wards the middle. That was the best that
could be done at that time. as there was
no way of getting material to any inter
mediate point. The Puget Sound road, on
the other hand. could forward material by
the Northern Pacific and begin building at
points in the middle. as well as at each
end. And this is what 1t did.
LabOr-Saving Devices Used.
Then, too. It had facilities that were
altogether lacking In the earlier days; the
track-laying machine and other appliances
to do work that was formerly done BY
hand; improved tools OF all kinds, every
device that modern invention has eontri-
buted for expedious building. And it used
all the labor-saving devices. Fifteen years
ago a mile q day was considered rapid
track laying, but much OF the space be-
tween Mobridge and Tacoma-Seattle was
covered at the rate Of five miles a day.
And the effect OF the financial depres
sion must not be forgotten. At first glanc,
that would seem 70 introduce another OBJ
stacle, but a second thought will show tina
the trouble is merely 20 get needed cash
II a man has It or can get II he can do
more at such a time than al any other; n,
has a clear field with the ~shopkeeper or tn,
manufacturer or any one else whose at
tention he desires 10 claim They ar,
going 10 do just about the best they know
how for him, and do II in the quickesl
possible time, and there will be a dozen ap-
plicsnts for anything in the way OF ar
odd Job that he wants done. when, at an
other time, he might have to skiTmish u
get it done at all. Well, that n a modes
illustration Of the position in which th'
Puget Sound road found itself.
Built NJ OPPOrtune Time.
There could nave been no better aim'
to secure quick work. 1t had the money
and was spending It's, 900, 900 Of it-at 4
time when no one else was spending q
cent more than he could help. Labor wa.
plentiful, as it always is in times Of de
preston. The road could not only get al
the labor It needed, but II could get IN,
best and 70 be aole 70 pick your Labor