114

There are open passage ways on each side, that on the East side being 273, and that on the West side 322 feet long, the walls of which, where they join the covered archway, are six feet thick and twenty-five feet high, and gradually diminishing, till at the extremities they are but three feet thick and five feet high.

The section under the river, 220 feet long, is divided by a wall into two arched passage ways, each eleven feet wide and thirteen feet high, the object being to give greater strength to sustain the superincumbent pressure, with less hight, and, therefore, with less depression of the road-bed, than could be afforded by a single arch. The rest of the tunnel, from the open passage ways at either end to the river section, has but one arch, fifteen feet high, and nineteen and a half feet wide, but where it joins the river section on each side, it increases in width to twenty-three and a third feet. The river is but two hundred feet wide, so that the river section extends each way ten feet beyond the dock line.

All the passage-ways are connected by openings, well lighted with gas, and thoroughly ventilated. Ample provision is also made for the drainage of any water which may find entrance from the open ends of the tunnel, or which may percolate through the walls or bottom, by two capacious wells, connected by a sewer, with a shaft to the east side well, through which the water can be pumped out. The whole cost of the work has been over $400,000.

Last summer Mr. Farwell sold to A. A. McDonnell, former contractor on the Wisconsin State Capitol, an interest in the contract, and since that time Mr. McDonnell has had superintendence of the work.

Over the archway of the east side entrance of the passenger tunnel there is a tablet of Italian marble in the brick work, on which are inscribed,

first, the names of the members of th Board of Public Works, A. H. Burley J. McArthur and W. H. Carter; nex the date, 1868, and underneath, E. S Chesbrough, City Engineer; W. Bry son, Assistant Engineer in Charge and finally, the names of the contract ors, J. K. Lake, C. B. Farwell and A A. McDonnell.

The Thames tunnel is only for foo passengers, and is reached by a long flight of steps. It is a laborious and gloomy passage, and, like a museum, is more an object of curiosity than a work of utility. The Chicago tunnel is the only one in the world which furnishes a passage way for teams and carriages under the bed of a river, and, in this respect, it is like Chicago herself, unique and without a rival.

The chief credit of the work is due to Mr. Farwell, who furnished the money for its construction, made a personal inspection of the work every day, from its commencement to its completion, and urged it forward, over all obstacles, with tireless energy and indomitable will. He determined that the tunnel should be built, at whatever cost, and that the prestige of Chicago, in accomplishing every enterprise she undertook, should be maintained; and the tunnel will remain, for all coming time, a benefaction to the millions who shall henceforth inhabit this wonderful city, and the first-born of a score or more of other river tunnels, connecting, by uninterrupted subterranean passages, all parts of the city, as the fruit of his resolve. And, without detracting from the merits of those associated with him in this enterprise, it is justice to say, that the citizens of Chicago owe it pre-eminently to Charles B. Farwell, that they will henceforth be able to pass Chicago river, at all times of the day, and all seasons of the year, without interruption from open bridges, or annoyance from offensive smells.

FRATERNAL GREETINGS.-The friends of literature will be pleased to learn that the WESTERN MONTHLY is meeting with general favor throughout the West. The leading and most influential men and women are rallying to its support, and send words of greeting and encouragement. The press has not been backward in its efforts to establish its claim, but responded in a manly tone for the furtherance of the enterprise. Of course, we do not expect to please everybody, nor every paper; and, for this reason, we may look for an occasional hit, square in the face. This world has ever been blessed (or cursed) with critics, who can see the faults in others which they cannot see in themselves. We have not started the WESTERN MONTHLY with the expectation of making a perfect model of literature in two numbers; indeed, that would require the aid of the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh. Literature is not borne on lightning wings to Jove's celestial halls, nor is it, like Jonah's gourd, grown in a night. It requires time to bring its forces into order and prepare them for the work of the future. There are people who live in doubting castles and look with distrust upon every new effort; but, if that effort succeeds, they were the harbingers of its coming and "the voice in the wilderness"

editorial fraternity of the West, and to our many friends for their kindly greetings and stubstantial testimonials.

THE MAGAZINE.-In presenting this number, we have no apology to offer for its appearance or the matter it contains. Writers of known ability have been secured, in addition to those announced in the January number, some of whom appear in this with articles, and others with promises for the future numbers, as will be observed by reference to "Correspondence." The portrait of Gov. Fairchild speaks for itself. The biographical sketch was penned by a master hand-one who has been a friend and neighbor of the soldier and statesman for years, and therefore knows the truth of what is written. "Kate Elbridge" is a readable little story by the author of "Stolen Loaves," which appeared in the last number. Its style of language is very good.

"How and What to Read," by the racy and original Robert Collyer, needs no comment. Everybody knows him, and everybody will read it. "Suffrage," by S. M. Booth, is a masterly paper, and the best he ever wrote. Mr. B. is a pow erful writer. Mrs. M. L. Rayne has favored us with a very fine descriptive article on Acadia: the Land of the Mayflower." The fact that Mrs. R. dates her nativity and spent the first years of her life in Nova Scotia, is sufficient to establish the correctness of the description. "Evolution or Creation, Which ?" as will be observed, is from the pen of Mr. Clarke, the author of "Sir Copp," etc., and will be read with interest by every scholar into whose hands this number falls. Eugene Taylor has again furnished a stately poem on "The Battle above the Clouds." "My Room—and Something Else" is a semi-humorous

article, and presents some novel ideas. James R. Boise, Professor of Greek in the Chicago University, and author of several Greek works, appears this month with his first paper on "Athenian and American Sophists," a subject which he is eminently qualified to handle. Two articles more, upon the same subject, will be presented by the Professor. Col. A. G. Brackett, of the U. S. Army, author of "Lane's Brigade in Mexico" and a "History of the U. S. Cavalry," furnishes the paper on "Southern California." The Colonel has, until recently, been stationed in the region which he describes, and his statements can therefore be relied upon. He is now a member of the Department of the Platte, and we expect to hear from him again at no distant day. Dr. Conklin, one of Chicago's many noted physicians, presents an interesting and scientific "Talk about Digestion," which every "ungrateful animal" should read. "Charlemagne's Lament for Roland" is a poem of power. Some facts connected with "The Chicago River Tunnel" are here presented, which, we believe, have never before been made public. The writer possessed unusual facilities, and has written a very readable article, one worth preserving.

By reference to our pages of correspondence, the reader will observe that President Haven and Prof. Winchell, both of the Michigan University, will contribute papers for the March number of the WESTERN. A three-page poem, entitled "A Legend of the Black Forest," will also appear, from one of our favorite home poets.

OUR PREMIUM LIST.-We are prepared to offer better recompense for labor bestowed in behalf of the WESTERN in obtaining subscribers, than has ever been done by any magazine on the continent. Twenty-five thousand subscriptions must make up our list before the expiration of 1869. In order to

accomplish this, money and labor must be expended freely. The former we can furnish to those who will help us perform the latter. Superintendents and teachers of schools can aid us by introducing the magazine to their scholars and acquaintances, and thus make a step in the right direction for the cause they advocate. The best scholars of the West write for us a fact that should stimulate every educational man and woman to action. Some of the ablest divines of our land are engaged, and others will be secured as fast as possible. We make a very liberal discount to clergymen-one that will well compensate those who choose to lend a helping hand. The interests of manufacturers throughout the West are not to be neglected, as observed elsewhere. If proper efforts were put forth, there are few large establishments that would fail to furnish a club of from ten to fifty subscribers, a result which would prove beneficial to the manufacturers and to the magazine. Young ladies and gentlemen who desire a light and agreeable vocation which pays, will do us a favor by sending for terms to canvassers. We desire to secure the services of a few thousand canvassers, and will satisfy any who may address the office, that there is money in the investment. Reliable and responsible traveling agents also, are wanted, to visit all the principal cities and villages of the West immediately. Postmasters will be furnished with hand-bills, specimen copies and terms by return mail, upon application. We can afford you better terms than those of any publication, East or West, and shall be pleased to receive the address of at least one thousand of your number, during the month of February. Let us hear from one and all. We help those who help us.

NOT RESPONSIBLE.-We desire to have it distinctly understood that we do not endorse the sentiment of any writer

who appears upon our pages, but that every one thus appearing must fight his or her own battles. We are ready to furnish the field and assist in marshaling the forces engaged, upon both sides, but those directly concerned must perform the present arms" process and stand or fall, as their relative strength shall be. The name or nom de plume of the responsible author will accompany nearly all the articles presented, and those not so attended, of course, make the editors accountable parties. Papers taking sides against anything published in the WESTERN We will cheerfully insert, if they are properly qualified to appear upon our pages.

ARTICLES WANTED upon all the great commercial interests of the West. The East knows as little of the extent and magnitude of Western enterprise as it does of that of Kamtschatka or New Grenada, and we, as a people, know but little more.

We desire to take part in the general organization and development of all these varied interests, and ably written papers upon any of them will find a ready insertion and liberal compensation, if forwarded to this of fice. Many thousand copies of the WESTERN go out monthly, and are read by the farmer around his fireside; the merchant, banker, manufacturer, and real estate dealer in his counting-room, and the professional man at his office. Here is a grand medium for the centralizing of our mighty forces, and showing to the world and to ourselves what we are and hope to be. We expect all interested men of the West will lend us a helping hand (with a pen in it) in carrying out this great plan of Western development and organization. Those who consult their own interests, certainly will do so.

A CARD. The undersigned had occasion to visit Southern Ohio during the month of January, and through the

kindness of Mr. J. C. CLELAND, the gen tlemanly General Passenger Agent of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railroad, he was favored with a card upon which was written, "To Forest and Return," which carried him safely over the grand old road in first-class time. This road is in excellent condition, has magnificent coaches and sleeping-cars, and, above all, gentlemen for officers. The trip was a very pleasant one, and we were highly pleased with what we saw on and along the line, but time will not admit of an extended article for this number. During the year all the railroads entering Chicago will be written up their history, etc., with brief biographical sketches of their officers-and be published in the WESTERN MONTHLY, when the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. will not be forgotten.

E. C. TUTTLE.

CORRESPONDENCE.-We place before the readers of the WESTERN MONTHLY A few of the many cheering letters received from the literati of the West during the last month. Assurances of support and encouragement arrive by almost every mail. Clippings; too, from a few of the hundreds of Western papers that have reached our table since the last issue, each bearing the most encouraging words of cheer, are presented, that the reader may judge correctly of the manner in which the enterprise is received by the Western Press.

MANUSCRIPT. So large a quantity of manuscript has been received during the month that we have found it impossible to examine it all. Our contributors will bear with us a little, and after we are systematically arranged, we'll try to be more prompt in acknowledg ments, etc.

CLUBBING RATES.-Publishers of papers and periodicals in any section of the country will be furnished with the WESTERN MONTHLY at our lowest club rates, that is, at $1.50 per annum. Any number of copies may be ordered and at any time. Back numbers always furnished if desired.

EXCHANGES should always be addressed to "WESTERN MONTHLY," Drawer 5812, Chicago. All communications to REED & TUTTLE, 115 Madison street, Chicago.